SPATIAL MODE FILTERING DEVICES AND METHODS TO MITIGATE MODAL DISPERSION AND INCREASE DATA RATE IN A STEP-INDEX OPTICAL FIBER LINK

摘要

An optical fiber (OF) spatial mode filter element includes a structure having an internal cylindrical volume and is adapted to connect an exit end of a first OF with an entrance end of a second OF. An index of refraction of the structure is greater than an index of refraction of a material within the internal cylindrical volume, and when disposed between the exit end of the first OF with the entrance end of the second OF a gap width of the hollow volume between the exit end of the first OF and the entrance end of the second OF defines an effective numerical aperture of the entrance end of the second OF.