All-Fiber-Based Adaptive Spatial Mode Control

Optical communication and imaging systems require precise control and manipulation of light beams for effective operation. Devices for quality mode conversion and control of optical parameters hence become essential. However, achieving stability, particularly when scaling to high power limits, has consistently been a challenge in the field. Current systems often struggle to maintain stable, diffraction-limited beams, especially while handling multiple light beams. Such devices find it difficult to preserve spatial modes in optical fibers when power levels scale into the kilowatts. These limitations not only create efficiency issues but also result in decreased reliability and increased operational complexities.

Technology Description

The invention is an actively controlled optical spatial mode conversion device that combines different light beams into one common light beam. The device incorporates a coupler (possibly a photonic lantern) to do this. A sensor measures at least one characteristic of this common light beam, and a controller is used to modulate optical parameters of individual light beams. This process helps set one or more spatial modes of the common light beam. The unique advantage of the device is its capability to maintain a stable, diffraction-limited beam, which is used in various applications such as amplification, communications, imaging, laser radar, switching, and laser materials processing. Additionally, it is engineered to preserve a fundamental or other spatial modes in an optical fiber, even when the power scales to kilowatts, setting it apart from other devices in its category.