Accurate Mode-Coupling Characterization of Low-Crosstalk Ring-Core Fibers using Integral Calculation based Swept-Wavelength Interferometry Measurement

Abstract: In this paper, to accurately characterize the low inter-mode coupling of the weakly-coupled few mode fibers (FMFs), we propose a modified inter-mode coupling characterization method based on swept-wavelength interferometry measurement, in which an integral calculation approach is used to eliminate significant sources of error that may lead to underestimation of the power coupling coefficient. Using the proposed characterization method, a low-crosstalk ring-core fiber (RCF) with low mode dependent loss (MDL) and with single span length up to 100 km is experimentally measured to have low power coupling coefficients between high-order orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode groups of below -30 dB/km over C band. The measured low coupling coefficients based on the proposed method are verified by the direct system power measurements, proving the feasibility and reliability of the proposed inter-mode coupling characterization method.