Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) Mode Mixing in a Bent Step Index Fiber in Perturbation Theory: Multiple Bends

Abstract

In this paper, we address the impact of multiple fiber bends on orbital angular mode (OAM) mode propagation in a fiber. In particular, we extend the OAM mode-mixing due to a single-fiber bend studied earlier in detail for the step-index fiber, to the case of a succession of bends. The bends may have relative orientation with respect to each other. Analytic expressions leading to crosstalk are given. The OAM mode intensity at the output of a pair of bends is especially studied with emphasis on the intensity pattern changes that arise from the changes in the relative orientation of the bends.

8 pages, 5 figures; to be submitted for publication in IEEE Photonics Journal