Simultaneous dual-channel data transmission through a multimode fiber via wavefront shaping

Abstract

The increasing demand for transmission capacity in fiber-optic communications makes multimode fibers (MMFs) attractive by enabling simultaneous multi-channel data transmission. However, inherent mode crosstalk among transmission channels limits its applicability. In this Letter, we propose to overcome this problem via wavefront shaping. By actively modulating the incident light with a special wavefront, not only the transmitted power for a specific channel can be enhanced but also crosstalk among different transmission channels can be mitigated. As a proof of concept, we experimentally demonstrated wavefront shaping assisted dual-channel optical communications through a single MMF. 10 Gbaud four-level pulse amplitude modulation signals were sent through both channels simultaneously, enabling a total bit rate of 40 Gbps. Both channels were analyzed with bit error rates below the hard-decision forward error correction limit, confirming the validity of the proposed scheme.