Optical fiber end structures for improved multi-mode bandwidth, and related systems and methods

Abstract

Multi-mode optical fiber apparatuses, multi-mode optical fibers, and related methods for improving fiber link bandwidth are disclosed. One or more end structures can be disposed on an optical fiber end of a multi-mode optical fiber to improve link bandwidth by reducing and / or eliminating modal dispersion. Modal dispersion can be caused by higher-order modes or modes in an optical fiber being excited by received light. Modal dispersion can limit the bandwidth of an optical fiber link. In certain embodiments, end structures for multi-mode optical fibers are disclosed for reducing the launch angle of light in an optical fiber to reduce modal dispersion. In other embodiments, end structures for multi-mode optical fibers are disclosed for reducing or eliminating coupling astigmatism. In other embodiments, end structures for multi-mode optical fibers are disclosed for directing higher order modes or groups away from an optical detector to reduce or eliminate modal dispersion. In one embodiment, a prism structure is disposed on the source end of the multi-mode optical fiber. In other embodiments a convex profile lens is disposed at the source and detector ends of the fiber.

Description

technical field [0001] The techniques of the present invention relate to multimode fiber links and the bandwidth of multimode fiber links. Background technique [0002] Optical fibers are used in a variety of applications to transport and process light. Examples include: transmitting light to or receiving light from integrated optical components or devices formed on substrates, transmitting information channels in wavelength division multiplexed optical communication devices and systems, forming fiber optic switch matrix devices or optical fiber array-to-array connector, and to generate optical gain for optical amplification or laser oscillation. Optical fibers essentially operate as "light pipes" to confine light within the boundaries of the fiber and to convey light from one point to another. [0003] The optical system may include optical elements that transmit light onto and receive light from optical fibers for optical signal transmission. Aligning the optical elemen...

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However, reducing the clock frequency of the waveform reduces the rate at which the link transmits data

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