New technique of selective mode launching in multimode fiber links

Integrated optical unit operating as a selective mode launcher/detector matched with a multimode fiber is described. The unit is capable to perform an independent launch of fiber modes of different orders, and each excited mode represents an independent informational channel. Hence total informational capacity of fiber system can be increased by several times. The key element of the launcher/detector is full planar selective mode coupler. The fabricated experimental samples of the developed selective coupler demonstrate a serviceability of the device.