Optical phase-front inscription over optical fiber end for flexible control of beam propagation and beam pattern in free space

We report a novel compact all-fiber technique to control the beam propagation and beam pattern in free space. By coating an azo-polymer thin film layer on the optical fiber end surface, various surface relief grating (SRG) structures were inscribed over the film using a single step direct exposure of interference patterns to form a novel organic/inorganic composite fiber optics beam shape converter. The linear and concentric SRGs were experimental characterized along with numerical simulations.