High-order mode based dispersion compensating modules using spatial mode conversion

High-Order Mode Dispersion Compensating Modules (HOM-DCM) using spatial optical transformations for mode conversion are reviewed. It is shown that mode transformers using this technology can be designed to transform the LP ₀₁ mode of SMF fibers to the LP ₀₂ mode of specially designed dispersion compensating High-Order Mode Fiber (HOMF), with typical insertion loss of ∼ 1 dB, and typical extinction ratio to other modes less than -20 dB. The HOMF itself can provide high negative dispersion [typically in the range of 400-600 ps/(nm km)], and high negative dispersion slope, allowing efficient compensation of all types of transmission fiber. Combining two mode transformers with HOMF and possibly trim fiber for fine-tuning, results, for example, in a HOM-DCM that compensates 100 km LEAF® fiber, with Insertion loss < 3.5 dB, and Multi-Path Interference (MPI) < -36 dB. MPI phenomena in HOM-DCMs is characterized, and shown to comprise both coherent and incoherent parts, and to result from both the mode transformers and fiber coupling within the HOMF. MPI values of < -36 dB have been shown to allow error free transmission of 10 Gb/s signals over up to 6000 km. Finally, a number of applications well suited to the properties of HOM-DCMs are reviewed.