Cord identification technique for ultra-low bending loss fibers using higher order modes of visible light

Abstract

We propose a cord identification technique for ultra-low bending loss fiber using higher order modes of visible light. With this kind of fiber, bending losses are greatly reduced and it is difficult to obtain sufficient leaked light with a conventional macro-bending technique. The bending loss of higher order modes is several orders larger than that of fundamental modes. Higher order modes can exist at shorter wavelengths and their guiding loss is small when the fiber is not tightly bent. As a result, higher order modes are suitable for cord identification purposes with ultra-low bending loss fiber. We determined that the LP21 and LP02 modes at 650 nm (red) and the LP 31 mode at 532 nm (green) are the most effective for cord identification purposes. We employed an offset launch technique to excite higher order modes, and achieved a sensitivity improvement of more than 14 dB. By using our method, a cord can be identified by red or green light even with the naked eye. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.