Multimode fibers (MMF) are generally used in short and medium haul optical networks owing to the availability of low cost devices and inexpensive packaging solutions. However, the performance of conventional multimode fibers is limited primarily by the presence of high modal dispersion owing to large core diameters. While electronic dispersion compensation methods improve the bandwidth-distance product of MMFs, they do not utilize the fundamental diversity present in the different modes of the multimode fiber. This thesis draws from developments in wireless communication theory and signal processing to motivate the use of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and signal processing techniques in MMF links. MIMO techniques that utilize the diversity of modes present in the fiber increase data rates and link reliability. Theoretical models for propagation effects in MMF systems are used to analyze and design the geometry of laser and detector arrays for MIMO-MMF links, and study how the design of these arrays impacts link performance. These models are also used to develop and evaluate low-complexity algorithms that efficiently utilize dense detector arrays, with "greedy subset selection" based on submodular optimization. Experimental evaluation of 1 × 1, 2 × 2, 3 × 3 and 4 × 4 MIMO systems have been conducted over various MMF media, including 100 m - 3 km silica MMF with externally modulated distributed feedback lasers and directly modulated vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs), as well as with Fabry Perot lasers over 10 m - 100 m plastic MMF. The use of off-the-shelf components as well as the role of axial offset coupling in enhancing modal diversity has been experimentally quantified. The experimental techniques discussed in this thesis have enabled an increase of over 25× in the bandwidth-distance product of the MMF link, when compared to currently deployed MMF systems, such as 10GBASE-SR. / text

The objective of this research is to investigate low-complexity, efficient electronic equalizers to increase the data rate and possibly extend the reach of multi-mode fiber (MMF) links. Specifically, we begin by baselining the performance limits of conventional receivers. A robust, in-house mode solver was developed as part of this research and is currently being used by one of the largest fiber manufacturers in their internal R &D work. A detailed performance assessment of the impact of decision feedback equalizers has been conducted using an extensive model of the installed fiber base. The finite-length DFE results were instrumental in influencing the IEEE 802.3aq standardization effort. In particular, we were able to achieve a reach of 220m but the original goal of 300m was unattainable on 99% of the installed fiber base using DFEs of moderate complexity. A low-cost equalizer that has excellent performance, the bi-directional DFE, was applied to the MMF channel for the first time. The performance of the infinite-length BiDFE was characterized without any constraints on the signal-to-noise ratio and on the receiver front-end, as has been previously done in the literature. A new joint optimization technique that helps the finite-length BiDFE perform significantly better than the infinite-length DFE was developed. It was shown that given a finite number of filter coefficients, the BiDFE utilizes them better than the conventional DFE. Furthermore, a reach of 350-400m at a data rate of 10 Gbps was shown to be feasible with equalizers of complexity similar to that currently available. A multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) characterization of the MMF channel was developed through the simultaneous use of both center and offset launch together with the two-segment photo-detector. The potential benefit of MIMO processing for MMF links was demonstrated by computing Shannon capacity bounds. It was established that the 2x2 MIMO channel performs about 1.4 dBo better than the conventional 1x1 link at 10 Gbps with practical joint launch. The MIMO scheme still has a performance improvement of 1dBo at 20 Gbps thereby indicating that 20 Gbps transmission is feasible. Performance evaluation of multi-km MMF links was conducted using a comprehensive model that accounts for mode coupling effects. It was determined that ignoring mode coupling can result in under-estimation of the optimum DFE penalty by as much as 1~dBo for 1km links.

This thesis evaluates the benefits of Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) techniques on the capacity of Multimode Fiber (MMF) links. Optical MMF MIMO systems take advantage of the spatial diversity present in the multiple propagating paths in multimode fibers. By using multiple lasers at the input facet of the fiber and multiple photodetectors at the output, we show that the capacity of the link is improved from the single device link, hence demonstrating the usefulness of MIMO in such optical systems. An initial simulation of butt-coupling a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) to multimode fiber reveals that the placement position of the laser axis with respect to the fiber axis is critical in exciting a large number of modes. More specifically, we show that there exists a tradeoff between total power coupled into the fiber and the number of modes launched. We then consider a mathematical description of the fiber channel and use it to simulate the capacity of a 1x1, 2x2, and 3x3 MIMO links over a statistical ensemble of channel realizations. This simulation reveals that a 2x2 system is capable of approximately a 50% increase in capacity over the 1x1 case while the 3x3 system is capable of approximately an 80% increase. Moreover, we show that the choice of the placement positions on the facets of the fiber affects the channel capacity, thereby implying that an optimal device position exists. We find the optimal device geometry by an exhaustive search and compare the capacities for the optimal geometry and that of a suboptimal one. A capacity tolerance study is then developed that considers perturbations about the optimal device locations and shows that the capacity of a rotated laser plane is over 90% of the capacity of the original device locations. A second perturbation study considers lateral offsets and shows that systems with a higher number of devices show good tolerance with poorer lateral tolerances for systems with less devices. When small lasers and a large grid of possible device locations are used, an exhaustive search for the optimal device location becomes computationally infeasible. We show that the problem of searching for the optimal detector locations while holding the laser positions fixed is submodular. This property allows a greedy algorithm to select the device positions at a small fraction of the computational complexity, however, only guaranteeing that the capacity of the resulting configuration is greater than a (1 - e^-1) fraction of the optimal configuration. We use this technique to compare the exhaustive search and the greedy search for coarse grids, and then exclusively use the greedy algorithm to select a device configuration for a fine grid whereby an exhaustive search is computationally infeasible. / text

10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) demands faster optical sources to support high modulation rates. At the same time, the allowable margin in the 10 GbE link power budget is decreasing. This means that a 10 GbE system is unable to support as many tight bends, and it is more difficult to avoid the costly downtime that results when the allowable margin is exceeded. The recent introduction of bend-optimized (BO) multimode fiber (MMF) provides a clear solution. 850 nm vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) and MMFs have long been the most cost effective choice for short reach premise applications. As will be shown, the combination of BO-MMF with VCSELs is even more attractive.Historically, MMF systems operating at low bit rates of 10-100 Mbps used light-emitting diodes (LED) sources, which launch nearly equal power into every fibermode. This launch is approximated by the overfilled launch (OFL), which is still used to characterize the core diameter and numerical aperture of MMF. Unlike LEDs, VCSELs typically underfill the fiber core and are better represented by an encircled flux launch (EFL). Using OFL to evaluate a VCSEL-based MMF system could therefore produce inaccurate and misleading results. A recent study [1] characterized the macrobend loss of MMF with overfilled and restricted mode offset launch conditions. In this study, the MMFs performance with an EFL is evaluated, which is a more relevant launch condition for laser transmission. The impact of both launch conditions, OFL and EFL, on MMF performance is studied and compared.We characterize macrobend losses at small bend radii and their impact on thebandwidth for both standard 50/125 um MMF and a newly introduced BO-MMF.In addition, the 10 GbE link performance is also evaluated using the IEEE link model P802.3ae3.The simulation results illustrate that both macrobend loss and bandwidth are vital to the overall optical link performance. The 10 GbE link performance of the standard fiber deteriorates with macrobends, while the bend-optimized fiber is insensitive to the deployment conditions.

Telecommunication networks based on optical fiber technology have become a major information-transmission system, satisfying the growing demand for bandwidth due to increased internet traffic and other applications such as video on demand, etc. Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), in recent years, have emerged as critical components for enabling high-capacity transmission since their response can be tailored to meet the needs of specific applications. FBGs are currently the focus of intense research interest in both the fiber communications and sensing fields. Optical fiber Bragg grating structures in single-mode fiber (SMFBGs) have been studied extensively since the discovery of photosensitivity in germanium-doped silica fiber. They have been used in numerous applications ranging from wavelength-selective filtering in wavelength-division-multiple-access (WDMA) systems to temperature and strain sensing. To a lesser extent, Bragg gratings in multimode fibers have also received attention because of easy coupling with light sources. Most of the MMFBGs related research work has demonstrated the formation of a Bragg grating in a graded-index MMF and briefly reported the measured transmission spectrum. So far, there are few theoretical studies on Bragg gratings in multimode fibers. In this thesis, we investigate Bragg gratings in multimode optical fibers both theoretically and experimentally. A comprehensive numerical model for MMFBGs has been established and the corresponding computer simulation software (MMFBG simulator combined with mode solver) developed. The optical properties of MMFBGs were systematically studied for the first time using our own MMFBG numerical software package. It effectively assists the design modeling for MMFBG-based optical devices. Bragg gratings in multimode fiber were also investigated experimentally. Our theoretical simulation results show good agreement with experiments and offer the insightful explanations for the underlying physics of the device. First, the guided modes were modeled and simulated for step index multimode fibers and graded index multimode fibers with emphasis on parabolic fiber structure. These are popular, standard and commercially available MM fibers, and employed throughout our experiments. This allows us for the simulation of fiber characteristics such as cut-off wavelength, mode effective index, propagation constants and optical field distribution. It also allows for calculation of mode coupling coefficients by overlap integral between any chosen guided modes. Therefore, it serves as a powerful model for the design and analysis of optical fibers. Second, the generalized MMFBG coupled mode theory formalism is derived. The physical mechanism of the behavior of MMFBGs is studied and discussed. The general solution to the MMF Bragg grating problem is achieved by Runge-Kutta, Newton-Raphson and shooting numerical methods. Our theoretical treatment, in particular, offers the advantages which can deal with not only self-coupling but also more complicated cross-coupling interactions and can solve arbitrary large number of mode coupling problems throughout the entire spectra simultaneously for multimode FBGs, thus allowing for a precise and quantitative study of MMFBGs. Such an intensive multimode fiber Bragg grating physical modeling and simulations have not been reported previously. It provides an effective means for the design and analysis of optical fiber devices based on Bragg gratings. Third, the optical properties of multimode FBGs were studies experimentally. Numerical predications of the grating spectral characteristics under fabrication and experimental condition are calculated. The results of the numerical calculations are compared with experimentally measured spectra of multimode gratings written by ultraviolet irradiation of deuterium-sensitized fiber with grating reflectivities ranging from 78% to 99.39%. Good agreement is obtained between the theoretical simulations and the experimental results. Thus, we provide quantitative explanations for the observed experimental phenomena. These explanations give both physical insight and a more complete understanding of the nature of the interaction between the wave propagation and multimode fiber gratings. Furthermore, the spectral simulation of the actual experiments prepares a theoretical guidance for the advanced experimental investigation and also presents a step toward MMFBG device design. Finally, the optical properties of MMFBGs were also studied theoretically. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed analysis and thorough investigation on grating characteristics in MMF. It is demonstrated that the transmission and reflection spectra of fiber Bragg gratings in multimode optical fibers strongly depend on the length of grating, index modulation, period of grating, mode excitation condition and physical structure of MMF. The simulation results allow us to deeply comprehend and visualize the more sophisticated behavior within a multimode fiber grating, and will also allow us to confidently predict and evaluate the performance of more complex structure MMFBGs. It provides the fundamental principles for designing the targeted spectrum performance and settles the theoretical rationale for realizing the practical applications. Overall, the comprehensive numerical model and MMFBG solver package developed in this thesis opens a clear and broad window for understanding MMFBG mechanisms from the physical point of view. Various simulation results and spectral characteristics have been researched and discussed under both ideal and experimental conditions for the purpose of experimental analysis and device design. The results of our study indicate that a new class of potential applications based on MMFBGs can be expected in optical fiber sensors and advanced communication systems. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

Pour répondre à l'accroissement de la demande en bande passante, de nouveaux réseaux optiques sont mis en place. Ce déploiement s'accompagne de la mise en service de nouveaux standards de fibres optiques, ce qui pose la question de l'utilisation et de la mise en valeur du réseau fibré existant, et notamment des fibres multimodes déjà installées, rapidement vouées à l'obsolescence. On cherche ainsi à mettre à profit la diversité spatiale que procure la nature multimode des ces fibres, via une analogie avec le domaine radiofréquences. L'utilisation des techniques MIMO, largement répandue dans le contexte de transmission radiofréquences, peut constituer une solution à cette amélioration nécessaire de la capacité de transmission de ces fibres optiques multimodes. Ce travail de thèse s'intéresse donc à l'étude et à la transposition des techniques MIMO dans le cadre de transmissions sur fibre optique et aux enjeux et défis associés. La transmission de signaux OFDM via un schéma de transmission SIMO optique permet de démontrer l'intérêt de la transposition des techniques MIMO à l'optique et la faisabilité de tels dispositifs. / New technological uses such as cloud computing, smartphones, take part to the huge current increase of data consumption. This growth goes along with the development of optical networks, which will replace the copper networks with an higher and higher transmission capacity, thanks to new standards of fibers. This situation raises the question of the obsolete optical fibers reuse. It's shown in this thesis that MIMO techniques can be applied to multimode optical fibers in order to benefit from their inherent spatial diversity. This thesis focuses on the optical SIMO scheme, showing an improvement of the multimode fiber capacity for OFDM signals transmissions. We prove hereby the interest of such a technique, combining radio MIMO aspects and optical transmissions principles.

Les fibres multimodales ont longtemps été délaissées en raison des distorsions temporelles et spatiales subies par la lumière au cours de sa propagation dans la fibre. Ces distorsions sont les conséquences des couplages modaux et de la disparité des temps de propagation des modes de fibre. Bien que complexe, la propagation dans un guide multimodal reste déterministe et peut être maitrisée par une structuration cohérente de l’excitation. La manipulation d’ondes en présence de gain dans la fibre optique, au coeur de ces travaux de thèse, constitue une problématique plus complexe encore puisque la carte de saturation des modes hétérogène rend la propagation non linéaire. Deux types d’amplificateurs multimodaux à fibre dopée ytterbium ont été étudiés : une fibre à saut d’indice à large coeur et une fibre à coeurs multiples couplés. Le contrôle spatial du faisceau transmis est obtenu en structurant le front d’onde incident à l’aide d’un miroir déformable couplé à un algorithme itératif. En régime d’excitation continue, cette technique de contrôle adaptatif, robuste et rapide a permis de focaliser le rayonnement en extrémité de fibre sur des spots uniphases, malgré les couplages modaux, l’hétérogénéité de gain modal et la saturation du gain. Il a aussi été démontré que la mise en forme du front d’onde incident ne réduisait pas le gain d’amplification. Une puissance de 2,8 W a été confinée dans un unique spot avec un gain de12 dB. Des structures intensimétriques plus complexes de type « multispots » ont également été obtenues. Enfin, la focalisation à travers la fibre amplificatrice a été réalisée avec succès en régime femtoseconde pour lequel la propagation s’accompagne de couplages spatio-temporels. Une première démonstration de principe a permis d’obtenir 120 kW de puissance crête avec un gain de 14 dB dans une impulsion uniquement limitée par la dispersion chromatique (350 fs), le profilage spatial permettant aussi de contrôler l’impulsion amplifiée par la sélection de modes dont les vitesses de groupe sont proches. / For a long time, multimode fibers were sparsely investigated because of the spatial and temporal distortions occurring during propagation across the fiber. Those distortions are consequences of mode coupling and modal propagation constant disparity. Although the propagation in a multimode waveguide is complex, it is deterministic and can be controlled by spatial shaping of the excitation. Considering an amplifying medium, the problem, at the heart of this thesis, is more complex because of nonlinear propagation due to heterogeneous gain saturation. Two kinds of Ytterbium doped multimode fiber amplifiers were tested: a step index fiber with a large core diameter and a coupled core multicore fiber. Spatial control of the output of the amplifier was achieved using a deformable mirror in combination with an iterative algorithm. In the case of a continuous wave excitation of the amplifier, we demonstrated that it was possible to confine light in a single-phase spot with a 2,8 W average power and 12 dB gain. We also demonstrated that the spatial shaping of the output has no effect on the amplifier gain. Furthermore, we obtained more complex output fields of multi-spot structure. Finally, focalization through the amplifying fiber was successfully demonstrated in femtosecond regime for which spatio-temporal couplings occur. A 120 kW peak power spot with a gain of 14 dB in a 350 fs pulse was obtained in a first experimental proof of concept. The spatial shaping allows also to control the duration of the amplified pulse by selection of modes with close group velocities.

Since the invention of Laser (in 1960) and low loss optical fiber (in 1966) [1], extensive research in fiber-optic sensing technology has made it a well-defined and matured field [1]. The measurement of physical parameters (such as temperature and pressure) in extremely harsh environment is one of the most intriguing challenges of this field, and is highly valued in the automobile industry, aerospace research, industrial process monitoring, etc. [2]. Although the semiconductor based sensors can operate at around 500oC, sapphire fiber sensors were demonstrated at even higher temperatures [3]. In this research, a novel sensor structure is proposed that can measure both pressure and temperature simultaneously. This work effort consists of design, fabrication, calibration, and laboratory testing of a novel structured temperature compensated pressure sensor. The aim of this research is to demonstrate an accurate temperature measurement, and pressure measurement using a composite Fabry-Perot interferometer. One interferometer measures the temperature and the other accurately measures pressure after temperature compensation using the temperature data from the first sensor. / Master of Science

The electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) method presents an effective application in the field of biosensing due to the uniform nanoscale structure. In previous research, a single mode fiber (SMF) sensor system had been investigated for the thin-film measurement due to the high fringe visibility. However, compared with a SMF sensor system, a multimode fiber (MMF) sensor system is lower-cost and has larger sensing area (the fiber core), providing the potential for higher sensing efficiency. In this thesis, a multimode fiber-optic sensor has been developed based on extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometry (EFPI) for the measurement of optical thickness in self-assembled thin film layers as well as for the immunosensing test. The sensor was fabricated by connecting a multimode fiber (MMF) and a silica wafer. A Fabry-Perot cavity was formed by the reflections from the two interfaces of the wafer. The negatively charged silica wafer could be used as the substrate for the thin film immobilization scheme. The sensor is incorporated into the white-light interferometric system. By monitoring the optical cavity length increment, the self-assembled thin film thickness was measured; the immunoreaction between immunoglobulin G (IgG) and anti-IgG was investigated. / Master of Science

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