World first optical mode switch

　We have invented the world first “optical mode switch” that switches mode(*) , which is the last photonic signal resource of optical communication on fiber, as a result of “research on fundamental technology of highly functional opto-electronic packet router”, that is financially supported by NICT, Japan.

　When people decide their wears, they see the color, the brightness, and the “design”. Similarly, “mode”, in addition to color and amplitude, is exploitable for optical communication system as one of the photonic signal resources; however, there has been neither device nor principle to switch the mode itself so far. Based on this invention, the transmission capacity of 100 times enhancement is expected in in the future, and thus high volume data including 8K, 3D moving picture will be transmitted along the fiber to each subscriber in the future.
　The result was reported on Micro-optics Conference (MOC’15). The conference was held at Fukuoka International Convention Center during 25th (Sun) to 28th (Wed) October, 2015.
 
(*) Mode: shape or pattern of optical field on fiber

Schematic of optical mode switch.

Working principle: phase of the injected light is partially sifted. Then it results in mode-change.

Implemented device: top view of the world first optical mode switch.