Broad-band LP/sub 02/ mode excitation using a fused-type mode-selective coupler

We demonstrate a novel fused-type directional coupler that couples the LP/sub 01/ mode in one fiber and the LP/sub 02/ mode in another using a few-mode fiber. The phase-matching condition was satisfied in the coupler waist by initially etching and prepulling portions of the fibers based on simple numerical calculation. A coupling efficiency of about 70% was maintained over 1515-1595-nm wavelength range, and the mode extinction ratios with LP/sub 01/, LP,/sub 11/, and LP/sub 21/ modes were measured to be 35,20, and 7 dB, respectively.