Multimode Fiber Devices for Optical Fiber Links, Printing, and Display

It is generally agreed that multimode graded index fiber has become the main fiber technology for optical communication applications. Multimode graded index fibers provide sufficient bandwidth for most applications without the critical tolerances of single mode fibers. In this paper, multimode fiber devices and components based on packaging miniaturized optical components for a GaAs laser array source package, and multichannel waveguides will be discussed. Experimental results, fabrication process and technology limitation for some of the multimode devices will be included. One major drawback of using multimode fibers is the difficulty to obtain simple and efficient switches and taps which are essential for data bus or other optical links. Some possible solutions for multimode fiber switches with miniaturized bulk wave devices will be presented.