Vector mode conversion based on an asymmetric fiber Bragg grating in few-mode fibers.

We propose a vector mode conversion approach based on asymmetric fiber Bragg gratings (AFBGs) written in step-index fiber and vortex fiber, respectively. The mode coupling properties of AFBGs are numerically investigated. Compared to step-index fiber, the large mode separation in the vortex fiber is beneficial to extracting the desired vector mode at specific wavelengths. In addition, the polarization of incident light and the attenuation coefficient of index change distribution of the AFBG play critical roles in the mode coupling process. The proposed AFBG provides an efficient method to realize high-order vector mode conversion, and it shows great potential for orbital angular momentum multiplexing and fiber lasers with vortex beam output.