Date of Award

12-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

First Advisor

Syed H. Murshid

Second Advisor

Gnana B. Tenali

Third Advisor

Brian Lail

Fourth Advisor

Samuel Kozaitis

Abstract

It all started when our curiosity was sparked by observing light beams from a Multi-Channel Laser Source precisely coupled into a single-core optical fiber positioned on an optical bench in the lab. The multiplexed light beams, characterized by different spatial azimuthal angles, were guided by the fiber, tracing helical paths and producing a bright central spot with concentric rings depending on the launched angles, a phenomenon we came to call Spatial Domain Multiplexing (SDM). Conventional concepts of hybrid and LP modes couldn’t fully explain the behavior of SDM modes, leading us to the question of the types of field configurations exhibited by SDM modes. Through rigorous analysis, we explored the nature of these propagating modes, both within single-core fibers and in free space. This effort led to the development of a comprehensive mathematical model that provides new insights into the behavior and characteristics of SDM modes, paving the way for future advancements in optical communications

Available for download on Sunday, December 14, 2025

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