All-Optical Mode Conversion and Temperature Sensing via Transient Grating in Step-Index Fiber

We demonstrate the formation of Kerr-induced transient long period grating in a standard single-mode fiber (SMF28) using sub-nanosecond laser pulses, which can be used to realize an efficient all-optical mode conversion and temperature sensing. The fiber supports
LP
₀₁
and
LP
₁₁
spatial modes at 1064-nm wavelength. The beating between two guided modes induces refractive index grating exploiting the Kerr effect. The probe beam co-propagating with the pump at the same wavelength but with different polarization exhibits efficient mode conversion efficiency from
LP
₀₁
to
LP
₁₁
mode. Temperature sensitivity is measured owing to the change in mode conversion efficiency due to the shift in resonant peak wavelength with the increase in temperature. The change in temperature is manifested by the change in spectral power of probe beam at the output. The experimental result demonstrates an average temperature sensitivity of 0.15 Watt/°C. The transient nature of the grating with high sensitivity makes our approach unique from the existing results and can open a route for potential applications.