Abstract: Optical waveguide cores having refractive index profiles that vary angularly about a propagation axis of the core can provide single-mode operation with larger core diameters than conventional waveguides. In one representative embodiment, an optical waveguide comprises a core that extends along a propagation axis and has a refractive index profile that varies angularly about the propagation axis. The optical waveguide can also comprise a cladding disposed about the core and extending along the propagation axis. The refractive index profile of the core can vary angularly along a length of the propagation axis.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a side-coupling structure, associated with coupling an aiming beam from an aiming beam fiber into a laser beam fiber, may include removing a coating from a section of the laser beam fiber and removing a coating from a section of the aiming beam fiber. The method may further include bringing the section of the aiming beam fiber in physical contact with the section of the laser beam fiber in order to create the side-coupling structure. The method may further include recoating the section of the laser beam fiber and the section of the aiming beam fiber in order to coat the side-coupling structure.

Abstract: Optical waveguide cores having refractive index profiles that vary angularly about a propagation axis of the core can provide single-mode operation with larger core diameters than conventional waveguides. In one representative embodiment, an optical waveguide comprises a core that extends along a propagation axis and has a refractive index profile that varies angularly about the propagation axis. The optical waveguide can also comprise a cladding disposed about the core and extending along the propagation axis. The refractive index profile of the core can vary angularly along a length of the propagation axis.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a side-coupling structure, associated with coupling an aiming beam from an aiming beam fiber into a laser beam fiber, may include removing a coating from a section of the laser beam fiber and removing a coating from a section of the aiming beam fiber. The method may further include bringing the section of the aiming beam fiber in physical contact with the section of the laser beam fiber in order to create the side-coupling structure. The method may further include recoating the section of the laser beam fiber and the section of the aiming beam fiber in order to coat the side-coupling structure.

Abstract: Optical waveguide cores having refractive index profiles that vary angularly about a propagation axis of the core can provide single-mode operation with larger core diameters than conventional waveguides. In one representative embodiment, an optical waveguide comprises a core that extends along a propagation axis and has a refractive index profile that varies angularly about the propagation axis. The optical waveguide can also comprise a cladding disposed about the core and extending along the propagation axis. The refractive index profile of the core can vary angularly along a length of the propagation axis.

Abstract: Optical waveguide cores having refractive index profiles that vary angularly about a propagation axis of the core can provide single-mode operation with larger core diameters than conventional waveguides. In one representative embodiment, an optical waveguide comprises a core that extends along a propagation axis and has a refractive index profile that varies angularly about the propagation axis. The optical waveguide can also comprise a cladding disposed about the core and extending along the propagation axis. The refractive index profile of the core can vary angularly along a length of the propagation axis.

Abstract: Optical waveguide cores having refractive index profiles that vary angularly about a propagation axis of the core can provide single-mode operation with larger core diameters than conventional waveguides. An optical waveguide includes a core that extends along a propagation axis and has a refractive index profile that varies angularly about the propagation axis. The optical waveguide also includes a cladding disposed about the core and extending along the propagation axis. The refractive index profile of the core varies angularly along a length of the propagation axis.

Abstract: Optical waveguide cores having refractive index profiles that vary angularly about a propagation axis of the core can provide single-mode operation with larger core diameters than conventional waveguides. An optical waveguide includes a core that extends along a propagation axis and has a refractive index profile that varies angularly about the propagation axis. The optical waveguide also includes a cladding disposed about the core and extending along the propagation axis. The refractive index profile of the core varies angularly along a length of the propagation axis.

Abstract: Optical fibers are provided for modal discrimination which include a central core and a cladding disposed about the central core. The central core has a non-circular and non-elliptical cross-section, and it is rotated about a central axis of the optical fiber along the length of the optical fiber at a selected pitch resulting in the capability of a fundamental mode beam output for large core sizes. An optical system includes a seed optical source configured to provide a seed beam and an optical amplifier configured to receive and amplify the seed beam. The optical amplifier also includes an active optical fiber having a large mode area non-circular and non-elliptical core rotated about a central axis of said active optical fiber to provide modal discrimination and fundamental mode output.

Abstract: Optical fibers are provided for modal discrimination which include a central core and a cladding disposed about the central core. The central core has a non-circular and non-elliptical cross-section, and it is rotated about a central axis of the optical fiber along the length of the optical fiber at a selected pitch resulting in the capability of a fundamental mode beam output for large core sizes. An optical system includes a seed optical source configured to provide a seed beam and an optical amplifier configured to receive and amplify the seed beam. The optical amplifier also includes an active optical fiber having a large mode area non-circular and non-elliptical core rotated about a central axis of said active optical fiber to provide modal discrimination and fundamental mode output.