title: Patterned flattened modes.
abstract: We show that field-flattened strands may be added to and arbitrarily positioned within a field-flattened shell to create patterned, flattened modes. Patterning does not alter the effective index or flatness of the flattened mode but does alter the characteristics of other modes; we show that it can improve a flattened mode's bend performance significantly. Patterning provides a new and potentially valuable waveguide design tool that may lead to higher-power transport and laser fibers.
authors.affiliation: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA. messerly2@LLNL.gov
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Messerly
authors.forename: Paul H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Pax
authors.forename: Jay W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Dawson