Fiber-based angular demultiplexer using nanoprinted periodic structures on single-mode multicore fibers

Precise analysis of light beams is critical for modern applications, especially in integrated photonics, with traditional methods often struggling with efficient angular demultiplexing in compact environments. Here, we present a novel fiber-based approach that achieves angular demultiplexing through angle-sensitive coupling in nanostructure-enhanced multicore fibers. Our device uses axially symmetric nanoprinted structures to distribute the angular power spectrum of incident light over different fiber cores through higher diffraction orders. By implementing algorithmically optimized nanostructures on a seven-core single-mode fiber facet via 3D nanoprinting, we demonstrate unprecedented in-coupling efficiency over wide incident angle ranges. Our theoretical and experimental results confirm the ability of the device to function as both an angular demultiplexer and a highly efficient remote light collector. The presented approach to remotely collect and analyze light, and the combination of multicore fibers and fiber-based nanostructures, opens new possibilities for high-capacity telecommunications, environmental monitoring, bioanalytical sensing, and integrated photonic applications.