Three-mode photonic lanterns: comprehensive analysis from theory to experiments

The design space for photonic lanterns is large and complex, making it challenging to identify optimal parameters to achieve specific performances, such as coupling, bandwidth, and insertion loss. Effectively navigating this space requires modeling tools capable of extracting the most characterizing parameters. This work contrasts theoretical modeling with experimental realizations of the four possible types of 3 × 1 photonic lanterns using double-clad fibers, covering a spectrum from conventional to hybrid to mode-specific configurations. This work highlights the experimental characteristics of each photonic lantern.