Observation of mode selection in a radially anisotropic cylindrical waveguide with liquid-crystal cladding

Abstract
Observation of mode selection in an optical fiber with nematic liquid‐crystal cladding is reported. The TE01 mode is guided, while the TM01 mode leaks out. This behavior is achieved by radially oriented liquid‐crystal directors in the cladding of an optical fiber with isotropic core. A theory which quantitatively accounts for the results is given.