Spatio-temporal Control of Light Transmission through a Multimode Fiber with Strong Mode Coupling

We experimentally generate and characterize the eigenstates of the Wigner-Smith time-delay matrix, called principal modes, in a multimode fiber with strong mode coupling. The unique spectral and temporal properties of principal modes enable a global control of the temporal dynamics of optical pulses transmitted through the fiber, despite random mode mixing. Our analysis reveals that the well-defined delay time of the eigenstates are formed by multi-path interference, which can be effectively manipulated by the spatial degrees of freedom of the input wavefront. This study is essential to controlling the dynamics of wave scattering, paving the way for coherent control of pulse propagation through complex media.