The power coupling coefficients between cores of waveguide systems with random geometrical imperfections along the fiber axis are determined by comparing numerical solutions of the coupled mode equations with numerical solutions of the coupled power equations and the dependence of the power coupling coefficient on the correlation length with respect to the propagation constants of modes is clarified. When the correlation length D is small the power coupling coefficient is proportional to κ 2 D where κ is the mean mode coupling coefficient and is independent of the fluctuation of the propagation constants. For sufficiently large D the power coupling coefficient dc decreases in proportion to D-1 with increasing D and when D , dc 0. Then the dependence of the power coupling coefficient on the mode coupling coefficient and the fluctuation of the propagation constants δ β is expressed as a function of a single variable κ /δ β .

Localization properties of mode waves in an off-diagonally disordered waveguide system are presented. The disorder is introduced by taking spacings between cores to be random variables. Coupled mode equations are transformed into a matrix eigenvalue problem and eigenvalues and eigenvectors are numerically obtained. Correspondences between the natures of modes and the modal density of states are discussed. The system is divided into several sections which behave effectively as isolated systems. Modes in the entire system are a superposition of modes associated with the sections. A section is divided into several elements, which do not only behave apparently as isolated systems but also couple with each other. When an element includes two cores coupled strongly with each other due to a narrow spacing, modes are strongly localized there. The extent of the modes is almost independent of the disorder of the system. In a system with small disorder strongly localized modes can exist. The modes appear outside the propagation constant band of the ordered system composed of identical cores of equal spacing. Modes near the center of the band are extended over a number of elements and have the relatively large extent. Many modes appear near the center of the band and the modal density of states has a sharp peak there.