High Capacity Mode-Division Multiplexed Optical Transmission in a Novel 37-cell Hollow-Core Photonic Bandgap Fiber

Abstract

We present the first demonstration of combined wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) and mode-division multiplexed (MDM) optical transmission in a hollow-core photonic bandgap fiber (HC-PBGF). For this purpose a novel low loss, broadband 310 m long HC-PBGF with a 37 cell (37c) core geometry is used. The modal properties of the HC-PBGF are characterized in detail, showing an absence of surface modes and low modal crosstalk, which enable WDM and MDM transmission with record high capacity (73.7 Tb/s) for a HC-PBGF. Several modulation formats have been tested, showing very good and stable performance. The transmission properties are assessed by looking into both single-mode transmission and MDM transmission, showing good agreement with the modal characterization of the 37c HC-PGBF.