High-Spatial-Multiplicity Multicore Fibers for Future Dense Space-Division-Multiplexing Systems

Abstract

Multicore fibers and few-mode fibers have potential application in realizing dense-space-division multiplexing systems. However, there are some tradeoff requirements for designing the fibers. In this paper, the tradeoff requirements such as spatial channel count, crosstalk, differential mode delay, and cladding diameter are discussed. Further, the design concept and transmission characteristics of high-core-count single-mode multicore fibers are discussed. A heterogeneous multicore fiber with 30 cores and quasi-single-mode multi-core fibers with 31 cores are developed.