Coherent light propagation through multicore optical fibers with linearly coupled cores

Abstract

Multicore fibers with linearly coupled cores are considered as a means of the coherent transport needed for high-capacity communication systems and high-power fiber lasers. The conditions of the existence and stability of coherent light propagation in multicore fibers with circularly arranged cores are derived. The multicore fiber is modeled by the linear discrete complex Ginzburg–Landau equation, while its eigenvalues are found analytically. The inverse eigenvalue problem proposing the commensurability of eigenvalues is solved to find the intercore coupling coefficients that support periodic revivals of the input state. Both planar modes and vortices are considered. Effects of the central core and material loss/gain on eigenvalue commensurability conditions and mode dynamics are studied in detail.