Multicore fiber technology

This paper discusses crosstalk estimation in multicore fibers (MCFs) using coupled-mode theory and coupled-power theory. Crosstalk suppression was also covered. Strategies for multicore fiber design were also presented. Due to the limitation of the outer cladding size of multicore fibers (MCFs) related to their mechanical reliability, the number of cores as well as the core arrangement have to be carefully determined based on the required modulation format and transmission distance. By introducing heterogeneous core arrangement, further decrement of core-to-core distance is possible with keeping lower crosstalk level compared with the homogeneous MCFs. The combination of MCF and few-mode fiber (FMF), which is FM-MCF, is a very promising approach to realize space multiplicity over 50. Further development on related devices such as Fan-in/Fan-out and amplifier for FM-MCF transmission is highly expected. Investigation towards cost saving by using MCF transmission system is underway and further development on devise integration is expected for deploying MCFs in the real network.