Multi- core fiber design and analysis: coupled-mode theory and coupled-power theory

Coupled-mode and coupled-power theories are described for multi-core fiber design and analysis. First, in order to satisfy the law of power conservation, mode-coupling coefficients are redefined and then, closed-form power-coupling coefficients are derived based on exponential, Gaussian, and triangular autocorrelation functions. Using the coupled-mode and coupled-power theories, impacts of random phase-offsets and correlation lengths on crosstalk in multi-core fibers are investigated for the first time. The simulation results are in good agreement with the measurement results. Furthermore, from the simulation results obtained by both theories, it is confirmed that the reciprocity is satisfied in multi-core fibers. (C) 2011 Optical Society of America