Design and analysis of multi core fiber with 2 x 3 supermodes for high spatial density optical links

We present the design of uncoupled-coupled group multi core fiber (U-CG-MCF) with 125-mu m cladding diameter for high spatial density optical space division multiplexing links. Design approaches used for uncoupled MCF and coupled MCF are combined in the proposed design that has two groups of cores. All the three cores that belong to same group have strong coupling among them and form supermodes. As the number of cores involved in strong coupling is less than the total number of six cores and coupling is suppressed between cores in adjacent groups, the receiver complexity will be minimal for the proposed fiber. Trench-assisted hetero-geneous core group profiles are used in this work to suppress the crosstalk between similar supermodes in adjacent core groups and to reduce the core group separation. Coupling coeffi-cient in the order of 10-3 per meter is achieved at 1.55-mu m wavelength for all the supermodes with a small core group separation of 34 mu m. Simulation results promise the applicability of the proposed 125-mu m U-CG-MCF with minimum receiver complexity for future high spatial density optical links in C and L wavelength bands. (c) 2022 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) [DOI: 10.1117/1.OE.61.12.126111]

Automated summary

The design of a 125-mu m uncoupled-coupled group multi-core fiber (U-CG-MCF) for high spatial density optical space division multiplexing links is presented. This fiber design combines approaches used for uncoupled and coupled MCF to minimize receiver complexity and suppress crosstalk between adjacent core groups. Trench-assisted heterogeneous core group profiles are utilized to achieve a coupling coefficient of 10-3 per meter at 1.55-mu m wavelength with minimal core group separation.