Investigation of space division multiplexing in multimode step-index silica photonic crystal fibers

The feasible distance is presented for space division multiplexed (SDM) transmission along multimode silica step-index photonic crystal fiber (SI PCF) by solving the time-independent power flow equation (TI PFE). These distances for two and three spatially multiplexed channels were determined to depend on mode coupling, fiber structural parameters, and launch beam width in order to keep crosstalk in two- and three-channel modulation to a maximum of 20% of the peak signal strength. We found that the length of the fiber at which an SDM can be realized increases with the size of the air-holes in the cladding (higher NA). When a wide launch excites more guiding modes, these lengths become shorter. Such knowledge is valuable for the use of multimode silica SI PCFs in communications.

Automated summary

The feasible distance for space division multiplexed transmission in multimode silica step-index photonic crystal fiber (SI PCF) is determined by solving the time-independent power flow equation. These distances depend on mode coupling, fiber structural parameters, and launch beam width to control crosstalk below 20% of the peak signal strength in two- and three-channel modulation. The length of the fiber required for SDM increases with larger air-hole sizes in the cladding (higher NA), while wider launch beams result in shorter distances. This knowledge is valuable for communication using multimode silica SI PCFs.