32-core erbium/ytterbium-doped multicore fiber amplifier for next generation space-division multiplexed transmission system

We present a high-core-count 32-core multicore erbium/ytterbium-doped fiber amplifier (32c-MC-EYDFA) in a cladding pumped configuration. A side pumping technique is employed for ease of pump coupling in this monolithic all-fiber amplifier. A minimum gain of > 17 dB and an average noise figure (NF) of 6.5 dB is obtained over all cores in the wavelength range 1534 nm-1561 nm for -4 dBm input signal power. The core-to-core variation for both amplifier gain and NF is measured to be < 2 dB. The 32c-MC-EYDFA was then tested in a repeatered multicore fiber (MCF) loop system and transmission over distances > 1850 km was successfully demonstrated. We also compare the total power consumption of our MC-EYDFAs with that of 32 conventional single core erbium doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) to illustrate the potential power saving benefits. Published by The Optical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.