Near-Zero Modal-Dispersion (NEMO) Coupled-Core Multi-Core Fibers

Wepropose a design for coupled-core multi-core fibers that allows to achieve extremely low levels of modal dispersion. These fibers, which we dub NEar-zero MOdal-dispersion (NEMO) fibers, have an even number of cores regularly distributed on a circle, and the optimal design parameters follow from a simple condition independent of the number of cores. The modal-dispersion reduction trades off some of the fiber mode-mixing effectiveness, yet without compromising its beneficial property of mitigating nonlinear signal distortions. The semi-analytical tool developed for this study allows to effectively characterize the effect of various types of perturbations to the ideal fiber structure.

Automated summary

The proposed design for coupled-core multi-core fibers aims to achieve extremely low levels of modal dispersion – coined as NEMO fibers. This design sacrifices some fiber mode-mixing effectiveness in exchange for reducing nonlinear signal distortions. A semi-analytical tool developed in this study effectively characterizes the impact of various perturbations on the ideal fiber structure.