Towards multidimensional multiplexing in multicore fiber optical data links

This paper describes our current research in optical transmission technology targeting to overcome the capacity limitations in high-bitrate optical data links. In particular, the enabling steps taken towards multidimensional multiplexing (M²) transmission schemes for transmission in multicore fiber are described. The development of an integrated device capable of performing mode conversion for modal division multiplexing (MDM) is reported in this work. This device enables the generation of a mode-division multiplexed signal to be transmitted through the different cores of a multi-core optical fiber (MCF) employing spatial division multiplexing (SDM). The transmission performance is limited by the crosstalk from each core in the MCF. A theoretical and experimental analysis of the inter-core crosstalk expected when several cores are excited simultaneously is herein presented.