Seven-core multicore fiber transmissions for passive optical network.

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics and Optical Communications
• Fiber Optic Technology
• Telecommunications Network Engineering

Background:

• Multicore fibers (MCF) offer increased data capacity but face challenges in signal coupling and crosstalk.
• Existing passive optical network (PON) technologies require further advancements for higher bandwidth and efficiency.
• Efficient coupling of signals into and out of MCFs is crucial for practical network deployment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a novel seven-core multicore fiber (MCF) with a hexagonal array arrangement.
• To develop and characterize a tapered MCF connector (TMC) for ultra-low crosstalk and loss.
• To propose and demonstrate a new PON configuration utilizing MCF and TMC for parallel transmissions.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a seven-core fiber with cores arranged in a hexagonal pattern.
• Design and fabrication of a tapered multicore fiber connector (TMC).
• Characterization of fiber properties including crosstalk, attenuation, and splice loss.
• Implementation of a novel network configuration for bi-directional parallel transmissions in a PON.

Main Results:

• The novel MCF exhibits low crosstalk, attenuation, and splice loss.
• The developed TMC demonstrates ultra-low crosstalk and insertion loss for signal coupling.
• Successful bi-directional parallel transmissions of 1310 nm and 1490 nm signals were achieved.
• Demonstrated transmission over 11.3 km of seven-core MCF with a 64-way splitter for PON.

Conclusions:

• The novel MCF and TMC are suitable for high-capacity optical communication systems.
• The proposed PON configuration enables efficient bi-directional parallel transmissions.
• This work represents a significant advancement in multicore fiber technology for future PONs.