Ultra-dense spatial-division-multiplexed optical fiber transmission over 6-mode 19-core fibers

Area of Science:

• Optical Communications
• Photonics
• Telecommunications Engineering

Background:

• Increasing demand for data transmission capacity necessitates advanced multiplexing techniques.
• Few-mode multi-core fibers offer a promising avenue for enhancing optical fiber capacity.
• Spatial-division multiplexing (SDM) is crucial for overcoming the limitations of traditional wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM).

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate ultra-dense spatial-division multiplexing (SDM) using a few-mode multi-core fiber.
• To achieve record-breaking data transmission rates and spectral efficiencies.
• To explore the potential of Super-Nyquist WDM techniques in conjunction with SDM.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 9.8-km few-mode multi-core fiber with nineteen cores and six modes per core.
• Implemented wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) with 16 channels of dual-polarization quadrature phase shift keying (DP-QPSK) signals.
• Employed ultra-dense Super-Nyquist WDM techniques across the 4.5-THz C-band.

Main Results:

• Achieved a record spatial multiplicity of 114, significantly increasing transmission capacity.
• Demonstrated a total data transmission rate of 2.05 Pbit/s over the 9.8-km fiber.
• Attained a highest aggregate spectral efficiency of 456 bit/s/Hz, a new benchmark in optical communications.

Conclusions:

• Ultra-dense SDM using few-mode multi-core fibers is a viable strategy for achieving unprecedented data transmission capacities.
• The combination of SDM and Super-Nyquist WDM techniques pushes the boundaries of optical network performance.
• This research paves the way for future high-capacity optical networks capable of supporting massive data demands.