Birefringence effects in multi-core fiber: coupled local-mode theory

Area of Science:

• Optical Fiber Communications
• Photonics
• Wave Propagation

Background:

• Crosstalk in multi-core fibers (MCFs) is a critical challenge for high-capacity optical networks.
• Understanding the influence of fiber birefringence on crosstalk is essential for signal integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally and theoretically evaluate intra- and inter-core crosstalk in single-mode MCFs.
• To investigate the impact of temporal and longitudinal birefringent effects on crosstalk.
• To develop and validate a theoretical model for predicting crosstalk behavior.

Main Methods:

• Experimental evaluation of crosstalk on a four-core fiber.
• Theoretical modeling using local modes and perturbation theory derived from Maxwell equations.
• Inclusion of temporal and longitudinal birefringent effects in the model.

Main Results:

• Temporal fluctuations in fiber birefringence were found to modify crosstalk in both linear and nonlinear optical power regimes.
• Experimental results demonstrated significant crosstalk variations due to birefringence.
• Numerical calculations based on the developed model showed good agreement with experimental data.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a validated theoretical framework for understanding and predicting crosstalk in MCFs.
• Accurate modeling of birefringence is crucial for mitigating crosstalk and improving optical communication performance.