Space-division multiplexing: the next frontier in optical communication

    Authors

    Adv. Opt. Photonics

    Comments

    Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Appl. Phys.

    Keywords

    FEW-MODE-FIBER; FREQUENCY-DOMAIN EQUALIZATION; MULTI-CORE FIBERS; ADD-DROP MULTIPLEXER; LARGE EFFECTIVE-AREA; ON-CHIP; PHOTONIC LANTERNS; DEPENDENT LOSS; POLARIZATION DISPERSION; NONLINEAR PROPAGATION; Optics

    Abstract

    Space-division multiplexing (SDM) uses multiplicity of space channels to increase capacity for optical communication. It is applicable for optical communication in both free space and guided waves. This paper focuses on SDM for fiber-optic communication using few-mode fibers or multimode fibers, in particular on the critical challenge of mode crosstalk. Multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) equalization methods developed for wireless communication can be applied as an electronic method to equalize mode crosstalk. Optical approaches, including differential modal group delay management, strong mode coupling, and multicore fibers, are necessary to bring the computational complexity for MIMO mode crosstalk equalization to practical levels. Progress in passive devices, such as (de) multiplexers, and active devices, such as amplifiers and switches, which are considered straightforward challenges in comparison with mode crosstalk, are reviewed. Finally, we present the prospects for SDM in optical transmission and networking. (C) 2014 Optical Society of America.

    Subjects

    G. F. Li; N. Bai; N. B. Zhao;C. Xia

    Volume

    6

    Issue/Number

    4

    Publication Date

    1-1-2014

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    413

    Last Page

    487

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000346874700002

    ISSN

    1943-8206

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