Few-Mode Transmission Technology for Ultra-High Capacity Optical Networks

Abstract

Actual SMF networks are exclusively operated in the infra-red and C+L bands (wavelengths in the range of 1300-1600 nm) due to the commercial availability of amplification devices, such as erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA). However, the useable capacity in the infra-red band, although substantial, is finite and the unprecedented demand on that capacity means it is diminishing at an ever increasing rate. Few-mode propagation has recently emerged as a promising approach to maximize optical transmission capacity (bitrate number of users). Thus, several techniques based on mode division multiplexing (MDM) using standard single-mode fibers (SSMFs) or optical waveguides in silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology would suppose an increase of the bitrate to a very low cost.