This Review summarizes the simultaneous transmission of several independent spatial channels of light along optical fibres to expand the data-carrying capacity of optical communications. Recent results achieved in both multicore and multimode optical fibres are documented.

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Space-division multiplexing in optical fibres

Orbital angular momentum (OAM), which describes the “phase twist” (helical phase pattern) of light beams, has recently gained interest due to its potential applications in many diverse areas. Particularly promising is the use of OAM for optical communications since: (i) coaxially propagating OAM beams with different azimuthal OAM states are mutually orthogonal, (ii) inter-beam crosstalk can be minimized, and (iii) the beams can be efficiently multiplexed and demultiplexed. As a result, multiple OAM states could be used as different carriers for multiplexing and transmitting multiple data streams, thereby potentially increasing the system capacity. In this paper, we review recent progress in OAM beam generation/detection, multiplexing/demultiplexing, and its potential applications in different scenarios including free-space optical communications, fiber-optic communications, and RF communications. Technical challenges and perspectives of OAM beams are also discussed.

Optical communications using orbital angular momentum beams

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.

Space-division multiplexing: the next frontier in optical communication

Single-mode fibres with low loss and a large transmission bandwidth are a key enabler for long-haul high-speed optical communication and form the backbone of our information-driven society. However, we are on the verge of reaching the fundamental limit of single-mode fibre transmission capacity. Therefore, a new means to increase the transmission capacity of optical fibre is essential to avoid a capacity crunch. Here, by employing few-mode multicore fibre, compact three-dimensional waveguide multiplexers and energy-efficient frequency-domain multiple-input multiple-output equalization, we demonstrate the viability of spatial multiplexing to reach a data rate of 5.1 Tbit s−1 carrier−1 (net 4 Tbit s−1 carrier−1) on a single wavelength over a single fibre. Furthermore, by combining this approach with wavelength division multiplexing with 50 wavelength carriers on a dense 50 GHz grid, a gross transmission throughput of 255 Tbit s−1 (net 200 Tbit s−1) over a 1 km fibre link is achieved. A few-mode, multicore fibre allows ultra-high-speed data transmission on a single wavelength of light.

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Ultra-high-density spatial division multiplexing with a few-mode multicore fibre

Modern data centers increasingly rely on interconnects for delivering critical communications connectivity among numerous servers, memory, and computation resources. Data center interconnects turned to optical communications almost a decade ago, and the recent acceleration in data center requirements is expected to further drive photonic interconnect technologies deeper into the systems architecture. This review paper analyzes optical technologies that will enable next-generation data center optical interconnects. Recent progress addressing the challenges of terabit/s links and networks at the laser, modulator, photodiode, and switch levels is reported and summarized.

Recent advances in optical technologies for data centers: a review

We experimentally demonstrate nondegenerate four-wave mixing (FWM) between waves belonging to different spatial modes of a 5-km-long few-mode fiber (FMF). Of the three inter-modal FWM (IM-FWM) processes possible, two have been experimentally observed. These IM-FWM processes are found to be phase-matched over very large frequency separations of several Terahertz between the waves. In contrast to FWM in single-mode fibers that require operating near the zero-dispersion wavelength to achieve phase matching, IM-FWM in a FMF can be fully phase matched in the presence of large chromatic dispersion in each spatial mode.

Experimental Investigation of Inter-Modal Four-Wave Mixing in Few-Mode Fibers

We experimentally demonstrate multiple-input-multiple-output transmission of a combined 3-space-, and 2-polarization-, and 5-wavelength-division multiplex in a 3-core microstructured fiber over 4200 km. This is the record transmission distance for spatial-division multiplexing in a fiber.

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Space-division multiplexed transmission over 4200-km 3-core microstructured fiber

Low differential group delay (DGD) between the modes of a graded-index few-mode fiber is obtained by combining segments with DGD of opposite sign. Transmission of mode-multiplexed 6×20-GBd QPSK over a record distance of 1200 km is demonstrated.

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Mode-multiplexed 6×20-GBd QPSK transmission over 1200-km DGD-compensated few-mode fiber

We demonstrate a silicon photonic integrated circuit for all-optical demultiplexing of and selective coupling to the six spatial and polarization modes of a few-mode fiber (FMF). We successfully demultiplex all six modes after transmission through 30 km of FMF.

Space-division multiplexing and all-optical MIMO demultiplexing using a photonic integrated circuit

We present a novel low-loss 3-spot mode coupler to selectively address 6 spatial and polarization modes of a few-mode fiber. The coupler is used in a 6×6 MIMO-transmission experiment over a 154-km hybrid span consisting of 129-km depressed-cladding and 25-km graded-index few-mode fiber.

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M. A. Mestre

Papers

Experimental Investigation of Inter-Modal Four-Wave Mixing in Few-Mode Fibers

Space-division multiplexed transmission over 4200-km 3-core microstructured fiber

Mode-multiplexed 6×20-GBd QPSK transmission over 1200-km DGD-compensated few-mode fiber

Space-division multiplexing and all-optical MIMO demultiplexing using a photonic integrated circuit

Low-loss mode coupler for mode-multiplexed transmission in few-mode fiber