Overcoming Transmission Capacity Limitations: Multi-core Fiber

SHENZHEN, China - Oct. 31, 2024 - PRLog -- As transmission capacity demand grows in communication networks, the capacity of traditional single-mode fiber (SMF) has reached the Shannon limit, around 100 Tbit/s. This limit is mainly determined by signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and bandwidth. Although advanced coding techniques can help to push the boundaries further, the physical constraints of SMF are ultimately unavoidable. Solid-core optical fibers are increasingly unable to meet the needs for low-latency services, have severe nonlinearity, and face challenges in further enhancing maximum transmission capacity. Therefore, the industry urgently needs new fiber technologies to break through this bottleneck. The introduction of Multi-core Fiber (MCF) and Hollow-core Fiber (HCF) is being intensively studied to overcome the capacity limit.

What is Multi-core Fiber(MCF)?
MCF incorporates multiple independent cores within a single fiber, with each core capable of transmitting signals separately. This architecture enables a significant increase in transmission capacity, allowing a single cable to provide several times the bandwidth of traditional fibers without a major increase in physical size.
(Single-core fiber vs multi-core fiber)

MCF-to-SCF with Fan-in & Fan-out (FIFO) devices
Based on advanced free-space optical design capabilities and mature precision coupling capabilities, HYC has launched a compact and low crosstalk four-core MCF fan-in/fan-out (FIFO) devices. Optical components such as lens and prisms are precisely designed to adjust and optimize the coupling between MCF and SCF to achieve compact structure and excellent indicators. This FIFO device with a 43um core-to-core spacing has low average coupling loss (<0.5dB), low crosstalk (>45dB), and return loss (>55dB).

MCF-to-MCF Connections
HYC has developed LC-type/FC-type optical fiber connectors specifically for MCF connections. It is modified and redesigned based on the traditional LC/FC connector, optimized the positioning and maintaining functions, and improved the grinding and coupling process to ensure that the small insertion loss variation after many times couplings.

About HYC Co., Ltd
Founded in 2000, HYC is a leading global manufacturer of innovative and reliable passive optical components. HYC designs, develops, manufactures, and sells a comprehensive line of passive optical devices that enables 5G/6G, data center, data communication, FTTH, aeronautical communication networks.
https://www.hyc-system.com