Multicore fiber link demonstrating large bandwidth density for future multimode optical interconnects

Future fiber systems in computer communications applications must meet growing bandwidth requirements, while maintaining feasible power and cost targets in addition to maintaining manageable volumes of fiber cabling. Therefore, bandwidth-per-fiber represents a critical design metric for next-generation systems. Here, a multicore fiber technology based on multimode graded-index cores is reviewed. A full link demonstration using six cores transmitting up to 20 Gb/s each is achieved between custom transmitter and receiver assemblies, which interface directly to the multicore fiber. The demonstrated technology may provide the added bandwidth per link required in next generation HPC systems. © 2012 SPIE.