New fibers for ultra-high capacity transport

10-Tbps-capacity systems are now a reality. Such an impressive advance has been possible thanks to the development of multi-level formats, coherent detection, digital signal processing techniques and new fibers. Silica-based fiber research is indeed very active. In this paper, we will review the different fiber technologies, from single-core, single-mode fibers to multi-core, multi-mode fibers, their current performance and their potential to go beyond 10 Tbps capacity.

► We review the potentialities of different fiber technologies to increase capacity.
► Ultimate performance of single-core, single-mode fibers is evaluated.
► Trench-assisted single-core, single mode fiber with Aeff of 155 μm2 is demonstrated.
► Current research in multi-core fibers and mode-division multiplexing is reported.