Design and optimization of 3-mode×12-core dual-ring structured few-mode multi-core fiber

We adopt dual-ring structure (DRS) for the core arrangement of 3-mode (LP01, LP11a and LP11b)×12-core few-mode multi-core fiber (FM-MCF) and then introduce the design method for this DRS-FM-MCF. After investigating the characteristics such as differential mode delay (DMD), inter-core crosstalk (XT), threshold value of bending radius (Rpk), relative core multiplicity factor (RCMF) and cable cutoff wavelength (λcc), we present an optimized scheme for this DRS-FM-MCF. For the optimized DRS-FM-MCF, |DMD| is ≤100ps/km over C+L band, the maximum XT at wavelength (λ) of 1625 nm achieves −33 dB/100 km, maximum Rpk is 11.03 cm, RCMF (LP01, LP11a and LP11b) reaches 25.49 and maximum λcc is ≤1530nm. Compared with one-ring structure (ORS), DRS has much more space to enlarge core pitch (Λ) so that lower XT can be achieved. Furthermore, DRS has less confinement degree on mode than square-lattice structure (SLS) if Λ and cladding diameter (Dcl) are set at similar values. It means that it is easier for DRS to make sure λcc would not be larger than the lower limit of C+L bands. In this paper, DRS is proved as a suitable core arrangement for 3-mode×12-core FM-MCF.