State-of-the-art multicore fiber amplifiers for space division multiplexing

Space division multiplexing (SDM) has generated much interest lately as a potential means for enhancing the capacity of optical transmission systems. During the past several years, we have observed tremendous research efforts in the development of SDM amplifiers with an aim to increase core and mode counts and to improve amplification properties and pump conversion efficiencies. We report on the recent development of multicore fiber amplifiers suitable for amplifying space division multiplexed signals. Multicore fiber amplifiers with different number of cores, and pumping schemes have been developed to pump the cores individually or through a common cladding. We will report on the structures of SDM amplifiers, their optical properties, and discuss prospects for further development.