Dense space-division-multiplexing optical communications technology for petabit-per-second class transmission

Abstract

Research and development (R&D) of space division multiplexing (SDM) optical communications technology is well underway at NTT toward achieving high-capacity transmission on the order of one petabit (Pbit) per second or higher, which is equivalent to 100-1000 times the capacity of existing optical fiber. In this article, we describe the current state and future outlook of our R&D efforts in dense SDM. With this technology, we aim to achieve a quantum leap in optical network capacity through the use of multi-core fiber containing multiple optical-signal pathways in a single fiber and a multi-mode fiber capable of mode-division multiplexing.