Abstract: An optical transmission and amplification system includes a multichannel transmission span with a length of a multicore transmission fiber having a plurality of individual transmission cores. A first tapered multicore coupler provides connectivity between the plurality of transmission cores of the multicore fiber and a respective plurality of individual transmission leads. A fiber amplifier is provided having a plurality of individual cores including at least one pump core and a plurality of amplifier core. A second tapered multicore coupler provides connectivity between the amplifier cores of the fiber amplifier and a respective plurality of amplifier leads, and between the at least one pump core and a respective pump lead.

Abstract: An optical data link includes first and second pluralities of transmission devices, at least one of which is configured as an array. A multichannel transmission link has a first end connected to the first plurality of transmission devices and a second end connected to the second plurality of transmission devices so as to form a plurality of parallel transmission channels therebetween. The multichannel transmission link includes a multicore fiber with a plurality of individual cores having a configuration matching the array configuration of the at least one plurality of transmission devices. The multicore fiber has an endface connected directly to the at least one plurality of transmission devices, with the individual cores of the multicore fiber aligned with respective devices in the at least one plurality of transmission devices. Further described are access networks and core networks incorporating a transmission link comprising at least one span of a multicore fiber.

Abstract: A multicore fiber comprises a plurality of cores extending along the length of a fiber body. Each of the cores is surrounded by a cladding. The plurality of cores and surrounding cladding provide respective index variations, so as to form a respective plurality of waveguides for conducting parallel data transmissions from a first end of the fiber to a second end. The plurality of cores has a cross-sectional geometry in which the plurality of cores is configured in a polygonal array, in which at least some of the cores are positioned at the vertices of the array. The polygonal array is configured such that neighboring cores in the array are separated from each other by a distance that is sufficient to prevent crosstalk therebetween.

Abstract: A method of producing an optical amplifying assembly includes providing an amplifying fiber and selecting a first portion and a second portion of the amplifying fiber such that a bend of substantially the same radius and length would cause greater distortion impairments in the first portion than in the second portion. The method further includes coiling the second portion and arranging the first portion to mitigate the impairments due to bend distortion.

Abstract: A large mode area (LMA) fiber with improved resistance to bend-induced distortions utilizes highly oscillatory modes such that the effective index of the propagating modes remains less than the bent-fiber “equivalent” refractive index over a greater portion of the core. By providing a signal mode with a reduced effective index, the “forbidden” (evanescent) region of the core is reduced, and bend-induced distortion of the propagating mode is largely avoided.

Abstract: In optical media (e.g., an optical fiber) having first and second order polarization mode dispersion, the relationship between the polarization mode dispersion and the change in the measured averaged state of polarization of an optical signal in the media as a function of the signal's bandwidth can be predictable. Accordingly, first and second order polarization can be determined by measuring a series of the averaged state of polarization's for an optical signal with varying signal bandwidths.

Abstract: A real-time optical compensating apparatus reduces the PMD in an optical fiber by determining the principal states of polarization of the optical fiber and delaying one principal state of polarization with respect to the other.

Abstract: In optical media (e.g., an optical fiber) having first and second order polarization mode dispersion, the relationship between the polarization mode dispersion and the change in the measured averaged state of polarization of an optical signal in the media as a function of the signal's bandwidth can be predictable. Accordingly, first and second order polarization can be determined by measuring a series of the averaged state of polarization's for an optical signal with varying signal bandwidths.

Abstract: A real-time optical compensating apparatus reduces the PMD in an optical fiber by determining the principal states of polarization of the optical fiber and delaying one principal state of polarization with respect to the other.