Multicore Optical Fiber Advantages
OFS Multicore Optical Fiber is an innovative approach to fiber design and has the potential to revolutionize the way data is transmitted, improving speed, efficiency, and performance.
Multicore fiber (MCF) refers to an optical fiber that contains multiple cores or light guiding cores within a single strand of optical fiber. It’s designed to offer higher bandwidth capacity compared to traditional single-core optical fibers, enabling the transmission of more signals simultaneously over optical fiber.
Increased Bandwidth
One of the biggest advantages of OFS Multicore Optical Fiber is its ability to increase bandwidth. MCF provides:
- An increase in fiber density and bandwidth while maintaining the same small form factor
- Excellent performance in crosstalk and insertion loss
Multicore Optical Fiber Design
Scientists at OFS Labs have engineered MCF fiber for a wide variety of high-capacity applications for communications and industrial networks including Subsea, Terrestrial, Sensing and Power Delivery. MCF prototypes in both single-mode (SM) and multi-mode (MM) with a multiple of cores ranging from 4 to 8 have been produced.
OFS is currently sampling MCF solutions to select customers. Contact us and one of our optical fiber experts will be more than happy to assist you.
7 Core Single-mode Fiber
Glass outer diameter is 125 microns
4 Core Single-mode Fiber
Glass outer diameter is 125 microns
8 Core Single-mode Fiber
Glass outer diameter is 230 microns
8 Core Multimode Fiber
Glass outer diameter is 165 microns
6 Core Multimode Fiber
Glass outer diameter is 125 microns
5 Core Single-mode Fiber
Glass outer diameter is 125 microns
Multicore Optical Fiber News
March 6, 2023 – OFS Develops Multicore Fibers (MCF) for its Submarine Fiber Portfolio. Read Press Release >>
Markets and Applications
Multicore Optical Fiber can be in a wide range of markets and applications. OFS technical papers and presentations are provided to illustrate our MCF innovations.
Data Centers
Multicore Optical Fiber is widely used in data centers to provide high-density, high-speed connectivity between servers, switches, and storage devices.
SDM Fibers for Data Center Applications (White Paper)
SDM Fibers for Data Center Applications (Presentation)
Perspectives on Multicore Fiber (MCF) Platforms vs. Incumbent Technology
Intra Data Center
End-to-End Multicore Multimode Fiber Optic Link Operating up to 120 Gb/s
800 Gbps Transmission over 8-core MM-MCF for Short Reach Datacom Interconnects
Inter Data Center
400 Gbps Transmission over 4-core Single Mode Multicore Fiber for Datacom Applications
Subsea / Ocean
MCF is used to provide high-speed data transmission across long distances in subsea or ocean environments. This is crucial for applications like offshore oil and gas exploration, where real-time data from subsea sensors needs to be transmitted to the surface.
Fiber options for support of 1 to 5 Peta bit subsea cables
Perspectives on Multicore Fiber (MCF) Platforms vs. Incumbent Technology
Communications
Multicore Optical Fiber is used in communication networks to provide reliable and efficient transmission of voice, data, and video signals over long distances.
Is now the time to standardize MCF in communication networks?
Perspectives on Multicore Fiber (MCF) Platforms vs. Incumbent Technology
Passive Optical Network
Low cost, high fiber count, high density cables are necessary to construct practical PON systems for future optical access networks. Multicore fiber (MCF) offers a possible solution to increase the fiber density and overcome cable size limitations and duct congestion problems.
Seven-core multicore fiber transmissions for passive optical network
Splicing
Fast, low-loss and high-strength splicing capabilities are key requirements for the deployment of MCF. In combination with 3-electrode arc-discharging Fitel S185PM ROF splicer, we achieved an almost 100% alignment success rate with splicing
times of only 90 seconds and single-core-fiberlike splice losses of less than 0.03 dB on average for two different 4-core fiber designs, regardless of polarity.
Industrial, Sensing
Using MCF as a small-diameter sensing element to provide a high-density waveguide count.
Medical
Multicore Optical Fiber is used in medical applications, such as imaging and diagnostics, to provide high-speed and high-resolution data transmission.
Power Delivery
High-power MCFs can deliver precise amounts of energy for numerous applications such as laser cutting, laser surgeries, and quantum computing. By handling different quantum states simultaneously in individual cores, MCFs enhance overall system efficiency and safety, transforming photon-based quantum systems.
OFS Multicore Optical Fiber Portfolio
OFS is a leading manufacturer of optical fiber and cable products, providing cutting-edge solutions for various applications in the telecommunications, industrial, and specialty markets. OFS can offer a complete portfolio of MCF solutions.
Optical Fiber and Cable
Connectivity
Splicer
OFS is currently sampling MCF solutions to select customers.
Contact us and one of our optical fiber experts will be more than happy to assist you.