Page 90 - ITU Kaleidoscope 2016

Figure 13. Latest research on MCF connectors [20],
[21]. (a) and (b) are photographs of MU and SC type MCF
connectors, respectively. (c) is a schematic image of a
rotatable ferrule. (d) is a photograph of a pluggable
add/drop module using the MCF and a planar lightwave
circuit.

core and 8-core MCFs, is analysed to derive the correlation
coefficient ZNCC. Then, rotational angle alignment is
performed to maximise the correlation coefficient as shown
in Fig. 14 (d). Here, it should be noted that the proposed
algorithm can be used not only for aligning the multiple
cores but also for aligning the marker used in the MCF.
These results show that the side-view alignment technique
can potentially be used for realizing an automatic fusion Fig. 14 Side-view based rotational angle alignment
splice for MCF. Thus, it can be said that the key technology technique [22]. (a) shows a photograph of sample MCFs.
for MCF splicing has already been established, and this is (b) shows example average brightness characteristics as a
important in terms discussing the reality of random function of the cross sectional direction obtained with 4-
connection using the multi-vendor solution. core MCF. (c) shows example average brightness
As a result, SDM optical wiring is becoming a real characteristics as a function of the cross sectional direction
technology, and it is a good time to start discussing the obtained with 8-core MCF. (d) shows an example
standardization of these new physical layer technologies in relationship between the correlation coefficient ZNCC and
order to open up the next generation optical communication the rotational angle.
strategy and new future markets.
also proposed a tier approach that takes the application area
5. CONCLUSION and mass-producibility into consideration and which is
beneficial for realizing the smooth and effective spread of
This paper investigated the potential of SDM technology as MCF technology. Finally, we showed that 125 µm cladding
a new strategy for next generation optical networks. We MCF technology including a connector and fusion splicing
pointed out that the SDM concept can potentially be used technique is now ready thus allowing the discussion of its
not only for overcoming the future capacity crunch in use for real applications. We believe that it is a good time to
conventional G.652 fibre but also for providing a key start a discussion on the standardization of SDM optical
solutions to such issues as achieving effective infrastructure wiring so that we can open up the next generation optical
operation/management and lower power consumption. We communication strategy and new future markets.

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