The impacts of core count/layout on the mode effective refractive index (\({n}_{\mathrm{eff}}\)), bend- and twist-induced differential group delay (DGD) of different cores, worst-case DGD, and intercore DGD (\({\mathrm{DGD}}_{\mathrm{IC}}\)), in weakly coupled homogeneous multicore fibers (WC-HMCFs), have been analyzed to select the proper core layout with low DGD value for a particular core count. The core counts such as 3-core, 4-core, 6-core, and 12-core and the core layouts namely linear, triangular, square, rectangular, circular one ring structure (ORS), circular dual ring structure (DRS), hexagonal ORS, and square lattice structure (SLS) have been considered in the investigation. Moreover, in order to calculate the \({\mathrm{DGD}}_{\mathrm{IC}}\) values, the generalized expressions of core pitch (Λ) for the different core layouts have been derived. Further, the impacts of core radius (\(a\)), relative refractive index difference (\(\Delta\)), and Λ on the \({n}_{\mathrm{eff}}\) and DGD levels for the 3-core WC-HMCFs, with linear and triangular core layouts, have been analyzed numerically by using the finite element method-based FemSIM simulation platform, and MATLAB. It is observed that for a certain core count value, the core layout and Λ have significant impacts on the DGD levels, while the variations in the values of \(a\) and \(\Delta\) have no significant impact on the DGD levels. Further, increase in core count normally increases the DGD levels in all core layouts. On the other hand, for the fixed values of core count, cladding diameter (D), and outer cladding thickness (OCT), the core layout which has the lowest core pitch leads to the lowest value of \({\mathrm{DGD}}_{\mathrm{IC}}\), as compared to the other core layouts. The investigations carried out in this work may provide the guidelines in different MCF applications, such as MCF-based multi-parameter sensing and signal processing in microwave photonics.
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