Streamlining data transfer: unlocking the potential of 8-to-1 photonic crystal fiber multiplexing for enhanced connectivity

Abstract

The ability to transmit data at a high transmission rate is one of the main challenges that has limited the performance of visible light networking systems. In this paper, we present an eight-core photonic crystal fiber designed for multiplexing (MUX) operations at wavelengths of 1.32, 1.3, 1.54, 1.19, 1.4, 0.98, 1.35, and 1.1 µm to overcome this issue. Various MUX parameters, such as transmission rate and normalized power, are examined in this numerical study. A multiplexer is a device that enables multiple messages or signals to be conveyed simultaneously through a single communication channel. A specific type of optical fiber, called photonic crystal fiber (PCF), is used in this context, which has a cladding made of photonic crystals surrounding the fiber core. The fiber features a periodic arrangement of tiny air holes along its length, creating a low-loss periodic dielectric material known as a photonic crystal. In this new design, silica rods are employed instead of multiple air-hole zones along the fiber's length to adjust the coupling length between adjacent channels. The results indicate that after 5.5 mm of light propagation, the operating wavelengths can be effectively multiplexed.