BACKWARDS COMPATIBLE MULTI-CORE FIBER OPTIC CABLE

摘要

A multi-core optical fiber has dimensions to be backwards compatible with a conventional, single-core optical fiber of the single-mode or multimode type. In one embodiment, the center core has a diameter, such as 3 to 9 um, 50 um or 62.5 um. Such a multi-core optical fiber can be used in connector envelopes like an LC, SC, ST or an array connector, such as an MTP/MPO connector, and will permit the fiber optic connector to continue supporting conventional transmission using only the central core of the optical fiber. Yet, allow fiber optic networks to be upgraded from supporting conventional transmission to parallel transmission using the multiple cores within the optical fiber at a later date.

主权项

1. A device comprising:
a centrally located first optical core; a plurality of other optical cores located around a periphery of said first optical core; and a cladding surrounding said first optical core and said plurality of other optical cores to form a multi-core optical fiber, wherein said first optical core has a diameter corresponding to a core diameter of a conventional single core optical fiber.