Optimal design of 4LP-mode multicore fibers for high spatial multiplicity.

High spatial multiplicity fiber designs are presented for homogeneous and heterogeneous 4LP-mode multicore fibers (MCFs) that support six spatial modes per core. The high-spatial-density 4LP-mode MCF design methodology is explained in detail. The influence of the number of cores on the cladding diameter (Dcl) and relative core multiplicity factor (RCMF) is investigated. The optimal core designs and MCF layouts with square and triangular lattices maintain glass fiber reliability (maximum Dcl = 250 µm). For homogeneous 4LP-mode MCFs, a 19-core triangular-lattice fiber gives the highest RCMF of 61.7. For heterogeneous 4LP-mode MCFs, an RCMF of 65.4 is obtained for a 21-core square-lattice fiber.