Channel model and optimal core scrambling for multi-core fiber transmission system

Space division multiplexing (SDM) is a potential candidate to increase the capacity of the conventional single mode fiber based transmission systems. Several multi-core fiber (MCF) structures have been proposed, each one is impaired by different core dependent loss (CDL) resulting from the fiber structure, crosstalk, splicing in the optical fiber link and inline components. One of the solutions to mitigate the CDL is the core scrambling. In this paper, we introduce three deterministic core scrambling strategies for different MCFs. The strategies show their efficiency to reduce the CDL compared to the random scrambling. Moreover, in order to estimate the CDL level and predict the system performance for any MCF structure, we propose a theoretical channel model depends on the system configuration and the number of core scrambling installed in the transmission link. Lastly, the optimal deterministic core scrambler is obtained for further reduction of the scramblers number.