Conference Agenda

Multi-band systems have demonstrated to be a viable solution to sustain capacity growth required by optical communication systems, thanks to the availability of wide bandwidth amplification technologies, like the Raman amplifier (RA). However, extreme levels of optimization are needed to extract all the potential, requiring super-fast and accurate evaluation of the impact of nonlinear effects. This is a tricky task when the transmission bandwidth is very large, as all fiber parameters becomes frequency dependent and the number of data channels and RA pumps is large. Also, the inter-channel stimulated Raman scattering (ISRS) become impactful.

Optimization approaches based on Gaussian Noise (GN) models turn to be very complex, with a consequent slow down of the whole design process. Even using the fast GN-based closed-form-models (CFMs), it requires a full spectral and spatial knowledge of the signal power profile along the fiber span. This is particularly computational heavy when backward RA is considered. We propose an approach based on machine learning (ML) and neural networks (NN) to accelerate the process. The method, tested for a super-(C+L) system (12 THz bandwidth) and backward Raman amplification, guarantees a high level of accuracy and a significant speed increase.

Advances in fibre design, particularly through spatial multiplexing strategies such as multi-core and multi-mode fibres, have shown significant promise. This talk reviews key fibre design innovations aimed at capacity maximisation, exploring core design optimisation, modal dispersion management, and reduction of inter-channel interference. Practical challenges, recent breakthroughs, and future directions in designing optical fibres for maximised capacity and improved performance in next-generation high-capacity systems will be discussed.

We use X-ray computed nanotomography to characterize an optical fiber taper used for nanofiber-based sensors. The resolution achieved goes far beyond the capability of standard optical computed tomography devices.

In this work, we numerically investigate the gain properties of an Yb3+:Er3+:Tm3+:Ho3+ co-doped optical fiber amplifier. The numerical simulations show that a gain higher than 15 dB in a wavelength range of 300 nm can be achieved. The erbium amplifies in the well-known C-band, while thulium and holmium amplify from 1760 nm to 2030 nm.