This paper discusses the use of data-driven methodologies to improve multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) Digital Signal Processing (DSP) performance for crosstalk cancelation in optical systems supporting multiple spatial modes. A crucial problem in time-domain equalization is the large quantity of data needed to compensate the effect of the crosstalk when the signals cover a large number of kilometers. In this respect, the study of techniques that are able to reduce the amount of information needed to perform equalization is addressed, and a reduction algorithm based on the Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and cross-correlation analysis to improve traditional equalizers’ performance is proposed. Experimental validation is performed over the world-first space-division multiplexed (SDM) field trial.

Randomly-coupled multi-core fiber (MCF) technology has come to attract lots of attention because of its strong applicability to long-haul transmission systems. Compared with weakly-coupled MCFs with independent cores, it can simultaneously realize higher spatial channel density and ultralow transmission loss using existing ultralow-loss single-mode fiber (SMF) core designs. The strong mode coupling characteristics of randomly-coupled MCFs can provide favorable optical properties, such as suppressed accumulation of modal dispersion (MD), mode-dependent loss (MDL), and nonlinear impairments. This article gives an overview of randomly-coupled MCF technology advancements. First, we describe the classification and design of randomly-coupled MCFs and explain what the randomly-coupled MCFs are and how they are designed. State-of-the-art randomly-coupled MCFs can accommodate four, seven, or 12 cores in a standard 125-$\mu \text{m}$cladding while achieving ultralow transmission loss and/or small MD, which are very promising for long-haul transmission media. Next, we present the methods to characterize the optical properties of randomly-coupled MCFs and the difference compared to conventional SMF measurements. We also show the low-loss low-MDL connectivity of this type of MCF and the cabling that can suppress MD. A field-deployed randomly-coupled MCF cable testbed is also presented, which confirmed the favorable optical properties of randomly-coupled MCFs after deployment. Then, multi-core amplifier technologies are briefly summarized, and finally, we discuss the performance improvements in the transmissions over randomly-coupled MCFs and suitable application areas.

Mode-division multiplexing (MDM) using few-mode fibers (FMFs) appears as a promising technology to increase fiber capacity by a few orders of magnitude and sustain the traffic demand for the decades to come. The potential of MDM lies in its ability to exploit multiple modes within a single optical fiber strand. Since 2011 and the first promising demonstrations, impressive progress has been made. In this article, we will show how the most recent advances in design and fabrication have improved the performance of FMFs and MDM systems, and allowed to turn research demonstrations into practical deployments.