Nonlinear Impairment Scaling in Multi-Mode Fibers for Mode-Division Multiplexing

The scaling of nonlinear effects in multi-mode fibers with the mode count has been investigated by analytical studies and by numerical simulations. Increasing the core radius results in larger effective mode field areas, which reduces the impact of nonlinear effects. On the other hand, the presence of more interaction partners for intermodal nonlinear interactions due to a higher number of propagating modes strengthens the impact of nonlinear signal degradations on data transmission. Our results indicate that these two trends are mostly balanced even for large mode counts. Transmission reaches and system performance comparable to standard single-mode fibers are achievable for at least 100 modes.