In this thesis, we consider a wireless network consisting of d source-destination pairs and R relaying nodes. Each source wishes to communicate to its corresponding destination. By exploiting the spatial multiplexing capability of the wireless medium, we develop two cooperative beamforming schemes in order to establish wireless connections between multiple source-destination pairs through a collaborative relay network. Our first communication scheme consists of two steps. In the first step, all sources transmit their signals simultaneously to the relay network. As a result, each relay receives a noisy faded mixture of all source signals. In the second step, each relay transmits an amplitude- and phase-adjusted version of its received signal, i.e., the relay received signals are multiplied by a set of complex coefficients and are retransmitted. Our goal is to obtain these complex coefficients (beamforming weights) through minimization of the total relay transmit power while the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio at the destinations are guaranteed to be above certain pre-defined thresholds. Our second scheme is a distributed downlink beamforming technique which is performed in d + 1 successive time slots. In the first d time slots, the d sources transmit their data to the relay network successively. The relay nodes receive and store the noisy faded versions of the source signals. In the (d + 1)th time slot, the relays aim to collectively provide downlink connections to all d destinations. To do so, each relay transmits a linear combination of the stored signals received during the first d time slots. Again, our goal is to determine the complex weights (used at the relaying nodes to linearly combine the source signals) by minimizing the total relay transmit power while satisfying certain quality of services at the destinations. We use semi-definite relaxation to turn both problems into semi-definite programming (SDP) problems. Therefore, they can be efficiently solved using interior point methods. We showed that our proposed schemes significantly outperform orthogonal multiplexing schemes, such as time-division multiple access schemes, in a large range of network data rates. / Thesis (Master, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2008-09-17 13:07:21.505

To achieve two main objectives, viz., to increase the system capacity and having higher data rates, of 3G system for individual users, it comes up to be the unprecedented demand on both communication bandwidth and powerful DSP processing techniques. In this thesis, a new space-time encoding scheme, referred to as the Virtual Constellation Mapping (VCM) scheme associated with the turbo encoder, is devised to enhance transmission data rate and spectral efficiency. It also alleviates the requirement of powerful signal processing technique. In fact, the proposed scheme is very simple and could be used to achieve full utilizing encoding efficiency. It means that the new scheme is easy in practical implementation. To verify the advantages of this new scheme, we apply it to both the 3GPP FDD of WCDMA system and OFDM based Wireless LAN system. First, by comparing the proposed scheme with the conventional standards 3GPP scheme, the information data rate is increased from 384 kbps information data rate to 450.4 kbps, that is 17 % improvement. It should be noted by using the new approach, other system components of 3GPP, e.g., modulation scheme, control bits and the data rate of the QPSK modulators outputs, are all the same. Moreover, this VCM scheme can be applied to the multicarrier modulation or the Wireless LAN with the OFDM modulation. Computer simulation results showed that with the same transmission data rate, our scheme is more robustness compare with the conventional space-time trellis coded OFDM scheme, in high Doppler fading channel. In addition, the proposed scheme required less decoding complexity as the standards, when it is implemented in the 3GPP system and the OFDM system with space-time trellis coding scheme.

Single-mode fiber transmission can no longer satisfy exponentially growing capacity demand. Space-division multiplexing (SDM) appears to be the only way able to dramatically improve the transmission capacity, for which, novel optical fiber is one of the key technologies. Such fibers must possess the following characteristics: 1) high mode density per cross-sectional area and 2) low crosstalk or low modal differential group delay (DMGD) to reduce complexity of digital signal processing. In this dissertation, we explore the design and characterization of three kinds of fibers for SDM: few-mode fiber (FMF), few-mode multi-core fiber (FM-MCF) and coupled multi-core fiber (CMCF) as well as their applications in transmission and networking. For the ultra-high density need of SDM, we have proposed the FMMCF. It combines advantages of both the FMF and MCF. The challenge is the inter-core crosstalk of the high-order modes. By applying a hole-assisted structure and careful fiber design, the LP11 crosstalk has been suppressed down to -40dB per km. This allows separate transmission on LP01 and LP11 modes without penalty. In fact, a robust SDM transmission up to 200Tb/s has been achieved using this fiber. To overcome distributed modal crosstalk in conjunction with DMGD, supermodes in CMCFs have been proposed. The properties of supermodes were investigated using the coupled-mode theory. The immediate benefits include high mode density and large effective area. In supermode structures, core-to-core coupling is exploited to reduce modal crosstalk or minimize DMGD. In addition, higher-order supermodes have been discovered in CMCFs with few-mode cores. We show that higher-order supermodes in different waveguide array configurations can be strongly affected by angle-dependent couplings, leading to different modal fields. Analytical solutions are provided for linear, rectangular and ring arrays. Higher-order modes have been observed for the first time using S2 imaging method. Finally, we introduce FMF to gigabit-capable passive optical networks (GPON). By replacing the conventional splitter with a photonic lantern, upstream combining loss can be eliminated. Low crosstalk has been achieved by a customized mode-selective photonic lantern carefully coupled to the FMF. We have demonstrated the first few-mode GPON system with error-free performance over 20-km 3-mode transmission using a commercial GPON system carrying live Ethernet traffic. We then scale the 3-mode GPON system to 5-mode, which resulted in a 4dB net gain in power budget in comparison with current commercial single-mode GPON systems.

[EN] Space-division multiplexing fibers emerged as a promising solution to overcome the imminent capacity crunch of conventional singlemode fiber networks. Despite these fibers were initially conceived as distribution media for long-haul high-capacity digital communications, they can be applied to a wide variety of scenarios including centralized radio access networks for wireless communications, data-center interconnects, Microwave Photonics signal processing and fiber sensing. Particular interest is raised by emerging communications paradigms, such as 5G and The Internet of Things, which require a full integration between the optical fiber and the wireless networks segments. Microwave Photonics, discipline that focuses on the generation, processing, control and distribution of radiofrequency signals by photonics means, is called to play a decisive role. One of the major challenges that Microwave Photonics has to overcome to satisfy next-generation communication demands relates to the reduction of size, weight and power consumption while assuring broadband seamless reconfigurability and stability. There is one revolutionary approach that has however been left untapped in finding innovative ways to address that challenge: exploiting space, the last available degree of freedom for optical multiplexing. In this Thesis, we propose to exploit the inherent parallelism of multicore and few-mode fibers to implement sampled discrete true time delay lines, providing, in a single optical fiber, a compact and efficient approach for both Microwave Photonics signal distribution and processing. For the multicore fiber approach, we study the influence of the refractive index profile of each heterogeneous core on the propagation characteristics as to feature specific group delay and chromatic dispersion values. We designed and fabricated two different heterogeneous trench-assisted 7-core fibers that behave as sampled true time delay lines. While one of them was fabricated by using 7 different preforms to feature a plenary performance, the other one employed a single preform with the aim of minimizing fabrication costs. In the case of few-mode fibers, we propose the implementation of a tunable true time delay line by means of a custom-designed fiber with a set of inscribed long period gratings that act as mode converters to properly tailor the sample group delays. We designed and fabricated a true time delay line on a 4-mode fiber by inscribing 3 long period gratings at specific positions along the fiber link. As a proof-of-concept validation, we experimentally demonstrated different Microwave Photonics signal processing functionalities implemented over both multicore and few-mode fiber approaches. This work opens the way towards the development of distributed signal processing for microwave and millimeter wave signals in a single optical fiber. These true time delay lines can be applied to a wide range of Information and Communication Technology paradigms besides fiber-wireless communications such as broadband satellite communications, distributed sensing, medical imaging, optical coherence tomography and quantum communications. / [ES] La multiplexación por división espacial en fibras ópticas surgió como una solución prometedora al inminente colapso en la capacidad de las redes de fibra monomodo convencionales. Aunque estas fibras fueron concebidas inicialmente como medio de distribución en comunicaciones digitales de larga distancia y alta capacidad, pueden emplearse en una amplia variedad de escenarios, incluyendo redes de acceso radio centralizadas para comunicaciones inalámbricas, interconexiones en centros de datos, así como procesado de señal en Fotónica de Microondas y sensado en fibra. Los paradigmas de comunicaciones emergentes despiertan un interés particular, como 5G y el Internet de las Cosas, que requieren una integración total entre el segmento de red de fibra óptica y el inalámbrico. La Fotónica de Microondas, disciplina que se focaliza en la generación, procesado, control y distribución de señales de radiofrecuencia por medio de la fotónica, está destinada a jugar un papel decisivo. Uno de los mayores desafíos que la Fotónica de Microondas debe superar para satisfacer los requisitos de las nuevas generaciones de comunicaciones se basa en la reducción de tamaño, peso y consumo de potencia, mientras se garantiza reconfiguración y estabilidad de banda ancha. Encontramos aquí un enfoque revolucionario capaz de abordar este desafío de una manera innovadora que, sin embargo, no ha sido aprovechado en este contexto: la explotación del espacio, el último grado de libertad para multiplexación óptica. En esta Tesis, proponemos explotar el paralelismo inherente de las fibras ópticas multinúcleo y de pocos modos para implementar líneas de retardo en tiempo real muestreadas que proporcionan, en una sola fibra óptica, una solución compacta y eficiente tanto para distribución como para procesado de señales de Fotónica de Microondas. En el caso de fibras multinúcleo, estudiamos la influencia del perfil de índice de refracción de cada núcleo heterogéneo en las características de propagación para que exhiba unos valores concretos de retardo de grupo y dispersión cromática. Diseñamos y fabricamos dos fibras distintas de 7 núcleos con zanjas que se comportan como líneas de retardo en tiempo real muestreadas. Mientras que una de ellas se fabricó utilizando 7 preformas diferentes para garantizar un funcionamiento completo, la segunda se fabricó utilizando una única preforma con el objetivo de minimizar costes de fabricación. En el caso de fibras de pocos modos, proponemos la implementación de líneas de retardo en tiempo real sintonizables mediante el uso de una fibra específicamente diseñada y la inscripción de un conjunto de redes de difracción de periodo largo que actúan como conversores de modos para ajustar adecuadamente el retardo de grupo de las muestras. Diseñamos y fabricamos una línea de retardo en tiempo real en una fibra de 4 modos mediante la inscripción de 3 redes de difracción de periodo largo en posiciones concretas a lo largo de enlace de fibra. Como validación de prueba de concepto, demostramos experimentalmente diferentes funcionalidades de procesado de señal de Fotónica de Microondas implementadas en fibras multinúcleo y de pocos modos. Este trabajo abre el camino hacia el desarrollo del procesado de señal distribuido para señales de microondas y ondas milimétricas en una única fibra óptica. Además, las líneas de retardo en tiempo real desarrolladas pueden aplicarse a una amplia variedad de paradigmas de Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicaciones más allá de las comunicaciones radio sobre fibra, como es el caso de las comunicaciones de banda ancha por satélite, el sensado distribuido, la imagen médica, la tomografía óptica coherente y las comunicaciones cuánticas. / [CA] La multiplexació per divisió espacial en fibres òptiques va sorgir com una solució prometedora a l'imminent col·lapse en la capacitat de les xarxes de fibra monomode convencionals. Encara que estes fibres foren concebudes inicialment com a mitjà de distribució en comunicacions digitals de llarga distància i alta capacitat, poden emprar-se en una àmplia varietat d'escenaris, incloent xarxes d'accés radio centralitzades per a comunicacions sense fils, interconnexions en centres de dades, així com processat de senyal en Fotònica de Microones i sensat en fibra. Els paradigmes de comunicacions emergents desperten un interès particular, com el 5G i la Internet de les Coses, que requereixen una integració total entre els segments de xarxa de fibra òptica i el de sense fils. La Fotònica de Microones, disciplina que es focalitza en la generació, processat, control i distribució de senyals de radiofreqüència per mitjà de la fotònica, està destinada a jugar un paper decisiu. Un dels majors desafiaments que la Fotònica de Microones ha de superar per satisfer els requisits de les noves generacions de comunicacions es basa en la reducció de grandària, pes i consum de potència, mentre es garanteix reconfiguració i estabilitat de banda ampla Trobem ací un enfocament revolucionari capaç d'abordar aquest desafiament d'una manera innovadora que, no obstant això, no ha sigut aprofitat encara en este context: la explotació de l'espai, l'últim grau de llibertat per a multiplexat òptic. En aquesta Tesi, proposem explotar el paral·lelisme inherent de les fibres òptiques multinucli i de pocs modes per a implementar línies de retard en temps real de mostres discretes que proporcionen, en una sola fibra òptica, una solució compacta i eficient tant per a distribució com per a processat de senyals de Fotònica de Microones. En el cas de fibres multinucli, estudiem la influència del perfil d'índex de refracció de cada nucli heterogeni en les característiques de propagació perquè exhibisca uns valors concrets de retard de grup i dispersió cromàtica. Dissenyem i fabriquem dues fibres distintes de 7 nuclis amb rases que es comporten com a línies de retard en temps real mostrejades. Mentre que una d'elles es va fabricar utilitzant 7 preformes diferents per a garantir un funcionament complet, la segona va fabricar-se utilitzant una única preforma amb l'objectiu de minimitzar costos de fabricació. En el cas de fibres de pocs modes, proposem la implementació de línies de retard en temps real sintonitzables mitjançant l'ús d'una fibra específicament dissenyada i la inscripció d'un conjunt de xarxes de difracció de període llarg que actuen com a convertidors de modes per tal d'ajustar adequadament el retard de grup de les mostres. Dissenyem i fabriquem una línia de retard en temps real en una fibra de 4 modes mitjançant la inscripció de 3 xarxes de difracció de període llarg en posicions concretes al llarg de l'enllaç de fibra. Com a validació de proba de concepte, demostrem experimentalment diferents funcionalitats de processat de senyal de Fotònica de Microones implementades en fibres multinucli i de pocs modes. Aquest treball obri el camí cap al desenvolupament del processat de senyal distribuït per a senyals de microones i ones mil·limètriques en una única fibra òptica. A més, aquestes línies de retard en temps real poden aplicar-se a una àmplia varietat de paradigmes de Tecnologies de la Informació i Comunicacions més enllà de les comunicacions radio sobre fibra, com es el cas de les comunicacions de banda ampla per satèl·lit, el sensat distribuït, la imatge mèdica, la tomografia òptica coherent i les comunicacions quàntiques. / Agradezco al Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad del Gobierno de España por la financiación recibida mediante la ayuda FPI. / García Cortijo, S. (2020). Distributed radiofrequency signal processing based on space-division multiplexing fibers [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/147858 / TESIS

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(情報学) / 甲第20740号 / 情博第654号 / 新制||情||113(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院情報学研究科通信情報システム専攻 / (主査)教授 守倉 正博, 教授 大木 英司, 教授 梅野 健 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Informatics / Kyoto University / DFAM

Internet traffic is increasing exponentially, driven by new technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) and rich streaming media. The traditional IP router becomes a bottleneck for further Internet expansion due to its high power consumption and inefficiency in processing the growing traffic. Router bypass has been introduced to overcome capacity limitations and the processing costs of IP routers. With router bypass, a portion of traffic is provisioned to bypass the router and is switched by the transport layer. Router bypass has shown to provide significant savings in network costs. These advantages are limited by a reduction in the statistical multiplexing associated with the subdivision of the available bandwidth typically into bypass and traditional portions thus limiting the interest in bypass techniques. This thesis will explore multiple techniques to enhance the efficiency of router bypass. The main goals are to address the issue of the reduction in statistical multiplexing and to add a dynamic approach to the router bypass mechanism. The recent advancements in the Optical Transport Network (OTN) play a major role in the transport network. This proposal takes full advantage of OTN in the router-bypassing context by applying recent developments such as Hitless Adjustments ODUflex (HAO), which allow the provisioned channels to be adjusted without re-establishing the connections. In addition, it will allow the bypassing mechanism to be flexible enough to meet the traffic behaviour needs of the future. This thesis will study multiple approaches to enhance the router bypass mechanism including: an adaptive provisioning style using various degrees of provisioning granularities and controlling the provisioning based on traffic behaviour. In addition, this thesis will explore the impact of automation in Software-Defined Networking (SDN) on router bypass. The application-driven infrastructure in SDN is moving the network to be more adaptive, which paves the way for an enhanced implementation of router bypass. Many challenges still face the industry to fully integrate the three layers (3, 2, and 1) to transform the current infrastructure into an adaptive application driven network. The IP router (layer 3) provisions and restores the connection regardless of the underlying layers (layer 2 and 1) and the transport layer does the same regardless of the IP layer. Although allowing every layer to develop without being constrained by other layers offers a huge advantage, it renders the transport layer static and not fully aware of the traffic behaviour. It is my hope that this thesis is a step forward in transforming the current network into a dynamic, efficient and responsive network. A simulation has been built to imitate the router bypassing concept and then many measurements have been recorded. / Graduate

A MBS (Multi-port beamsplitter) for higher dimensional quantum communication has been designed and constructed and the theory and method for this is presented in this thesis. It uses optical fibers in a heterogeneous structure with a single-mode fiber spliced to a multi-mode fiber and then spliced to a few-mode fiber. Three MBS:s were constructed and tested to see if superpositions between spatial modes could be generated. One with 5.65cm multi-mode fiber, one with 9cm of multi-mode fiber and one with just the single-mode fiber spliced to the few-mode fiber. The optical modes that where focused on for the superposition were the linear polarized LP01, LP11a and LP11b modes. Simulations of superpositions between these modes were performed and experiments were done to see if these simulations could be realised. The shapes of these superpositions could be seen with a camera and the stability of the different modal powers and the stability of the phases between the modes where also tested. The last experiment tested the tunability of the modes by finding their maximum and minimum output power for each individual mode. The results of these experiments show that the stability of power and relative phases are high and testing of the tunability shows that the 9cm MBS is the most tunable, the 5.65cm MBS the second best and the SMF-FMF MBS the worst. Even though the shapes of the superpositions, the stability and tunability shows very positive results, the conclusion is that more experiments are required in order to identify the superpositions and for this to be used in a quantum communication system. / En Multi-port stråldelare (MSD) för kvantkommunikation med hjälp av rumsliga optiska moder har blivit designad och konstruerad. Teorin, metoden och resultatet av detta arbete presenteras i denna uppsats. Denna konstruktion använder sig av optiska fiber i heterogena strukturer med en single-mode fiber svetsad till en multi-mode fiber som i sin tur är svetsad till en few-mode fiber. Tre stycken MSD blev konstruerade och testade för att se om superpositioner mellan rumsliga moder kunde bli genererade, en med 5.65cm multi-mode fiber, en med 9cm multi-mode fiber och en med bara en single-mode fiber svetsad till en few-mode fiber. De moder som fokuserades på för superpositionerna var de linjärpolariserade moderna LP01, LP11a och LP11b. Superpositionerna simulerades och sen genomfördes experiment för att se ifall de kunde bli genererade. Formerna av dessa superpositioner kunde hittas och synliggöras med en kamera. Stabiliteten av modernas energi och stabiliteten av faserna mellan moderna testades också. Det sista experimentet som gjordes testade justerbarheten av moderna genom att hitta den minimala samt maximala intensiteten för varje mod. Experimenten visar att intensiteterna och de relativa faserna har hög stabilitet för alla konstruerade MSD, men i justerbarhets experimentet visar det sig att 9cm MSD:en presterar bäst, 5.65cm MSD:en presterar näst bäst och SMF-FMF strukturen presterar sämst. Trots att formerna av superpositionerna kunde hittas för alla tre konstruktioner, och att testen i stabiliteten visar goda resultat så krävs mer experiment för att identifiera superpositionerna mellan moderna och ifall denna konstruktion går att implementera i ett kvantkommunikationssystem.

[ES] Las fibras de multiplexación por división espacial surgieron en la última década como solución al cuello de botella en la capacidad en las redes de comunicación de fibra óptica monomodo. Utilizan el espacio, la última técnica de multiplexación en comunicaciones ópticas, para aumentar la capacidad total en comunicaciones digitales al tiempo que reducen las necesidades de espacio. Las fibras multinúcleo, un tipo de fibras de multiplexación por división espacial compuestas por varios núcleos individuales dentro de la misma cubierta, son prometedoras para las comunicaciones de largo alcance por su compatibilidad inmediata con las redes de fibra actuales. Además, las fibras multinúcleo han despertado interés en otros campos de aplicación, como las interconexiones de centros de datos, las comunicaciones cuánticas, las redes de acceso radio y la Fotónica de Microondas. Además, estas fibras presentan un gran potencial no sólo para la distribución de señales, sino también para su procesado. Las funcionalidades de procesado de señal pueden beneficiarse significativamente del uso de estas fibras en términos de compacidad y peso, garantizando al mismo tiempo versatilidad, reconfigurabilidad y rendimiento estable de banda ancha. En esta Tesis, proponemos la explotación del paralelismo inherente que se encuentra en las fibras multinúcleo para implementar el procesado distribuido de señales ópticas y de microondas. En primer lugar, estudiamos la realización de un componente óptico clave en el procesado de señales en Fotónica de Microondas, la línea de retardo en tiempo real muestreada, con fibras multinúcleo heterogéneas. Esto comprende la validación del rendimiento de una fibra heterogénea de 7 núcleos previamente fabricada, la demostración experimental de las funcionalidades de procesado de señales de microondas; incluyendo el filtrado de señales, la conformación óptica de haces y la generación de formas de onda arbitrarias; y el diseño y fabricación de una fibra heterogénea de 19 núcleos que se comporta como una línea de retardo en tiempo real sintonizable. Esta fibra se fabricó escalando 3 preformas diferentes, cada una con un perfil de índice refractivo específico, para obtener núcleos con unas características de propagación determinadas. Por último, proponemos diferentes diseños de fibras multinúcleo heterogéneas específicos para aplicaciones novedosas de distribución y procesado de señales ópticas, incluyendo la distribución de claves cuánticas, la compensación paralela de la dispersión cromática y los efectos Talbot temporales paralelos. / [CA] Les fibres de multiplexació per divisió espacial van sorgir en la darrera dècada per a solucionar el coll de botella en la capacitat de les xarxes de comunicació de fibra òptica monomode. Utilitzen l'espai, l'última tècnica de multiplexació en comunicacions òptiques, per a incrementar la capacitat total en comunicacions digitals al mateix temps que redueixen les necessitats espacials. Les fibres multinucli, un tipus de fibres de multiplexació per divisió espacial compostes per diversos nuclis individuals situats dins la mateixa coberta, són prometedores per a les comunicacions de llarg abast per la immediata compatibilitat amb les xarxes de fibra òptica actuals. Per aquest motiu, les fibres multinucli han despertat interès en altres àmbits d'aplicació, com les interconnexions de centres de dades, les comunicacions quàntiques, les xarxes d'accés radio i la Fotònica de Microones. A més, aquestes fibres presenten un gran potencial no només per a la distribució de senyals, sinó també per al seu processament. Les funcionalitats de processament de senyals poden beneficiar-se significativament del seu ús en relació a la compacitat i al pes, mentre garanteixen versatilitat, reconfigurabilitat i rendiment estable de banda ampla. En aquesta Tesi, proposem l'explotació del paral·lelisme inherent de les fibres multinucli per a implementar processament distribuït de senyals òptiques i de microones. En primer lloc, estudiem la realització d'un component òptic clau en el processament de senyals en la Fotònica de Microones, la línia de retard en temps real mostrejada, amb fibres multinucli heterogènies. Això comprèn la validació del rendiment d'una fibra de heterogènia 7 nuclis fabricada prèviament, la demostració experimental de les funcionalitats de processament de senyals de microones sobre aquesta mateixa fibra; la qual cosa inclou el filtrat de senyals, la conformació òptica de feixos i la generació de formes d'ona arbitràries; i el disseny i fabricació d'una fibra heterogènia de 19 nuclis que es comporta com una línia de retard en temps real sintonitzable. Aquesta fibra es va fabricar escalant 3 preformes diferents, cadascuna amb un perfil d'índex refractiu específic, per obtindre nuclis amb característiques de propagació determinades. Per últim, proposem diversos dissenys específics de fibres multinucli heterogènies per a aplicacions innovadores de distribució i processament de senyals òptiques, incloent la distribució de claus quàntiques, la compensació paral·lela de la dispersió cromàtica i els efectes Talbot temporals en paral·lel. / [EN] Space-division multiplexing fibers emerged in the last decade as a solution to the capacity bottleneck in single-mode optical fiber communication networks. They utilize space, the last multiplexing technique in optical communications, to increase the total capacity in digital communications whilst reducing space needs. Multicore fibers, a type of space-division multiplexing fibers comprised of multiple individual cores within the same cladding, are promising for long-reach communications because of their immediate compatibility with current fiber networks. Moreover, multicore fibers have raised interest in other fields of application such as data-center interconnects, quantum communications, radio access networks and Microwave Photonics. Apart from that, these fibers exhibit great potential not only for signal distribution but also for signal processing. Signal processing functionalities can benefit significantly from using these fibers in terms of compactness and weight, while assuring broadband versatility, reconfigurability, and performance stability. In this Thesis, we propose the exploitation of the inherent parallelism found in multicore fibers to implement distributed signal processing for optical and microwave signals. First, we study the realization of a key optical component in Microwave Photonics signal processing, the sampled true-time delay line, with heterogeneous multicore fibers. This comprises the performance validation of a previously fabricated heterogeneous 7-core fiber, the experimental demonstration of microwave signal processing functionalities including signal filtering, optical beamforming, and arbitrary waveform generation, and the design and fabrication of a heterogeneous 19-core fiber that behaves as a tunable true-time delay line. This fiber was fabricated by scaling down 3 different preforms, each with a specific refractive index profile, with a different ratio to obtain cores with determined propagation characteristics. Lastly, we propose different custom heterogeneous multicore fiber designs for novel optical signal distribution and processing applications, including quantum key distribution, parallel chromatic dispersion compensation and parallel temporal Talbot effects. / Ureña Gisbert, M. (2023). Novel Multicore Optical Fibers for Signal Distribution and Processing [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/196862

With the growing need for secure and high-capacity communications, innovative solutions are needed to meet the demands of tomorrow. One such innovation is to make use of the still unutilized spatial dimension of light in communications, which has promising applications in both enabling higher data traffic as well as the security protocols of the future in quantum communications. The perhaps most promising way of realizing this technology is through spatial division multiplexing (SDM) in optical fibers. There are many challenges and open questions in implementing this, such as how perturbations to the signal should be kept under control and which type of optical fiber to use. Consequently, this thesis focuses on the implementation of SDM in few-mode fibers where the perturbation effects on the spatial distribution have been investigated. Following this investigation, an implementation of adaptive spatial mode control using a motorized polarization controller has been implemented. The mode control has been done with the focus on having relevance for quantum technology applications such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and quantum random number generation (QRNG) but also for spatial division multiplexing (SDM) for general communications. For this reason, two evaluation metrics have been optimized for: extinction ratio and equal amplitude. The control algorithm used is an adaptation of the optimization algorithm Stochastic Parallel Gradient Descent (SPGD). Control has been achieved in stabilizing the extinction ratio of LP11a and LP11b over 12 hours with an average extinction ratio of 98 %. Additionally, equal amplitude between LP11a and LP11b has been achieved over 1 hour with an average relative difference of 0.42 % and 0.45 %. Out of the perturbation effects investigated; temperature caused large disturbances to the signal which later is corrected for with the implemented algorithm.

This master’s thesis explores a space-division-multiplexing (SDM) platform fora delayed-choice experiment. SDM is a multiplexing technique for optical datatransmission that employs spatial modes in a multi- or few-mode fiber to increasethe transmission capacity. The spatial modes can thus be used as separate channels. SDM have shown great potential for quantum information systems, making it intriguing to investigate its broad applications by examining its use in adelayed-choice experiment. The delayed-choice experiment was proposed by J.A.Wheeler in 1978 explored the particle- and wave-like behavior of quantum particles and observe if the particle knows in advance if it should propagate as a waveor a particle through the experimental platform. Hence, it was suggested thatthe experiment should be changed after the particle entered the experimentalplatform. The experiment has afterward been realized in many different constellations but previous wave-particle delayed-choice experiments have not beendemonstrated with SDM nor with an all in fiber platform. The research involved modeling and constructing a SDM fiber-optic platform,only utilizing commercially available fiber optical telecommunication components. The platform was constructed with photonic lanterns, used as spatial division multiplexer and demultiplexer, and a two-input fiber Sagnac Interferometer,as a removable beam splitter. The system was tested with classical light but without difficulties, the platform could move to the quantum domain for performingthe delayed-choice experiment with single photons on the platform. The thesis resulted in a SDM platform with good performance for future measurement of bothparticle- and wave-like behavior of photons in a delayed-choice experiment.