Enabling multimode SDM at reduced equalization complexity via optimized elliptical core fibers

We identify an optimal ovality range for elliptical multimode fiber that support 45 spatial modes. These fibers significantly reduce intramode crosstalk by 11dB over 10km fiber length, while minimizing the group delay spread. A 32GBd 16-QAM dual polarization transmission over a 10km fiber with crosstalk strength as -20dB/km demonstrates that the DSP equalization requirements at the receiver are halved with optimized elliptical core fibers compared to circular core fibers. These findings suggest that elliptical core fibers are a promising solution for enabling low-complexity multimode fiber systems.