In so-called multicore fibers, up to seven fiber cores are guided in one cladding. Each of these can be used independently of the others for signal transmission. Because of these high transmission rates, these optical fibers are in demand, for example, as data cables in data centers and telecommunications. The fibers are, therefore, designed for transmissions with a classic telecom wavelength of 1550 nm.
With up to seven cores in a 125 µm cladding, multicore fiber optics open up new application possibilities in telecommunications, sensor technology, and the biosciences.