We start by describing what SDM is, the problem at hand for it’s been considered and the different solutions it can provide. We focus on Multi - Core Fibers (MCF) as the favorite solution re garding SDM and proceed to study the main parameter that dictates the performance and limitations of said fiber, the crosstalk. We explain the different methods for accurately estimate the crosstalk under different situations depending on the nature of the cores and if they are using trench or not. We demonstrate the different approaches with our own simulations as well as the bend insensitiveness of heterogeneous MCF. We finish this work by establishing different strategies to obtain the lowest possible c rosstalk and proceed to propose a design of our own , a 19 core Heterogeneous Trench Assisted MCF that is made by 3 types of cores and then proceed to show the results of the simulations carried to this design.

Investigation on Crosstalk in Multi-core Optical Fibers