For Next-Gen Optical Communications
Cutting-edge Multicore Fiber Evaluation Solution
Anritsu has developed the industry's first (*1) Multi Channel Fiber Tester MT9100A, enabling transmission quality evaluation of multicore fibers supporting next-generation high-capacity optical communications.
The test solution is based on the multi-channel OTDR method invented by Special Honorary Professor Masataka Nakazawa at Tohoku University. By synchronizing multiple Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDRs), this method measures both the transmission and return losses in multicore fibers, as well as measures and visualizes the distribution of signal interference between cores (inter-core crosstalk) along the fiber length. The test solution with four OTDR channels, provides powerful support for applications such as verifying optimal installation conditions during R&D, and high-speed inspection tasks required by manufacturing.
Development Background
The recent proliferation of AI and cloud services has driven a continuous increase in transmission capacity for optical communications linking submarine cables and data centers. However, the transmission capacity of conventional optical fiber is nearing its limits. As a solution, “multicore fibers,” which independently accommodate multiple cores (optical transmission paths) within a single fiber, are gaining attention.
Research on multicore fibers has been conducted since the 2000s. Anritsu has collaborated with Tohoku University, a pioneer in this field, to develop measurement methods using the multi-channel OTDR method. For the practical application of multicore fibers, quality evaluation including core-to-core crosstalk and technology for high-speed inspection are required. To address these market challenges, we have commercialized a multi-channel OTDR measurement instrument capable of evaluating multicore fibers.
Product Features
The MT9100A features a unique mechanism that synchronizes the operation of four OTDR channels. Primarily designed for multicore fiber R&D and manufacturing applications, it offers the following three key features:
- Distribution Measurement of Core-to-Core Crosstalk
The MT9100A can measure and display core-to-core crosstalk as a spatial distribution along the fiber length. By visualizing areas where crosstalk locally increases and the amount of crosstalk increase in any given section, it contributes to optimizing fiber installation conditions.
- Improved Workability with Single-End Measurement
The MT9100A enables measurement at one end of the multicore fiber. This eliminates the need to position operators at both ends during field tests where fiber ends are far apart, significantly reducing time and labour during installation and operation.
- Enhanced Productivity for Multicore Fibers
The MT9100A enables simultaneous measurement of transmission loss, return loss, and core-to-core crosstalk – essential quality evaluation parameters for multicore fibers – or up to four cores without reconnecting. This allows faster inspection than with the conventional crosstalk evaluation method.
(*1): As a multi-channel OTDR-based tester (Anritsu survey as of November 2025)
