Abstract
In future multicore optical fibers (MCFs) networks, it is crucial to have optical devices which can manipulate propagating signals directly without conversion back and forth to single-core optical fibers. That is because these conversions may degrade such networks potential high-capacity. In this work, a 90 degrees silica-glass confined beam-bending (CBB) device with a bending-radius of 160 mu m is numerically demonstrated. The CBB design and material allow for direct space-division connections among single-mode cores of different multi-core and/or single-core fibers without a need for special spot-size converters or mode tapers. The CBB can be cascaded to maneuver propagating beams around sharp corners in three-dimensional space in order to obtain flexible connections within small areas. A simple example of universal multicore connector between different optical fibers is also numerically demonstrated. The simulations show wideband operation over the S, C, L, and U wavelength range with small insertion-loss, polarization-dependent loss, in addition to reasonable return-loss and crosstalk. It also shows cascadability and good tolerance to MCFs core variations, in addition to CBB design parameters.