Claims:CLAIMS
What we claim is:
1. A few mode optical fiber (100) comprising:
a core region (102) defined by a region around a central longitudinal axis (120) of the few mode optical fiber (100), the core region (102) having:
a first annular region (106), wherein the first annular region (106) is between the central longitudinal axis (120) and a first radius r1, wherein the first annular region (106) has a first refractive index ?1, wherein the first radius r1 is in a range of 3.9 microns to 4.1 microns and the first refractive index ?1 is in the range of 0.51 to 0.56;
a second annular region (108), wherein the second annular region (108) is between the first radius r1 and a second radius r2, wherein the second annular region (108) has a second refractive index ?2, wherein the second radius r2 is in a range of 4.6 microns to 5.1 microns and the second refractive index ?2 is zero;
a third annular region (110), wherein the third annular region (110) is between the second radius r2 and a third radius r3, wherein the third annular region (110) has a third refractive index ?3, wherein the third radius r3 is in a range of 7.8 microns to 8.6 microns and the third refractive index ?3 is in a range of - 0.41 to - 0.46;
a fourth annular region (112), wherein the fourth annular region (112) is between the third radius r3 and a fourth radius r4, wherein the fourth annular region (112) has a fourth refractive index ?4, wherein the fourth radius r4 is in a range of 8.0 microns to 9.0 microns and the fourth refractive index ?4 is zero;

a fifth annular region (114), wherein the fifth annular region (114) is between the fourth radius r4 and a fifth radius r5, wherein the fifth annular region (114) has a fifth refractive index ?5, wherein the fifth radius r5 is in a range of 11.0 microns to 12.3 microns and the fifth refractive index ?5 is in a range of 0.55 to 0.59;
a sixth annular region (116), wherein the sixth annular region (116) is between the fifth radius r5 and a sixth radius r6, wherein the sixth annular region (116) has a sixth refractive index ?6, wherein the sixth radius r6 is in a range of 11.5 microns to 12.8 microns and the sixth refractive index ?6 is zero;
a seventh annular region (118), wherein the seventh annular region (118) is between the sixth radius r6 and a seventh radius r7, wherein the seventh annular region (118) has a seventh refractive index ?7, wherein the seventh radius r7 is in a range of 13.6 microns to 14.8 microns and the seventh refractive index ?7 is in a range of - 0.12 to - 0.16, wherein the first annular region (106), the second annular region (108), the third annular region (110), the fourth annular region (112), the fifth annular region (114), the sixth annular region (116) and the seventh annular region (118) are concentrically arranged; and
an eighth annular region (104) between the seventh radius r7 and an eighth radius r8, wherein the eighth annular region (104) has an eighth refractive index ?8, wherein the eighth annular region (104) concentrically surrounding the seventh annular region (118), wherein the eighth radius r8 is in a range of 62.15 to 62.85 microns and the eighth refractive index ?8 is zero,
wherein the optical fiber (100) has a dispersion in a range of 0.9 Ps/nm×km to 7.0 Ps/nm×km for Lp01, Lp11 and Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1460 nm, wherein the dispersion is in a range of 5.6 Ps/nm×km to 11.4 Ps/nm×km for Lp01, Lp11 and Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1530 nm, wherein the dispersion is in a range of 6.9 Ps/nm×km to 12.5 Ps/nm×km for Lp01, Lp11 and Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm, wherein the dispersion is in a range of 7.8 Ps/nm×km to 13.4 Ps/nm×km for Lp01, Lp11 and Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1565 nm, wherein the dispersion is in a range of 11.5 Ps/nm×km to 15 Ps/nm×km for Lp01, Lp11 and Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1625 nm, and
wherein the optical fiber (100) has a macrobending loss, wherein the macrobending loss is less than 1.5 dB/turn for 16 mm bending radius at a wavelength of 1625 nm for Lp21 mode, wherein the macrobending loss is less than 0.5 for 16 mm bending radius at a wavelength of 1625 nm for Lp11 mode.

2. The few mode optical fiber (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first annular region (106) is the central core region having an alpha profile, wherein a peak shaping parameter alpha (a) is in a range of 2.7 to 3.1.

3. The few mode optical fiber (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the few mode optical fiber (100) is operated in the wavelength of 1460 nm to 1625 nm in Lp01 mode, Lp11 mode and Lp21 mode, wherein the few mode optical fiber (100) is operated in ten modes, wherein ten modes comprises two degenerate Lp01 mode, four degenerate Lp11 mode and four degenerate Lp21 mode.

4. The few mode optical fiber (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the optical fiber (100) has a dispersion curve slope in a range of 0.053 Ps/nm/km to 0.071 Ps/nm/km for Lp01, Lp11 and Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm.

5. The few mode optical fiber (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the few mode optical fiber (100) has an effective area in the range of 165 µm2 to 185 µm2for Lp01 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm.

6. The few mode optical fiber (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the few mode optical fiber (100) has an effective area in the range of 220 µm2 to 250 µm2 for Lp11 and Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm.

7. The few mode optical fiber (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the theoretical cutoff wavelength for Lp11 mode is in the range of 2500 nm to 2900 nm.

8. The few mode optical fiber (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the theoretical cutoff wavelength for Lp21 mode is in the range of 2000 nm to 2200 nm.

9. The few mode optical fiber (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the differential group delay between Lp01 mode and Lp11 mode is less than 2.0 ns/km at a wavelength of 1550 nm.

10. The few mode optical fiber (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the differential group delay between Lp11 mode and Lp21 mode is less than 2.5 ns/km at a wavelength of 1550 nm.

Dated this 6th Day of December, 2018 Signatures:
Name of the Signatory: Arun Kishore Narasani
Patent Agent (IN/PN/ 1049)

, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of optical fiber transmission. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to dispersion controlled few mode optical fiber with minimal spatial overlap between Lp01, Lp11 and Lp21 guiding modes. The few mode optical fiber as described herein is suitable for space division multiplexing (SDM) applications.
BACKGROUND
Over the last few years, optical fibers are being widely used for communications. The present day coherent communication systems use the dense wavelength division multiplexing techniques to transfer the data. Several coherent modulation techniques such as OOK or QPSK with single mode fibers have been used to increase the data rate capacity of the communication system by taking almost all the freedoms available in modulation schemes. The telecommunication industry is continuously striving for the designs to meet the exponential increase in the data rate capacity demand. The ongoing research suggests that the few mode fiber which can allow the light to travel more than one mode with spatial divison multiplexing schemes can be a potential solution to increase the data rate by allowing the signal to transmit in more than one mode. Typically, the performance of these optical fibers is determined based on dispersion, intermodal crosstalk occurring due to spatial overlap between guiding modes and bending losses over a broad range of wavelength. In general, the dispersion, spatial overlap and bending losses are optimized based on a refractive index profile. The refractive index profile defines the properties of a core section and a cladding section. Also, the refractive index profile illustrates a relationship between the refractive index of the optical fiber with a radius of the optical fiber. Further, this profile is determined based on a concentration of dopants and materials used during manufacturing. Furthermore, the dispersion, spatial overlap between modes and bending losses are controlled by varying the thickness of each region of the optical fiber.

Currently available profiles of few mode fibers are not optimized for dispersion and spatial overlap between the Lp01 mode, Lp11 mode and Lp21 mode to use in broad band SDM applications in S, C and L bands. This results in intermodal crosstalk between the guiding modes. In prior art US 8705922 B2, a few mode optical fiber is disclosed which does not have high index ring in the few mode optical fiber. However, the prior art does not optimize the dispersion properties and spatial mode overlap which in turn reduces the intermodal crosstalk. Low dispersion is necessary to use few mode optical fibers in space division multiplexing applications in the wavelength range from 1460 nm to 1625 nm.

In light of the above stated discussion, there is a dire need for a few mode optical fiber with dispersion control and minimized spatial overlap for low intermodal crosstalk between the modes while being suitable for SDM systems in long haul communications.

OBJECT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A primary object of the present disclosure is to provide a few mode optical fiber for increasing the data rate.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a few mode optical fiber for operating in Lp01 mode, Lp11 mode and Lp21 mode.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a few mode optical fiber with controlled dispersion in the wavelength range of 1460 nm to 1625 nm in Lp01 mode, Lp11 mode and Lp21 mode.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a few mode optical fiber that is suitable for SDM applications.

SUMMARY
In an aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a few mode optical fiber. The optical fiber includes a core region. A core region defined by a region around a central longitudinal axis of the few mode optical fiber. In addition, the core region has a first annular region. The first annular region is between the central longitudinal axis and a first radius r1 from the central longitudinal axis of the few mode optical fiber. Moreover, the core region has a second annular region. The second annular region is between the first radius r1anda a second radius r2 from the central longitudinal axis of the few mode optical fiber. Further, the core has a third annular region. The third annular region is between the second radius r2 to a third radius r3 from the central longitudinal axis of the few mode optical fiber. Furthermore, the core has a fourth annular region. The fourth annular region is between the third radius r3and a fourth radius r4 from the central longitudinal axis of the few mode optical fiber. Furthermore, the core has a fifth annular region. The fifth annular region is between the fourth radius r4 and a fifth radius r5 from the central longitudinal axis of the few mode optical fiber. Furthermore, the core has a sixth annular region. The sixth annular region is between the fifth radius r5 and a sixth radius r6 from the central longitudinal axis of the few mode optical fiber. Furthermore, the core has a seventh annular region. The seventh annular region is between the sixth radius r6 and a seventh annular region r7. The first annular region, the second annular region, the third annular region, the fourth annular region, the fifth annular region, the sixth annular region and the seventh annular region are concentrically arranged. In addition, the few mode optical fiber includes a cladding. The cladding is an eighth annular region. The optical fiber has the eighth annular region. The eighth annular region is between the seventh radius r7and an eighth radius r8 from the central longitudinal axis of the few mode optical fiber. The eighth annular region is the cladding region. The eighth annular region has an eighth refractive index ?8. The eighth annular region concentrically surrounds the seventh annular region. In addition, the first annular region has a first refractive index ?1. Moreover, the second annular region has a second refractive index ?2. Further, the third annular region has a third refractive index ?3. Furthermore, the fourth annular region has a fourth refractive index ?4. Furthermore, the fifth annular region has a fifth refractive index ?5. Furthermore, the sixth annular region has a sixth refractive index ?6. Furthermore, the seventh annular region has a seventh refractive index ?7. The first radius r1 is in the range of 3.9 microns to 4.1 microns. The first refractive index ?1 is in the range of 0.51 to 0.56. The second radius r2 is in the range of 4.6 microns to 5.1 microns. The second refractive index ?2 is zero. The third radius r3 is in the range of 7.8 microns to 8.6 microns. The third refractive index ?3 is in the range of - 0.41 to - 0.46. The fourth radius r4 is in the range of 8.0 microns to 9.0 microns. The fourth refractive index ?4 is zero. The fifth radius r5 is in the range of 11.0 microns to 12.3 microns. The fifth refractive index ?5 is in the range of 0.55 to 0.59. The sixth radius r6 is in the range of 11.5 to 12.8 microns. The sixth refractive index ?6 is zero. The seventh radius r7 is in the range of 13.6 to 14.8 microns. The seventh refractive index ?7 is in the range of - 0.12 to - 0.16. The eighth radius r8 is in the range of 62.15 micron to 62.85 micron. The eighth refractive index ?8 is zero. The optical fiber is characterized by dispersion. The dispersion is in the range of 0.9 Ps/nm×km to 7.0 Ps/nm×km for Lp01, Lp11 and Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1460 nm. The dispersion is in a range of 5.6 Ps/nm×km to 11.4 Ps/nm×km for Lp01, Lp11 and Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1530 nm. The dispersion is in the range of 6.9 Ps/nm×km to 12.5 Ps/nm×km for Lp01 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The dispersion is in the range of 7.8 Ps/nm×km to 13.4 Ps/nm×km for Lp01, Lp11 and Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1565 nm. The dispersion is in the range of 11.5 Ps/nm×km to 15 Ps/nm×km for Lp01, Lp11 and Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1625 nm. The optical fiber is characterized by a macrobending loss. The macrobending loss is less than 1.5 dB/turn for 16 mm bending radius at a wavelength of 1625 nm for Lp21 mode. The macrobending loss is less than 0.5 dB/turn for 16 mm bending radius at a wavelength of 1625 nm for Lp11 mode.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first annular region is the central core region having an alpha profile wherein a peak shaping parameter alpha (a) is in the range of 2.7 to 3.1.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the few mode optical fiber is operated in the wavelength of 1460 nm to 1625 nm in Lp01 mode, Lp11 mode and Lp21 mode, wherein the few mode optical fiber can be operated in ten modes, wherein the ten modes includes two degenerate Lp01 mode, four degenerate Lp11 mode and four degenerate Lp21 mode.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fiber has dispersion curve slop in a range of 0.053 Ps/nm×km to 0.071 Ps/nm×km for Lp01, Lp11 and Lp21 modes at a wavelength of 1550 nm.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the few mode optical fiber has a effective area in the range of 165µm2 to 185 µm2for Lp01 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the few mode optical fiber has a effective area in the range of 220 µm2 to 250 µm2 for Lp11 and Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the theoretical cutoff wavelength for Lp11 mode is in the range of 2500 nm to 2900 nm.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the theoretical cutoff wavelength for Lp21 mode is in the range of 2000 nm to 2200 nm.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the differential group delay between Lp01 mode and Lp11 mode is less than 2.0 ns/km at a wavelength of 1550 nm.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the differential group delay between Lp11 mode and Lp21 mode is less than 2.5 ns/km at a wavelength of 1550 nm.

STATEMENT OF THE DISCLOSURE
In an aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a few mode optical fiber. The optical fiber includes a core region. A core region defined by a region around a central longitudinal axis of the few mode optical fiber. In addition, the core region has a first annular region. The first annular region is between the central longitudinal axis and a first radius r1 from the central longitudinal axis of the few mode optical fiber. Moreover, the core region has a second annular region. The second annular region is between the first radius r1anda a second radius r2 from the central longitudinal axis of the few mode optical fiber. Further, the core has a third annular region. The third annular region is between the second radius r2 to a third radius r3 from the central longitudinal axis of the few mode optical fiber. Furthermore, the core has a fourth annular region. The fourth annular region is between the third radius r3and a fourth radius r4 from the central longitudinal axis of the few mode optical fiber. Furthermore, the core has a fifth annular region. The fifth annular region is between the fourth radius r4 and a fifth radius r5 from the central longitudinal axis of the few mode optical fiber. Furthermore, the core has a sixth annular region. The sixth annular region is between the fifth radius r5 and a sixth radius r6 from the central longitudinal axis of the few mode optical fiber. Furthermore, the core has a seventh annular region. The seventh annular region is between the sixth radius r6 and a seventh annular region r7. The first annular region, the second annular region, the third annular region, the fourth annular region, the fifth annular region, the sixth annular region and the seventh annular region are concentrically arranged. In addition, the few mode optical fiber includes a cladding. The cladding is an eighth annular region. The optical fiber has the eighth annular region. The eighth annular region is between the seventh radius r7and an eighth radius r8 from the central longitudinal axis of the few mode optical fiber. The eighth annular region is the cladding region. The eighth annular region has an eighth refractive index ?8. The eighth annular region concentrically surrounds the seventh annular region. In addition, the first annular region has a first refractive index ?1. Moreover, the second annular region has a second refractive index ?2. Further, the third annular region has a third refractive index ?3. Furthermore, the fourth annular region has a fourth refractive index ?4. Furthermore, the fifth annular region has a fifth refractive index ?5. Furthermore, the sixth annular region has a sixth refractive index ?6. Furthermore, the seventh annular region has a seventh refractive index ?7. The first radius r1 is in the range of 3.9 microns to 4.1 microns. The first refractive index ?1 is in the range of 0.51 to 0.56. The second radius r2 is in the range of 4.6 microns to 5.1 microns. The second refractive index ?2 is zero. The third radius r3 is in the range of 7.8 microns to 8.6 microns. The third refractive index ?3 is in the range of 0.41 to 0.46. The fourth radius r4 is in the range of 8.0 microns to 9.0 microns. The fourth refractive index ?4 is zero. The fifth radius r5 is in the range of 11.0 microns to 12.3 microns. The fifth refractive index ?5 is in the range of 0.55 to 0.59. The sixth radius r6 is in the range of 11.5 to 12.8 microns. The sixth refractive index ?6 is zero. The seventh radius r7 is in the range of 13.6 to 14.8 microns. The seventh refractive index ?7 is in the range of 0.12 to 0.16. The eighth radius r8 is in the range of 62.15 micron to 62.85 micron. The eighth refractive index ?8 is zero. The optical fiber is characterized by dispersion. The dispersion is in the range of 0.9 Ps/nm×km to 7.0 Ps/nm×km for Lp01, Lp11 and Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1460 nm. The dispersion is in a range of 5.6 Ps/nm×km to 11.4 Ps/nm×km for Lp01, Lp11 and Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1530 nm. The dispersion is in the range of 6.9 Ps/nm×km to 12.5 Ps/nm×km for Lp01 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The dispersion is in the range of 7.8 Ps/nm×km to 13.4 Ps/nm×km for Lp01, Lp11 and Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1565 nm. The dispersion is in the range of 11.5 Ps/nm×km to 15 Ps/nm×km for Lp01, Lp11 and Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1625 nm. The optical fiber is characterized by a macrobending loss. The macrobending loss is less than 1.5 dB/turn for 16 mm bending radius at a wavelength of 1625 nm for Lp21 mode. The macrobending loss is less than 0.5 dB/turn for 16 mm bending radius at a wavelength of 1625 nm for Lp11 mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a few mode optical fiber, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the few mode optical fiber, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a refractive index profile of the few mode optical fiber, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

It should be noted that the accompanying figures are intended to present illustrations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that accompanying figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present technology can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form only in order to avoid obscuring the present technology.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

Moreover, although the following description contains many specifications for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and/or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present technology. Similarly, although many of the features of the present technology are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present technology is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the present technology.

FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a few mode optical fiber 100, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The few mode optical fiber 100 is a fiber used for transmitting information as light pulses from one end to another. In addition, the few mode optical fiber 100 is a thin strand of glass or plastic capable of transmitting optical signals. The few mode optical fiber 100 is configured to transmit large amount of information over long distances with relatively low attenuation. Moreover, the few mode optical fiber 100 can be utilized for Space Division Multiplexing Applications. Further, the few mode optical fiber 100 is operated in different modes including Lp01 mode, Lp 11 mode and Lp21 mode. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the few mode optical fiber 100 can be operated in ten modes including two degenerate Lp01 modes, four degenerate Lp11 modes and four degenerate Lp21 modes. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the few mode optical fiber 100 is operated in broad range of wavelength between 1460 nm to 1625 nm for Lp01 mode, Lp11 mode and Lp21 mode.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the few mode optical fiber is operated in broad range of wavelength in S, C and L bands. A few mode optical fiber is that in which fibers support only few guided modes. A three-mode optical fiber (with LP01, LP11 and LP21) exhibits 10 different modes considering the degeneracy’s.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the few mode optical fiber 100 may be utilized for other applications. Going further, the few mode optical fiber 100 is dispersion optimized few mode optical fiber. The few mode optical fiber 100 allows the light to travel in more than one mode. The few mode dispersion optimized optical fiber is used for Space division multiplexing applications. In addition, the few mode optical fiber 100 has increased data rate by allowing the light to travel in more than one mode.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the type of the dispersion which occurs inside the few mode optical fiber is chromatic dispersion. The chromatic dispersion is the spreading of the optical signals which results from different speeds of light rays travelling inside the optical fiber 100. Moreover, the chromatic dispersion occurs due to material dispersion and waveguide dispersion.

The material dispersion occurs due to a change in a refractive index of the optical fiber 100 with an optical frequency. Moreover, the waveguide dispersion occurs due to dependency of mode propagation on wavelength. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the few mode optical fiber 100 has a pre-determined value of dispersion (provided below in the detailed description).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dispersion optimized few mode optical fiber 100 enables controlled dispersion over a range of wavelength. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the few mode optical fiber 100 exhibits low dispersion in Lp01 mode, Lp11 mode and Lp21 mode for wavelength range of 1460nm-1625nm. The range of wavelength corresponds to a range in which the few mode optical fiber 100 is configured to operate. The range of wavelength for the present disclosure is 1460 nm to 1625 nm. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the few mode optical fiber 100 is used for space division multiplexing to increase the data capacity. In space division multiplexing the optical signals is transmitted in different guiding modes of the optical fiber 100. Accordingly, the optical signals are separated at another end.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dispersion optimized few mode optical fiber 100 is used for communication purpose. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the dispersion optimized few mode optical fiber 100 is operated in S, C and L bands.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the mode field diameter defines a section or area of the few mode optical fiber 100 in which the optical signals travel. The theoretical cut-off wavelength is defined as the wavelength above which the given mode cannot propagate. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of attributes has a specific value or a range of value.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the few mode optical fiber 100 exhibits bending losses. The bend losses correspond to the losses that the optical fiber exhibits when they are bent. The bending loss includes losses and micro bending losses. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the few mode optical fiber 100 exhibits macrobending loss less than 1.5 dB/turn for 16 mm bending radius at a wavelength of 1625 nm for Lp21 mode. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the few mode optical fiber 100 exhibits macrobending loss less than 0.5 dB/turn for 16 mm bending radius at a wavelength of 1625 nm for Lp11 mode.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the few mode optical fiber cable 100 has an effective area. Effective area determines how much energy the core can carry without causing non-linear type signal losses. The effective area of the mode is a measure of the area over which the energy in the electric field is distributed. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the few mode optical fiber 100 has an effective area in the range of 165 µm2 to 185µm2 for Lp01 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the few mode optical fiber 100 has an effective area in the range of 220µm2 to 250 µm2 for Lp11 mode and Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The effective area is measured by using the expression:

Effective area Aeff= [?¦?|E(r)|^2 rdr?]^2/(?¦?|E(r)|^4 rdr?)
wherein, ‘r’: radial distance from the centre.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the few mode optical fiber 100 has a differential group delay between Lp01 mode and Lp11 mode. The differential group delay is the difference in propagation time between the two eigen modes. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the differential group delay between Lp01 mode and Lp11 mode is less than 2.0 ns/km at a wavelength of 1550 nm. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the differential group delay between Lp11 mode and Lp21 mode is less than 2.5 ns/km at a wavelength of 1550 nm.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the few mode optical fiber 100 has a theoretical cut-off wavelength. The theoretical cut-off wavelength refers to the wavelength above which the given mode cannot propagate. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the theoretical cut-off wavelength for Lp11 mode is in the range of 2500 nm to 2900 nm. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the theoretical cut-off wavelength for Lp21 mode is in the range of 2000 nm to 2200 nm.

Going further, the few mode optical fiber 100 includes a core region 102 and a cladding region. The core region 102 is an inner part of the few mode optical fiber 100 and the cladding section is an outer part of the few mode optical fiber 100. Moreover, the core region 102 is defined by a region around a central longitudinal axis 120 of the few mode optical fiber 100 (As shown in the perspective view of the few mode optical fiber in FIG. 1B).

The refractive index profile determines a relationship between the refractive index of the few mode optical fiber 100 with a radius of the few mode optical fiber 100. Also, the refractive index profile is maintained as per a desired level based on a concentration of chemicals used for the production of the few mode optical fiber 100. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the production of the few mode optical fiber 100 is carried out after construction of an optical fiber preform.

Moreover, the refractive index profile of the few mode optical fiber 100 is determined during the manufacturing of the few mode optical fiber preform. The refractive index profile is determined based on a concentration of chemicals used during the manufacturing of the few mode optical fiber preform. The chemicals used for the manufacturing of the few mode optical fiber 100 include one or more materials and one or more dopants. Moreover, the one or more materials and the one or more dopants are deposited over a surface of an initial material by performing flame hydrolysis. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the initial material is a substrate rod or a tube. The deposition is done for achieving a pre-structure of the few mode optical fiber 100.

Further, the few mode optical fiber 100 is manufactured by performing a specific chemical deposition technique of a plurality of chemical deposition techniques. Each of the plurality of chemical deposition techniques performs a chemical vapor deposition over a surface of the initial material by flame hydrolysis or inside the initial material. The plurality of chemical deposition techniques includes a modified chemical vapor deposition technique, an outside vapor deposition technique, an axial vapor deposition technique and the like. Each of the plurality of chemical deposition techniques ensures a specific refractive index required. Also, each of the plurality of chemical deposition techniques manufactures the core region 102 and the cladding region of the few mode optical fiber 100.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the radius of the few mode optical fiber 100 is maintained under a pre-defined value set.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the Lp01 optical signals in the few mode optical fiber 100 will preferentially propagate in the first annular region 106 which is the central core region of the few mode optical fiber 100. Further, the Lp11 signals in the few mode optical fiber 100 will preferentially propagate in the fifth annular region 114 which is the high index ring region of the few mode optical fiber 100. Furthermore, the Lp21 signals in the few mode optical fiber 100 will preferentially propagate in the fifth annular region 118.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cladding region is defined by a different refractive index profile. Moreover, the refractive index profile of the core region 102 and the cladding region is shown through a single graph (as shown in the FIG. 2). Going further, the few mode optical fiber 100 includes the core region 102. The core region 102 has the refractive index profile (as shown in the FIG. 2). In addition, the few mode optical fiber 100 includes a plurality of regions in the core region 102 of the few mode optical fiber 100. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the core region 102 of the few mode optical fiber 100 is divided into the plurality of regions.

Each of the plurality of regions is defined by a corresponding refractive index and a corresponding radius. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refractive index of each of the plurality of regions of the core region 102 is different. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the radius of each of the plurality of regions of the core region 102 is different.

Further, the refractive index profile of the core region 102 of the few mode optical fiber 100 changes from the center of the optical fiber 100 to the radius of the core. Moreover, the refractive index of each of the plurality of regions of the core region 102 has a pre-defined range of value (mentioned below in detail). In addition, the radius of each of the plurality of regions of the core region 102 has a pre-defined range of value (mentioned below in detail). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pre-defined range of value of the refractive index is set to obtain controlled dispersion, minimized spatial overlap and bending losses.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pre-defined range of value of the refractive index of each of the plurality of regions is set to maintain the dispersion in pre-defined range or value. Further, the pre-defined range of the value of the core radius is optimized to enable the low bending losses. Furthermore, pre-defined range of the value of the core radius is optimized to reduce the dispersion of Lp01, Lp11 and Lp21 modes. In addition, each region of the plurality of regions has the corresponding refractive index value.

Further, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refractive index of each region of the plurality of regions is fixed over a cross-sectional area of each region. Going further, the core region 102 has a first annular region 106, a second annular region 108, a third annular region 110, a fourth annular region 112, a fifth annular region 114, a sixth annular region 116 and a seventh annular region 118. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of regions includes the first annular region 106, the second annular region 108, and the third annular region 110. In addition, the plurality of regions includes the fourth annular region 112, the fifth annular region 114, the sixth annular region 116 and the seventh annular region 118. Moreover, the first annular region 106, the second annular region 108, the third annular region 110, the fourth annular region 112, the fifth annular region 114, the sixth annular region 116 and the seventh annular region 118 are concentrically arranged.

Further, the second annular region 108 surrounds the first annular region 106, the third annular region 110 surrounds the second annular region 108 and the fourth annular region 112 surrounds the third annular region 110. Furthermore, the fifth annular region 114 surrounds the fourth annular region 112, the sixth annular region 116 surrounds the fifth annular region 114 and the seventh annular region 118 surrounds the sixth annular region 116. The first annular region 106, the second annular region 108, the third annular region 110, the fourth annular region 112, the fifth annular region 114, the sixth annular region 116 and the seventh annular region 118 is associated with the corresponding refractive index and the corresponding radius. (Mentioned below in detail).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first annular region 106 is the central core region. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the peak shaping parameter alpha (a) of the central core region is in the range of 2.7 to 3.1. The expression used for the profile for central core region is as follows:

n(r)=n_max (1-2??(r/r1)?^a )^(1/2)
wherein, r = r1;
r : radial position from center; and
a: radial distance; and
a (alpha) : the peak shaping parameter.

?%=?_1max%/e

wherein, e : natural algorithm; and
?1max: maximum refractive index of the first annular region.

Further, the refractive index of the annular regions 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116 and 118 is optimized to get different dispersion, minimized spatial overlap and low bending losses. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness and refractive index of annular regions 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116 and 118 is optimized to reduce the dispersion of the Lp01 mode, Lp11 mode and Lp21 mode.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refractive index and the radius are optimized based on a change in the concentration of a dopant used. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dopant includes germanium dioxide, phosphorous pentoxide, aluminium trioxide and the like.

Further, the radius of the first annular region 106, the second annular region 108, the third annular region 110, the fourth annular region 112, the fifth annular region 114, the sixth annular region 116 and the seventh annular region 118 is optimized for the low bending loss. Furthermore, the radius of all the annular regions including 106, 108, 110, 112,114, 116 and 118 is optimized for minimized spatial overlap and low differential group delay between the modes.

Going further, the first annular region 106 is between the central longitudinal axis 120 of the few mode optical fiber 100 and a first radius r1 from the central longitudinal axis 120 of the few mode optical fiber 100. The first annular region 106 has a first refractive index ?1. In addition, the second annular region 108 is between the first radius r1anda second radius r2 from the central longitudinal axis 120 of the few mode optical fiber 100. The second annular region 108 has a second refractive index ?2. Further, the third annular region 110 is between the second radius r2 and a third radius r3 from the central longitudinal axis 120 of the few mode optical fiber 100. The third annular region 110 has a third refractive index ?3. Furthermore, the fourth annular region 112 is between the third radius r3 and a fourth radius r4 from the central longitudinal axis 120 of the few mode optical fiber 100. The fourth annular region 112 has a fourth refractive index ?4. Furthermore, the fifth annular region 114 is between the fourth radius r4 and a fifth radius r5 from the central longitudinal axis 120 of the few mode optical fiber 100. The fifth annular region 114 has a fifth refractive index ?5.

Furthermore, the sixth annular region 116 is between the fifth radius r5 and a sixth radius r6 from the central longitudinal axis 120 of the few mode optical fiber 100. The sixth annular region 116 has a sixth refractive index ?6.

Furthermore, the seventh annular region 118 is between the sixth radius r6 and a seventh radius r7 from the central longitudinal axis 120 of the few mode optical fiber 100. The seventh annular region 118 has a seventh refractive index ?7.

The expression used for calculating the refractive index is produced below:

?%=100×((n_i^2-n_cl^2)/(2×n_i^2 ))

wherein, ncl: the average refractive index of the pure silica;
ni: the refractive index of the ith layer;
?%: the relative refractive index difference and given in percentage.

The first radius r1 is in the range of 3.9 microns to 4.1 microns. The first refractive index ?1 is in the range of 0.51 to 0.56. The second radius r2 is in the range of 4.6 microns to 5.1 microns. The second refractive index ?2 is zero. The third radius r3 is in the range of 7.8 microns to 8.6 microns. The third refractive index ?3 is in the range of 0.41 to 0.46. The fourth radius r4 is in the range of 8.0 microns to 9.0 microns. The fourth refractive index ?4 is zero. The fifth radius r5 is in the range of 11.0 microns to 12.3 microns. The fifth refractive index ?5 is in the range of 0.55 to 0.59. The sixth radius r6 is in the range of 11.5 microns to 12.8 microns. The sixth refractive index ?6 is zero. The seventh radius r7 is in the range of 13.6 microns to 14.8 microns. The seventh refractive index ?7 is in the range of 0.12 to 0.16.

The first annular region 106 is the central core region, the second annular region 108 is the buffer region and the third annular region 110 is the trench region. The trench region is a downdopant region in the optical fiber 100. Downdopant is a type of dopant which has the tendency to decrease the refractive index of glass with respect to pure. In addition, the fourth annular region 112 is the buffer region and the fifth annular region 114 is the high index ring region. Further, the sixth annular region is the buffer region and the seventh annular region is the trench region. The central core region and the high Index Ring region is an updopant region in the optical fiber cable 100. Updopant is a type of dopant which has the tendency to increase the refractive index of glass with respect to pure. The buffer region is undopant region and consist pure silica.

Further, the few mode optical fiber 100 includes a cladding. The cladding surrounds the core region 102. In addition, the cladding is concentrically arranged around the core region 102. Moreover, the cladding covers the core region 102. Further, the cladding is defined by a specific refractive index and a specific radius. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refractive index and the radius of the cladding is optimized for achieving the pre-defined value of the dispersion. The cladding is an eighth annular region 104 of the optical fiber 100. The eighth annular region 104 is between the seventh radius r7 and the eighth radius r8. The eighth annular region 104 concentrically surrounds the seventh annular region 118. The eighth radius r8 is in a range of 62.15 to 62.85 micron. The eighth refractive index ?8 is zero.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the value of the eighth refractive index ?8 is constant throughout a cross-sectional area of the eighth annular region 104 (as shown in the FIG. 2). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the eighth radius r8 of the eighth annular region 110 is fixed. Further, the value of the eighth refractive index ?8 and the eighth radius r8 is optimized for achieving the pre-defined value of the dispersion, the intermodal crosstalk and the bending losses.

FIG. 2 illustrates a refractive index profile 200 of the few mode optical fiber 100, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. It may be noted that to explain a graphical appearance of the refractive index profile 200, references will be made to the structural elements of the few mode optical fiber 100. The refractive index profile 200 illustrates a relationship between the refractive index of the few mode optical fiber 100 and the radius of the few mode optical fiber 100 (as stated above in the detailed description of the FIG. 1A). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refractive index profile 200 shows the change in the refractive index of the few mode optical fiber 100 with the radius of the few mode optical fiber 100.

Further, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first annular region 106 has high index region. The first annular region 106 is the central core region. The second annular region 108 is the buffer region. The third annular region 110 is the trench region. The fourth annular region 112 is the buffer region. The fifth annular region 114 is the high index ring region. The sixth annular region 116 is the buffer region. The seventh annular region 118 is the trench region. The eighth annular region 104 is the cladding region. The first radius r1 is in the range of 3.9 microns to 4.1 microns. The first refractive index ?1 is in the range of 0.51 to 0.56. The second radius r2 is in the range of 4.6 microns to 5.1 microns. The second refractive index ?2 is zero. The third radius r3 is in the range of 7.8 microns to 8.6 microns. The third refractive index ?3 is in the range of - 0.41 to - 0.46. The fourth radius r4 is in the range of 8.0 microns to 9.0 microns. The fourth refractive index ?4 is zero. The fifth radius r5 is in the range of 11.0 microns to 12.3 microns. The fifth refractive index ?5 is in the range of 0.55 to 0.59. The sixth radius r6 is in the range of 11.5 to 12.8 microns. The sixth refractive index ?6 is zero. The seventh radius r7 is in the range of 13.6 to 14.8. The seventh refractive index ?7 is - 0.12 to - 0.16. The eighth radius r8 is in the range of 62.15 to 62.85 micron. The eighth refractive index ?8 is 0. The peak shaping parameter alpha (a) of the central core region is in the range of 2.7 to 3.1.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the few mode optical fiber 100 is operated in the wavelength range of 1460 nm to 1625 nm in Lp01 mode, Lp11 mode and Lp21 mode. In addition, the few mode optical fiber is operated in ten modes. The ten modes include two degenerate Lp01 modes, four degenerate Lp11 modes and four degenerate Lp21 modes.

The various embodiments of the present disclosure for the optimization of radius, refractive index, dispersion, macrobending losses, mode field diameter, spatial overlap, effective area, differential group delay and theoretical cut-off wavelength is described below. Note that the definitions of all the terms and parameters used to explain the below mentioned embodiments are already explained in detail above.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the radius r1 of the first annular region 106 is 4.070 microns. The refractive index ?1 of the first annular region 106 is 0.554. The alpha (a) of the first annular region 106 which is the central core region is 2.800. The radius r2 of the second annular region 108 is 5.070 microns. The refractive index ?2 of the second annular region 108 is zero. The radius r3 of the third annular region 110 is 8.570 microns. The refractive index ?3 of the third annular region 110 is - 0.417. The radius r4 of the fourth annular region 112 is 8.870 microns. The refractive index ?4of the fourth annular region 112 is zero. The radius r5 of the fifth annular region 114 is 12.270 microns. The refractive index ?5 of the fifth annular region 114 is 0.569. The radius r6 of the sixth annular region 116 is 12.770 microns. The refractive index ?6of the sixth annular region 116 is zero. The radius r7 of the seventh annular region 118 is 14.77 microns. The refractive index ?7 of the seventh annular region 118 is - 0.14. The radius r8 of the eighth annular region 104 is 62.5 microns. The refractive index ?8 of the eighth annular region 104 is 0.00.

The dispersion is 1.760 Ps/nm×km for Lp01 mode at a wavelength of 1460 nm. The dispersion is 5.000 Ps/nm×km for Lp11 mode at a wavelength of 1460nm. The dispersion is 7.000 Ps/nm×km for Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1460nm. The dispersion is 6.630 Ps/nm×km for Lp01 mode at a wavelength of 1530 nm. The dispersion is 9.550 Ps/nm×km for Lp11 mode at a wavelength of 1530 nm. The dispersion is 11.350 Ps/nm×km for Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1530 nm. The dispersion is 8.000 Ps/nm×km for Lp01 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The dispersion is 10.700 Ps/nm×km for Lp11 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The dispersion is 12.5 Ps/nm×km for Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The dispersion is 8.960 Ps/nm×km for Lp01 mode at a wavelength of 1565 nm. The dispersion is 11.500 Ps/nm×km for Lp11 mode at a wavelength of 1565 nm. The dispersion is 13.34 Ps/nm×km for Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1565 nm. The dispersion is 12.630 Ps/nm×km for Lp01 mode at a wavelength of 1625 nm. The dispersion is 15.000 Ps/nm×km for Lp11 mode at a wavelength of 1625 nm. The dispersion is 16.48 Ps/nm×km for Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1625 nm.

The optical fiber has a dispersion curve slope of 0.064 Ps/nm×km for Lp01 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The optical fiber has a dispersion curve slope of 0.070 Ps/nm×km for Lp11 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The optical fiber has a dispersion curve slope of 0.0538 Ps/nm×km for Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm.

The macrobend loss for Lp11 mode in the optical fiber 100 is 0.003 dB/turn for 16 mm bending radius at a wavelength of 1625 nm. The macrobend loss for Lp21 mode in the optical fiber 100 is 0.1 dB/turn for 16 mm bending radius at a wavelength of 1625 nm. The effective area of the optical fiber 100 is 170 µm2 for Lp01 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The effective area of the optical fiber 100 is 245 µm2 for Lp11 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The effective area of the optical fiber 100 is 248 µm2 for Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm.

The theoretical cut-off wavelength for Lp11 mode is 2797 nm. The theoretical cut-off wavelength for Lp21 mode is 2165 nm. The differential group delay between Lp01 mode and Lp11 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm is 1.3000 ns/km. The differential group delay between Lp11 mode and Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm is 1.9000 ns/km.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the radius r1 of the first annular region 106 is 4.000 microns. The refractive index ?1 of the first annular region 106 is 0.537. The alpha (a) of the first annular region 106 which is the central core region is 3.000. The radius r2 of the second annular region 108 is 4.700 microns. The refractive index ?2 of the second annular region 108 is zero. The radius r3 of the third annular region 110 is 7.900 microns. The refractive index ?3 of the third annular region 110 is -0.450. The radius r4 of the fourth annular region 112 is 8.000 microns. The refractive index ?4 of the fourth annular region 112 is zero. The radius r5 of the fifth annular region 114 is 11.200 microns. The refractive index ?5 of the fifth annular region 114 is 0.582. The radius r6 of the sixth annular region 116 is 11.700 microns. The refractive index ?6 of the sixth annular region 116 is zero. The radius r7 of the seventh annular region 118 is 13.70 microns. The refractive index ?7 of the seventh annular region 118 is -0.14. The radius r8 of the eighth annular region 104 is 62.8 microns. The refractive index ?8 of the eighth annular region 104 is zero.

The dispersion is 0.900 Ps/nm×km for Lp01 mode at a wavelength of 1460 nm. The dispersion is 3.240 Ps/nm×km for Lp11 mode at a wavelength of 1460 nm. The dispersion is 5.210 Ps/nm×km for Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1460 nm. The dispersion is 5.610 Ps/nm×km for Lp01 mode at a wavelength of 1530 nm. The dispersion is 7.690 Ps/nm×km for Lp11 mode at a wavelength of 1530 nm. The dispersion is 9.190 Ps/nm×km for Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1530 nm. The dispersion is 6.950 Ps/nm×km for Lp01 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The dispersion is 8.910 Ps/nm×km for Lp11 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The dispersion is 10.28 Ps/nm×km for Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The dispersion is 7.830 Ps/nm×km for Lp01 mode at a wavelength of 1565 nm. The dispersion is 9.740 Ps/nm×km for Lp11 mode at a wavelength of 1565 nm. The dispersion is 10.95 Ps/nm×km for Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1565 nm. The dispersion is 11.770 Ps/nm×km for Lp01 mode at a wavelength of 1625 nm. The dispersion is 13.260 Ps/nm×km for Lp11 mode at a wavelength of 1625 nm. The dispersion is 13.75 Ps/nm×km for Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1625 nm.

The optical fiber has a dispersion curve slope of 0.062 Ps/nm×km for Lp01 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The optical fiber has a dispersion curve slope of 0.061 Ps/nm×km. for Lp11 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The optical fiber has a dispersion curve slope of 0.0572 Ps/nm×km for Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The macrobend loss for Lp11 mode in the optical fiber 100 is 0.027 dB/turn for 16 mm bending radius at a wavelength of 1625 nm. The macrobend loss for Lp21 mode in the optical fiber 100 is 1.06 dB/turn for 16 mm bending radius at a wavelength of 1625 nm. The effective area of the optical fiber 100 is 180 µm2 for Lp01 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The effective area of the optical fiber 100 is 220 µm2 for Lp11 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The effective area of the optical fiber 100 is 225 µm2 for Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The theoretical cut-off wavelength for Lp11 mode is 2684 nm. The theoretical cut-off wavelength for Lp21 mode is 2063 nm. The differential group delay between Lp01 mode and Lp11 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm is 1.7000 ns/km. The differential group delay between Lp11 mode and Lp21 mode at a wavelength of 1550 nm is 2.1000 ns/km.

Going further, the present disclosure provides numerous advantages over the prior art. The present disclosure provides the few mode optical fiber with controlled dispersion, minimized spatial overlap and low bending losses. In addition, the present disclosure, the few mode optical fiber is operated in Lp01 mode, Lp11 mode and Lp21 mode. In addition, the few mode optical fiber is operated in ten modes including two degenerate Lp01 modes, four Lp11 modes and four Lp21 modes.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present technology have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present technology to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present technology and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present technology and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present technology.

While several possible embodiments of the disclosure have been described above and illustrated in some cases, it should be interpreted and understood as to have been presented only by way of illustration and example, but not by limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.