Multicore optical fibre and fibre-optic delay line based on it

The first switchable fibre-optic delay line based on a 1300-m-long multicore optical fibre has been fabricated and investigated. We have obtained signal delay times of up to 45 μs at 6.43-μs intervals. Sequential signal propagation through the cores of the multicore optical fibre makes it possible to reduce the fibre length necessary for obtaining a predetermined delay time, which is important for reducing the weight and dimensions of devices based on the use of fibre-optic delay lines.