MT9100A enables simultaneous testing of up to four cores in a multicore optical fiber, supporting efficient and accurate evaluation from R&D and production to optical network building and operation.
As the use of AI and cloud services has spread in recent years, submarine optical cables and optical communication cables connecting data centers require increasingly larger transmission capacity. Since the conventional single-mode optical fiber cable has a single optical transmission path (core) in a single optical fiber, the transmission capacity per optical fiber is limited. This has created the need for new technologies that provide even larger capacity. The multicore fiber, which is one of the Spatial Division Multiplexing (SDM) technologies, is attracting attention as a solution to overcome this challenge.
Multicore fiber has multiple independent cores within a single cladding, allowing significantly larger transmission capacity. However, when integrating multicore fibers into communication infrastructure, evaluating their characteristics is essential because inter-core crosstalk [*] can degrade optical signal quality. To understand what causes crosstalk variations at every stage from R&D and manufacturing to network construction and operation, engineers need a highly reliable measurement method.
The multi-channel fiber tester MT9100A is the industry‘s first OTDR capable of evaluating the transmission quality of a multicore fiber. A single MT9100A unit can visualize not only transmission loss and reflection but also inter-core crosstalk, which greatly affects the quality of optical transmission signals, in units of a certain distance with high accuracy. Anritsu delivers exceptional value for various use cases, from research and development of multicore fibers to the construction, operation, and manufacturing of advanced optical networks, supporting engineers in expanding the possibilities. These features make the MT9100A suitable for the era of multicore fibers.
Anristu MT9100A Multi Channel Fiber Tester
Ideal for the verification of optical transmission characteristics during R&D, manufacturing, and field tests of multicore fibers (MCF)
Common
Industry's first [*1] four-channel OTDR capable of measuring Inter-core crosstalk [*2] between optical transmission paths (cores) of a multicore fiber
Capable of measuring up to four cores simultaneously and visualizing optical transmission characteristics of optical transmission loss and reflection, and inter-core crosstalk in the direction of distances
For R&D and field tests
An automatic pass/fail judgment function helps identify points of failure in a multicore fiber and determine their causes.
The battery-powered portable tester enables tests to be conducted even in an environment where it is difficult to secure a power supply.
The evaluation can be completed just by testing one end of the cable. No operator or measuring instrument is required on the other end, reducing the on-site workload substantially.
For manufacturing
The tester can evaluate optical transmission characteristics of multiple cores simultaneously in a single action without the need to switch the optical fiber connection. This increases work efficiency significantly compared to the conventional power-meter method.
A pass/fail judgment threshold that is preset, taking crosstalk into account, allows a pass/fail judgment to be made automatically based on measurement results.
The industry's first OTDR designed for multicore fiber testing provides highly accurate and efficient measurement and analysis capabilities. It supports R&D and manufacturing of multicore fibers as well as every stage of network construction and operation. This innovative solution enables engineers to improve work quality and boost productivity by streamlining testing processes.
[*1] As of November 2025; based on our research
[*2] Inter-core crosstalk
A phenomenon in which an optical signal propagated over a specific core in a multicore fiber leaks to an adjacent core, interfering with the optical signal of that core. An increase in crosstalk worsens the signal-to-noise ratio, degrading the quality of communication.
