基于多芯少模光纤的空分复用技术被认为是解决传统单模光纤通信容量危机的可行方案。同时，随着支撑空分复用技术的光纤器件的快速发展和逐步成熟，空分复用技术亦可以应用于多参量分布式传感，解决传统基于单模光纤的单参量传感器交叉敏感性问题。文章综述了近年来少模光纤、多芯光纤、多芯少模光纤的设计制备及测试研究，也总结了这些特种光纤在光纤传输与光纤传感上的应用进展,在此基础上，对多芯少模光纤的传输与传感应用的研究前景与方向进行了展望。

Spatial Division Multiplexing (SDM) using either few-mode or multi-core fiber is regarded as one of potential solutions to solve future capacity crunch of traditional Standard Single Mode Fiber (SSMF). Meanwhile, thanks to the successful development of some critical SDM device, SDM technique can also be applied for distributed fiber optical sensor with multiple parameters simultaneous monitoring, in order to solve the cross sensitivity of traditional SSMF-based fiber sensor with single parameter monitoring. We review recent progress of few-mode fibers, multi-core fibers, multi-core few-mode fibers, in term of design, fabrication and characterization. Moreover, recent progress of those specialty fibers for SDM transmission and fiber sensor applications are presented. Finally, the prospect of the transmission and sensing applications using either few-mode or multi-core fiber are summarized.