Rapidly increasing data traffic requires the development of compact optical transmitters and receivers capable of higher-order multilevel modulation and faster data transmission rates.
To address this need, researchers have developed a new compact indium phosphide (InP)-based coherent driver modulator (CDM) that outperforms other products in terms of baud rate and transmission capacity per wavelength. did.
Revolutionizing optical data transmission
CDM is a critical component of optical communication systems because it encodes information into light by modulating its amplitude and phase before transmitting it through optical fiber.
Josuke Ozaki of Japan’s NTT Innovative Devices Corporation emphasizes the importance of optical transmission systems with increased data speeds in enabling services such as video distribution and web conferencing.
“Services that require data capacity, such as video streaming and web conferencing services, are becoming more widespread, and it is expected that services that will enrich our lives will appear in the future,” Ozaki says.
The lack of sufficient optical transmission capacity is an issue in realizing new convenient services and building a data-driven society.
Amazing potential of new optical transmitters
Further benefits of developing optical transmitters that cover the C+L band in a single module are facilitating flexible network operations and reducing equipment costs.
Mr. Ozaki will present these impressive results at OFC, the premier global event in optical communications and networking, scheduled to be held as a hybrid event from March 24-28, 2024 at the San Diego Convention Center.
Baud rate indicates the number of signal changes that occur on a communication channel per second and serves as a measure of data transmission speed.
Higher baud rates require more bandwidth for each modulated signal, so fewer channels are transmitted in the traditional C-band.
Therefore, it becomes essential to extend the wavelength bandwidth from the C band to the L band (collectively referred to as the C+L band).
InP modulation chip enables high-speed data transmission
Modulators made from InP semiconductors exhibit excellent optical and high-frequency properties.
However, these modulators face challenges in extending their wavelength range due to their strong wavelength dependence.
Researchers have overcome this obstacle by developing an innovative InP modulator chip with an optimized semiconductor layer and waveguide structure that can operate over a wide range.
Using this new modulator chip, we achieved the world’s first CDM using an InP modulator chip that can transmit in the C+L band. Surprisingly, the package itself measures just 11.9 x 29.8 x 4.35 mm³.
The new CDM, operating in the C+L band, exhibited an electro-optic 3 dB bandwidth over 90 GHz, an insertion loss of less than 8 dB at maximum transmission, and an extinction ratio of more than 28 dB.
Uncovering the capabilities of InP modulator chips
To demonstrate the capabilities of the new CDM, researchers conducted experiments using a 180 Gbaud stochastic constellation-shaped 144-level quadrature amplitude modulation (PCS-144QAM) signal.
The results were impressive: a net bit rate of 1.8 Tbps (terabytes per second) was achieved over 80 kilometers of standard single-mode fiber in the C+L band.
This was the first demonstration of InP-based CDM operating in the C+L band and set a world record for per-wavelength transmission capacity in CDM.
CDM alpha samples are now ready to ship from NTT Innovative Devices Corporation.
According to Ozaki, the next step is to further increase the baud rate to achieve even faster transmission speeds.
To achieve this, new modulator structures and assembly configurations, including the driver die and package, must be developed to achieve higher electro-optic bandwidth while reducing power consumption and form factor. .
Transmission breakthroughs fuel a data-driven society
In summary, the development of compact indium phosphide (InP)-based coherent driver modulators (CDMs) represents a major advance in the field of optical communications and networking.
With the highest baud rate and transmission capacity per wavelength in history, this breakthrough technology opens up new possibilities for data transmission in an era of increasing data traffic.
This new CDM sets a world record by achieving an unprecedented net bit rate of 1.8 Tbps (terabytes per second) over 80 kilometers in the C+L band, demonstrating its potential to revolutionize optical communication systems. Masu.
The research presented at OFC by Jouke Ozaki and his team demonstrates the immense potential of InP modulator chips and their impact on achieving fast, efficient, and reliable data transmission.
As the demand for faster data rates and increased optical transmission capacity increases, advances in the development of CDM will play a key role in enabling future services and shaping a data-driven society.
About OFC
OFC is the leading global event for optical communications and networking, drawing attendees from around the world to a conference and exhibition showcasing the industry’s latest advances and emerging technologies.
The event provides a platform for startups to showcase their innovations and for industry leaders to set the course for the future. An exciting series of programs and events will comprehensively cover the entire ecosystem with a focus on inclusivity.
About Optica
Optica (formerly known as OSA) is an association dedicated to the advancement of optics and photonics around the world. Since its founding in 1916, Optica has been the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students, and others interested in the science of light.
Optica actively promotes the generation, application, archiving and dissemination of knowledge in this field. Through its prestigious publications, conferences, online resources, and in-person activities, Optica advances discovery, shapes real-world applications, and accelerates achievements in science, technology, and education. For more information, please visit Optica.org.
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