Optical PAM-4 generation through polarization multiplexing in single-polarization single-mode VCSELs

Nikos Iliadis, Giannis Kanakis, Nikolaos Argyris, Christos Spatharakis, Paraskevas Bakopoulos, Hercules Avramopoulos, Silvia Spiga, Marcus Christian Amann

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

PAM-4 modulation is considered a key enabler for scaling capacity in datacenter networks, due to its bandwidth efficiency and implementation simplicity. We propose a novel technique for optical generation of four-level signals by means of polarization multiplexing, leveraging the single-polarization operation of a double-mesa single-mode VCSEL with 20.5 GHz 3-dB bandwidth. The scheme obviates the need for linear electronic drivers and circumvents the requirement for driving the VCSEL in its linear regime. Experimental results verify the scheme, exhibiting BER within FEC standards at 28 Gb/s. Comparison with an electrical PAM-4 modulated VCSEL demonstrates superior performance of the proposed concept.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2016 IEEE International Conference on Electronics, Circuits and Systems, ICECS 2016
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages360-363
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781509061136
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
Event23rd IEEE International Conference on Electronics, Circuits and Systems, ICECS 2016 - Monte Carlo, Monaco
Duration: 11 Dec 201614 Dec 2016

Publication series

Name2016 IEEE International Conference on Electronics, Circuits and Systems, ICECS 2016

Conference

Conference23rd IEEE International Conference on Electronics, Circuits and Systems, ICECS 2016
Country/TerritoryMonaco
CityMonte Carlo
Period11/12/1614/12/16

Keywords

  • optical interconnects
  • polarization division multiplexing
  • quaternary pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM-4)
  • vertical cavity surface emitting lasers

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