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Nanosecond tunable laser for the all-optical switching network.
Applied Optics
|January 6, 2023
Summary
A novel laser array enables ultra-fast wavelength switching for optically switched networks, crucial for bridging the gap between data traffic and electrical switch capacity. This technology achieves switching times under 10 nanoseconds.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Optical Communications
- Data Center Networking
- Semiconductor Lasers
Background:
- Moore's Law slowdown necessitates advanced solutions for growing datacenter traffic.
- Optically switched networks offer a path to overcome limitations of electrical switches.
- Ultra-high-speed wavelength tunable lasers are critical for all-optical switching system performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To realize a fast tunable laser array for high-speed optical switching.
- To design a drive control system for stable and rapid wavelength switching.
- To investigate the switching performance of a 2x8 laser array.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a 2x8 laser array using the reconstruction-equivalent-chirp (REC) technique.
- Development of a drive control system for precise wavelength tuning.
- Simulation and experimental validation of laser switching characteristics.
Main Results:
- Achieved switching time between any two wavelength channels of less than 10 nanoseconds.
- Demonstrated a 2-3 nanosecond reduction in switching time with pre-emphasis processing.
- Confirmed stable wavelength performance post-switching.
Conclusions:
- The developed laser array and control system meet the demands for high-speed optical switching.
- REC technique enables efficient fabrication of integrated laser arrays.
- Pre-emphasis electrical signal processing further enhances switching speed in optical networks.
