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Unipolar quantum optoelectronics for high speed direct modulation and transmission in 8-14 µm atmospheric window.
Hamza Dely1, Mahdieh Joharifar2, Laureline Durupt3
1Laboratoire de Physique de l'ENS, Département de Physique, École Normale Supérieure, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, CNRS, 75005, Paris, France. hamza.dely@ens.fr.
Nature Communications
|September 13, 2024
Summary
Researchers demonstrate a novel long-wave infrared free-space optical communication system using quantum optoelectronic devices. This system achieves over 55 Gbit/s, paving the way for faster optical data transmission.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Infrared Spectroscopy
- Optical Communication
Background:
- The mid-infrared (MIR) spectrum, particularly the 8-14 µm long-wave infrared (LWIR) atmospheric window, offers potential for free-space optical (FSO) communication due to low loss and atmospheric resilience.
- Viable transceiver technologies have historically limited the exploitation of this spectral region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a direct modulation and direct detection LWIR FSO communication system operating at 9.1 µm.
- To achieve unprecedented net bitrates exceeding 55 Gbit/s using unipolar quantum optoelectronic devices.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a directly modulated distributed feedback quantum cascade laser (DFB-QCL) as the transmitter, featuring high modulation efficiency and an improved RF design.
- Employed two high-speed meta-material enhanced detectors as receivers: a quantum cascade detector (QCD) and a quantum-well infrared photodetector (QWIP).
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated an LWIR FSO communication system at 9.1 µm.
- Achieved a net bitrate exceeding 55 Gbit/s, a significant advancement for this technology.
Conclusions:
- The developed system highlights the potential of unipolar quantum optoelectronic devices for high-speed LWIR FSO communication.
- Identified pathways for future advancements, targeting communication speeds beyond 100 Gbit/s.
