Microresonator frequency comb based high-speed transmission of intensity modulated direct detection data

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Communications
• Integrated Photonics
• Data Center Technology

Background:

• Long-haul data transmission relies on coherent communications for ultra-high bandwidth.
• Data center communications require cost-sensitive solutions for shorter reaches.
• Integrated microresonator frequency combs offer potential for high-speed fiber optic data transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the use of microresonator frequency combs for high-speed Intensity Modulation Direct Detection (IMDD) data transmission.
• To assess the performance of microresonator-based comb lines with advanced intensity modulators.
• To evaluate the suitability of this technology for data center transceivers.

Main Methods:

• Utilized microresonator frequency combs pumped by a single laser.
• Implemented Intensity Modulation Direct Detection (IMDD) formats, including non-return-to-zero (NRZ) and Pulse Amplitude Modulation 4 (PAM4).
• Tested data transmission over various optical fiber lengths (6 km and 20 km).

Main Results:

• Achieved error-free transmission of 30 Gbps NRZ data over 6 km.
• Demonstrated bit error rates below the Forward Error Correction (FEC) limit for 30 Gbps NRZ over 20 km.
• Quantified error rates below FEC limit for 60 Gbps and 42 Gbps PAM4 data over 6 km and 20 km, respectively.

Conclusions:

• Microresonator frequency combs modulated with IMDD formats are a viable technology for high-speed data transmission.
• This approach shows promise for the data center transceiver industry.
• The results validate the integration of microresonator combs with advanced modulation techniques for future optical networks.