Demonstration of an error-free and equalization-free data transmission system based on CMOS compatible GeSi devices

We demonstrate an error-free data transmission system without equalization, where both transmitter and receiver are fabricated using complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible germanium-silicon (GeSi) processes. By utilizing a germanium-based electro absorption modulator (EAM) and a photodetector (PD), experimental results show that the L-band transmission system can achieve error-free transmission of 32 G baud non-return-to-zero (NRZ) signals. This work paves the way for mass production of direct link systems, providing a small size, low cost, and low latency solution for board-to-board communication applications. It is also anticipated that the co-fabrication of optical and circuit devices will become a possibility.