Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
09:43
Transmission of Multiple Signals through an Optical Fiber Using Wavefront Shaping
Published on: March 20, 2017
10.3K
Ultra-wideband optical diffractive network for mode multiplexing across the entire telecommunication range
Aru Kong1,2, Jianxin Ren3, Kaihui Wang4
1Nanophotonics Research Centre, Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics & State Key Laboratory of Radio Frequency Heterogeneous Integration, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
Nature Communications
|December 5, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed an ultra-wideband mode multiplexing system covering O, E, S, C, L, and U bands. This breakthrough enhances spectrum utilization for future ultra-high-speed communication networks.
Area of Science:
- Optical Communications
- Photonics
- Telecommunications Engineering
Background:
- Growing data traffic necessitates advanced multiplexing technologies.
- Current research concentrates on C+L band hybrid multiplexing, aiming for over 10 Pb/s capacities.
- Ultra-wideband (UWB) space division multiplexing (SDM) systems offer expanded spectrum for increased transmission capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and validate a comprehensive model for an ultra-wideband (O+E+S+C+L+U) wavelength-mode hybrid division multiplexing transmission system.
- To enhance spectrum utilization and transmission capacity in optical communication systems.
- To design and characterize a UWB mode multiplexer for broadband applications.
Main Methods:
- Development of a comprehensive model for an O+E+S+C+L+U ultra-wideband mode multiplexing transmission system.
- Design of a 4-linearly polarized mode multiplexer using an ultra-wideband optical diffractive network and an end-to-end inverse design algorithm.
- Experimental validation of the mode multiplexer's performance, including mode purity, mode crosstalk, and operational bandwidth.
Main Results:
- The designed mode multiplexer achieved over 90% mode purity and mode crosstalk below -17 dB.
- In back-to-back systems, the multiplexer-demultiplexer exhibited crosstalk below -8.87 dB.
- Experimental validation confirmed a supported bandwidth exceeding 420 nm across O, E, S, C, L, and U bands.
- Demonstrated efficacy in broadband wavelength-mode hybrid division multiplexing communications.
Conclusions:
- The proposed ultra-wideband wavelength-mode hybrid division multiplexing system significantly enhances spectrum utilization.
- The developed mode multiplexer exhibits excellent performance metrics (mode purity, crosstalk) and broad bandwidth compatibility.
- This technology promises highly efficient ultra-high-speed communication systems for future applications, compatible with existing infrastructure.
