Using single wavelength light to improve the synchronization accuracy of the White Rabbit system

We demonstrate a new synchronization method for the White Rabbit system. Signals are transmitted in a single mode fiber in both directions with the same light wavelength. Without the complex calibration process of the fiber asymmetry parameter, the new method reduces the effect of chromatic dispersion and improves the synchronization accuracy. The experiment achieves timing synchronization accuracy below 200 ps over 50 km fiber constructed by different companies＇ fiber spools. The proposed method would make White Rabbit technology immune to the chromatic dispersion of fiber links and can be applied to long distance synchronization.

Upconversion Nanoparticles-Encoded Hydrogel Microbeads-Based Multiplexed Protein Detection

Fluorescently encoded microbeads are in demand for multiplexed applications in different fields.Compared to organic dye-based commercially available Luminex's x MAP technology, upconversion nanoparticles(UCNPs) are better alternatives due to their large antiStokes shift, photostability, nil background, and single wavelength excitation. Here, we developed a new multiplexed detection system using UCNPs for encoding poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate(PEGDA) microbeads as well as for labeling reporter antibody. However, to prepare UCNPs-encoded microbeads, currently used swellingbased encapsulation leads to non-uniformity, which is undesirable for fluorescence-based multiplexing. Hence,we utilized droplet microfluidics to obtain encoded microbeads of uniform size, shape, and UCNPs distribution inside. Additionally, PEGDA microbeads lack functionality for probe antibodies conjugation on their surface.Methods to functionalize the surface of PEGDA microbeads(acrylic acid incorporation, polydopamine coating)reported thus far quench the fluorescence of UCNPs. Here,PEGDA microbeads surface was coated with silica followed by carboxyl modification without compromising the fluorescence intensity of UCNPs. In this study, droplet microfluidics-assisted UCNPs-encoded microbeads of uniform shape, size, and fluorescence were prepared.Multiple color codes were generated by mixing UCNPs emitting red and green colors at different ratios prior to encapsulation. UCNPs emitting blue color were used to label the reporter antibody. Probe antibodies were covalently immobilized on red UCNPs-encoded microbeads for specific capture of human serum albumin(HSA) as a model protein. The system was also demonstrated for multiplexed detection of both human C-reactive protein(hCRP) and HSA protein by immobilizing anti-h CRP antibodies on green UCNPs.

Dual-polarization wavelength conversion of 16-QAM signals in a single silicon waveguide with a lateral p-i-n diode[Invited]

A polarization-diversity loop with a silicon waveguide with a lateral p-i-n diode as a nonlinear medium is used to realize polarization insensitive four-wave mixing. Wavelength conversion of seven dual-polarization 16-quadrature amplitude modulation(QAM) signals at 16 GBd is demonstrated with an optical signal-to-noise ratio penalty below 0.7 dB. High-quality converted signals are generated thanks to the low polarization dependence(≤0.5 dB) and the high conversion efficiency(CE) achievable. The strong Kerr nonlinearity in silicon and the decrease of detrimental free-carrier absorption due to the reverse-biased p-i-n diode are key in ensuring high CE levels.

Single to 16-Channel Wavelength Conversion at 10 Gb/s Based on Cross-Gain Modulation of ASE in SOA

Based on cross-gain modulation of Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE) in Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA), single to 16-channel wavelength conversion at 10Gb/s is first demonstrated simultaneously without any additional probe lights.

Efficiency and Output Power Evaluation of a Wavelength Converter Based on FWM in a Single Mode Fiber

A frequency domain analysis is presented to determine the performance characteristics of a tunable all-optical wavelength converter using four-wave mixing (FWM) in a single mode fiber (SMF) around the zero dispersion wavelength using two pump lasers. The output converted signal power as well as efficiency evaluated at a bit rate of 10 Gb/s show that the signal power is substantially higher at lower values of wavelength separation.