Real-Time 4-Mode MDM Transmission Using Commercial 400G OTN Transceivers and All-Fiber Mode Multiplexers

Weakly-coupled mode division multiplexing(MDM)technique is considered a promising candidate to enhance the capacity of an optical transmission system,in which mode multiplexers/demultiplexers(MMUX/MDEMUX)with low insertion loss and modal crosstalk are the key components.In this paper,a low-modal-crosstalk 4-mode MMUX/MDEMUX for the weakly-coupled triple-ring-core few-mode fiber(TRC-FMF)is designed and fabricated with side-polishing processing.The measurement results show that a pair of MMUX/MDEMUX and 25 km weakly-coupled TRC-FMF MDM link achieve low modal crosstalk of lower than−17.5 dB and insertion loss of lower than 11.56 dB for all the four modes.Based on the TRC-FMF and all-fiber MMUX/MDEMUX,an experiment for 25 km real-time 4-mode 3-λwavelength division multiplexing(WDM)-MDM transmission is conducted using commercial 400G optical transport network(OTN)transceivers.The experimental results prove weakly-coupled MDM techniques facilitate a smooth upgrade of the optical transmission system.

New Passenger Services in Railway Stations Based on Mode Group Diversity Multiplexing Optical Fiber Communications

Nowadays, because of its wide bandwidth and high communication capability, the optical fiber is more and more used for high data rate transmission of information in railway environments. Conventionally, only one service is sent over the fiber at a time. However, many different services can be simultaneously conveyed in railway stations such as passenger information service, cellular phone, Wi-Fi... The objective of the work proposed in this paper is to demonstrate the potential benefits of transmitting radio signals over fiber in a railway environment. The main idea is to exploit the full capacity of the fiber by transmitting multiple services using the same fiber. Since, different services are operating in different frequency bands; we propose a new multiplexing technique called Mode Group Diversity Multiplexing （MGDM） to ensure the transmission of multiple services using the same fiber, without additional infrastructure. There are numerous advantages of the proposed technique, e.g., faster and reliable data exchange, high resolution video surveillance capability, high data rate information exchange in railway stations. We present, in this paper, the physical characteristics of optical fibers, performance of MGDM multiplexing technique, and the influence of the laser excitation conditions at the entrance of the fiber on the performances of the system.

4.096 Tbit/s multidimensional multiplexing signals transmission over 1000 km few mode fiber

We experimentally transmit eight wavelength-division-multiplexing(WDM)channels,16 quadratic-amplitude-modulation(QAM)signals at 32-GBaud,over 1000 km few mode fiber(FMF).In this experiment,we use WDM,mode division multiplexing,and polarization multiplexing for signal transmission.Through the multiple-input-multiple-output(MIMO)equalization algorithms,we achieve the total line transmission rate of 4.096 Tbit/s.The results prove that the bit error rates(BERs)for the16QAM signals after 1000 km FMF transmission are below the soft-decision forward-error-correction(SD-FEC)threshold of2.4×10^(-2),and the net rate reaches 3.413 Tbit/s.Our proposed system provides a reference for the future development of high-capacity communication.

Transfer-learning multi-input multi-output equalizer for mode-division multiplexing systems

We propose a transfer-learning multi-input multi-output(TL-MIMO)scheme to significantly reduce the required training complexity for converging the equalizers in mode-division multiplexing(MDM)systems.Based on a built three-mode(LP01,LP11a,and LP11b)multiplexed experimental system,we thoughtfully investigate the TL-MIMO performances on the three-typed data,collecting from different sampling times,launching optical powers,and inputting optical signal-to-noise ratios(OSNRs).A dramatic reduction of approximately 40%–83.33%in the required training complexity is achieved in all three scenarios.Furthermore,the good stability of TL-MIMO in both the launched powers and OSNR test bands has also been proved.

Mode division multiplexing reconstructive spectrometer with an all-fiber photonics lantern

This study presents a high-accuracy,all-fber mode division multiplexing(MDM)reconstructive spectrometer(RS).The MDM was achieved by utilizing a custom-designed 3×1 mode-selective photonics lantern to launch distinct spatial modes into the multimode fber(MMF).This facilitated the information transmission by increasing light scattering processes,thereby encoding the optical spectra more comprehensively into speckle patterns.Spectral resolution of 2 pm and the recovery of 2000 spectral channels were accomplished.Compared to methods employing single-mode excitation and two-mode excitation,the three-mode excitation method reduced the recovered error by 88%and 50%respectively.A resolution enhancement approach based on alternating mode modulation was proposed,reaching the MMF limit for the 3 dB bandwidth of the spectral correlation function.The proof-of-concept study can be further extended to encompass diverse programmable mode excitations.It is not only succinct and highly efcient but also well-suited for a variety of high-accuracy,high-resolution spectral measurement scenarios.

High modulation efficiency thin-film lithium niobate modulator using a three-mode folded phase shifter[Invited]

In this study,we proposed and experimentally demonstrated an electro-optic modulator with a small footprint and high modulation efficiency,achieved through the utilization of a mode-folded phase shifter with lumped electrodes.The threemode phase shifter recycles the light three times with different waveguide modes while leading to a pronounced tightening of the optical field confinement.We experimentally obtained a 3.7-times improvement in the modulation efficiency.A low V_(π)L for thin-film lithium niobate(TFLN)Mach-Zehnder modulators of 1 V·cm is realized with a device footprint of 2.7 mm×0.6 mm(0.5 mm for the phase shifter).Even greater improvements in modulation efficiency can be expected through the incorporation of additional modes.

Optical multiplexing techniques and their marriage for on-chip and optical fiber communication:a review

Herein,an attention-grabbing and up-to-date review related to major multiplexing techniques is presented which in-cludes wavelength division multiplexing(WDM),polarization division multiplexing(PDM),space division multiplexing(SDM),mode division multiplexing(MDM)and orbital angular momentum multiplexing(OAMM).Multiplexing is a mech-anism by which multiple signals are combined into a shared channel used to showcase the maximum capacity of the op-tical links.However,it is critical to develop hybrid multiplexing methods to allow enhanced channel numbers.In this re-view,we have also included hybrid multiplexing techniques such as WDM-PDM,WDM-MDM and PDM-MDM.It is prob-able to attain N×M channels by utilizing N wavelengths and M guided-modes by simply utilizing hybrid WDM-MDM(de)multiplexers.To the best of our knowledge,this review paper is one of its kind which has highlighted the most prom-inent and recent signs of progress in multiplexing techniques in one place.

Mode division multiplexed holography by out-of-plane scattering of plasmon/guided modes

We design and demonstrate a type of multiplexed hologram by nanoscatterers inside a dielectric-loaded plasmonic waveguide with guided-wave illuminations. The mode division multiplexed hologram（MDMH） is fulfilled by the scattering of guided waves to free space with respect to different modes. According to different mode numbers, these guided modes have different responses to the multiplexed hologram, and then give rise to different holographic images in reconstructions. In experiments, we show two kinds of MDMHs based on TM0∕TE0 and TE0∕TE1 modes as examples. Our approach could enrich the holography method that favors on-chip integration.

Speckle backpropagation for compensation of nonlinear effects in few-mode optical fibers

We propose an alternative approach to compensation of intermodal interactions in few-mode optical fibers by means of digital backpropagation.Instead of solving the inverse generalized multimode nonlinear Schr?dinger equation,we accomplish backpropagation of the multimode signals with help of their near-field intensity distributions captured by a camera.We demonstrate that this task can successfully be handled by a deep neural network and provide a proof of concept by training an autoencoder for backpropagation of six linearly polarized[LP]modes of a step-index fiber.

On-chip optical matrix-vector multiplier based on mode division multiplexing

Published online:14 August 2023 A matrix-vector multiplication(MVM)optical signal processor based on mode division multiplexing(MDM)was proposed and demon-strated in the current work,which is composed of a mode multiplexer,a multimode beam splitter,a mode demultiplexer,a modulator ar-ray and combiners.In addition,the characteristics of MDM obviate the need for multiple wavelengths and therefore multiple laser light sources are unneeded,which greatly reduces the complexity and cost.A 4×4 MDM-MVM was realized on a standard silicon-on-insulator(SOI)platform.Combined with the off-chip light source and photode-tectors(PDs),4-level modulation has been demonstrated,and each level of the output signal could represent 2 bits of information.

Speed-Direction Sensing under Multiple Vehicles Scenario Using Photonic Radars

Recent reports from World Health Organization(WHO)show the impact of human negligence as a serious concern for road accidents and casualties worldwide.There are number of reasons which led to this negligence;hence,need of intelligent transportation system(ITS)gains more attention from researchers worldwide.For achieving such autonomy different sensors are involved in autonomous vehicles which can sense road conditions and warn the control system about possible hazards.This work is focused on designing one such sensor system which can detect and range multiple targets under the impact of adverse atmospheric conditions.A high-speed Linear Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave(LFMCW)based Photonic Radar is proposed to detect multiple targets by integrating Mode division multiplexing(MDM).Reported results in terms of range frequency,Doppler frequency and range resolution are demonstrated using numerical simulations with the bandwidths of 1 and 4 GHz and under adverse atmospheric conditions carrying 75 dB/km of attenuation.To prove the effectiveness of the proposed photonic radar,moving targets are also demonstrated with different speed.System reported substantial range resolution of 15 cm using 1 GHz of bandwidth and 3 cm using 4 GHz of bandwidth.

Experiments and simulation on the overall DMG of long-haul cascade FM-EDFA systems

All-fiber few-mode erbium-doped fiber amplifiers(FM-EDFAs) with isolation and wavelength division multiplexers(IWDMs)have been developed to enable flexible pumping in different directions. The FM-EDFA can achieve >30 d B modal gain with<0.3 d B differential modal gain(DMG). We experimentally simulate the DMG performance of a cascade FM-EDFA system using the equivalent spectrum method. The overall DMG reaches 1.84 d B after 10-stage amplification. We also build a recirculating loop to simulate the system, and the developed FM-EDFA can support transmission up to 3270 km within a 2 d B overall DMG by optimizing the few-mode fiber length in the loop.

Mode division multiplexing:from photonic integration to optical fiber transmission[Invited]

To overcome the capacity crunch of optical communications based on the traditional single-mode fiber(SMF), different modes in a few-mode fiber(FMF) can be employed for mode division multiplexing(MDM). MDM can also be extended to photonic integration for obtaining improved density and efficiency, as well as interconnection capacity. Therefore, MDM becomes the most promising method for maintaining the trend of "Moore’s law" in photonic integration and optical fiber transmission. In this tutorial, we provide a review of MDM works and cutting-edge progresses from photonic integration to optical fiber transmission, including our recent works of MDM low-noise amplification, FMF fiber design, MDM Si photonic devices, and so on. Research and application challenges of MDM for optical communications regarding long-haul transmission and short reach interconnection are discussed as well. The content is expected to be of important value for both academic researchers and industrial engineers during the development of next-generation optical communication systems,from photonic chips to fiber links.

On-chip silicon polarization and mode handling devices

Mode-and polarization-division multiplexing are new promising options to increase the transmission capacity of optical communications.On-chip silicon polarization and mode handling devices are key components in integrated mode-and polarization-division multi-plexed photonic circuits.In this paper,we review our recent progresses on silicon-based polarization beam splitters,polarization splitters and rotators,mode（de）multiplexers,and mode and polarization selective switches.Silicon polarization beam splitters and rotators are demonstrated with high extinction ratio,compact footprint and high fabrication tolerance.For on-chip mode multiplexing,we introduce a low loss and fabrication tolerant three-mode（de）multiplexer employing sub-wavelength grating structure.In analogy to a conventional wavelength selective switch in wavelength-division multi-plexing,we demonstrate a selective switch that can route mode-and polarization-multiplexed signals.

InP-based monolithically integrated few-mode devices

Mode-division multiplexing（MDM） has become an increasingly important technology to further increase the transmission capacity of both optical-fiber-based communication networks, data centers and waveguidebased on-chip optical interconnects. Mode manipulation devices are indispensable in MDM system and have been widely studied in fiber, planar lightwave circuits, and silicon and InP based platforms. InP-based integration technology provides the easiest accessibility to bring together the functions of laser sources, modulators, and mode manipulation devices into a single chip, making it a promising solution for fully integrated few-mode transmitters in the MDM system. This paper reviews the recent progress in InP-based mode manipulation devices, including the few-mode converters, multiplexers, demultiplexers, and transmitters. The working principle, structures, and performance of InP-based few-mode devices are discussed.

C-band fundamental/first-order mode converter based on multimode interference coupler on InP substrate

The design, fabrication and characterization of a fundamental/first-order mode converter based on mul- timode interference coupler on InP substrate were reported. Detailed optimization of the device parameters were investigated using 3D beam propagation method. In the experiments, the fabricated mode converter realized mode conversion from the fundamental mode to the first-order mode in the wavelength range of 1530-1565 nm with ex- cess loss less than 3 dB. Moreover, LPol and LP11 fiber modes were successfully excited from a few-mode fiber by using the device. This InP-based mode converter can be a possible candidate for integrated transceivers for future mode-division multiplexing system.

Transmission of 200 Tb/s （375 × 3 × 178.125 Gb/s） PDM-DFTS-OFDM-32QAM super channel over lkm FMF

A few-mode fiber （FMF） is designed to support three spatial modes （LP01, LP 11a, and LP 11 b） and fabricated through plasma chemical vapor deposition （PCVD）and rod-in-tube （RIT） method. Using PDM-DFTS-OFDM- 32QAM modulation, wavelength division multiplexing, mode multiplexing, and coherent detection, we successfully demonstrated 200Tb/s （375× 3 × 178.125Gb/s） signal over 1 km FMF using C and L bands with 25 GHz channel spacing. After 1 km FMF transmission, all the tested bit error rates （BERs） are below 20% forward error correction （FEC） threshold （2.0 × 10-2）. Within each sub-channel, we achieved a spectral efficiency of 21.375 bits/Hz in the C and L bands.