Coherent multicarrier lightwave technology for flexible capacity networks (invited)

Highly flexible and survivable networks can be built by allocating optical carriers of heterodyne systems. The basic features of heterodyne systems are reviewed, especially the use of multicarriers, tunability, and selectivity. Then specific application areas that may benefit from flexible multicarrier allocation schemes are discussed. Examples are taken from the RACE Phase II project R2065, coherent optical systems implemented for business traffic routing and access (COBRA). Next, trends and progress in heterodyne systems in general and related key components are summarized, and then examples of ongoing field trials in Europe are discussed. Finally, the coherent multicarrier technology are compared briefly with direct detection multiwavelength technolog

Multipulse excitability in a semiconductor laser with optical injection

A deterministic mechanism for multipulse excitability that appears to be experimentally accessible in a real laser is presented. Codimension-two homoclinic Belyakov bifurcations and an ensuing cascade of n-homoclinic bifurcation tongues are described as responsible for this phenomenon

Trends in electro-optical communication systems

This paper gives an overview of present status and future trends in Electro-optical communication systems and networks. Within the architecture of Electro-optical communication networks, three areas with a different type of research focus can be distinguished: the long haul links, the crossconnects and the access networks to the subscribers

An initialisation protocol for a CDMA based communications scheme for HFC CATV networks

An initialization protocol for a CDMA based communications system for hybrid fiber coax (HFC) central antenna television (CATV) networks is described. HFC CATV networks are shared medium access networks, employing the coaxial bus principle between an optical network terminator and the subscriber. To realize access in the upstream direction, a multiple access scheme based on CDMA can be used. However, before access is granted in the upstream direction, each cable modem connected to the coaxial bus needs to undergo a startup procedure at activation of the modem to determine timing and physical layer related settings. The initialization mechanism described performs time synchronization of a modem and the determination of the power the modem should use. Next to these physical layer settings, also the identity of a modem is determined during the initialization proces

Integrated-optic versus micro-optic devices for fiber-optic telecom systems : a comparison

We assess the relative merits and prospects of integrated-optics in comparison with microoptic and fiber-based techniques. Firstly, the market for fiber-optic components for telecommunications is analyzed. Secondly, the technological issues which make integrated optics quite different from integrated electronics will be discussed. Thirdly, a specific comparison between the potential of the competing optical technologies will be made for the polarization-diversity hybrid and the optical wavelength (de)multiplexer, two optical devices used in networks that are based on optical frequency division multiplexing (OFDM

Study on the limits of all-optical time domain demultiplexing using cross absorption modulation in an electroabsorption modulator

A theoretical and experimental assessment of the performance of an all-ticaldemultiplexer based on cross-absorption modulation in an electroabsorption modulator is presented. Simulations are described for demultiplexing from 160 Gbit/s to a 40 or 10 Gbit/s base rate. Experimental results are presented for demultiplexing to a base rate of 10 Gbit/s from an optical time-domain multiplexing rate of 80 with a bit error rate (BER) ,1029 and 160 Gbit/s with a BER ’1027

Clock recovery and demultiplexing performance of 160-Gb/s OTDM field experiments

Clock recovery (CR) from a 160-Gb/s data signal is demonstrated using a single unidirectional electroabsorption modulator in a cost-effective phase-locked loop configuration consisting entirely of commercially available components. The CR exhibits a root mean square time jitter of 205 fs, a holding range of 10 MHz, a wavelength-independent performance of 10 nm, and an input dynamic range of 10 dB. Demultiplexing experiments of transmitted 160-Gb/s data through installed fiber links over 275.4 km verified the excellent performance of the proposed CR. All 16 10-Gb/s channels were demultiplexed error-free