Advances in local area optical data communication systems

Abstract

This paper reviews optical fibre technology for local area optical communications systems. Technologies used in local systems include single and multimode fibre, single and multimode lasers, optical modulators, photodetectors, wavelength division multiplexing, multilevel modulation formats, electronic packet switching, electronic equalization and error correction. These methods have enabled the local area optical link data rate to increase from 0.1 Gb/s in 1990 to nearly a Tb/s in 2019. The challenges to increasing link data rates further, whilst reducing the transmitted power per bit, at reduced cost are discussed. Potential technical solutions and newly proposed methods which might address these challenges are highlighted.

Linearisation Method of DML-Based Transmitters for Optical Communications Part I: Theory and Simulation Studies

“…Although the proposed method is applicable to any type of DML, the studies presented here are focused on vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL)-based links, as these comprise the large majority of short-reach optical links [26]. Typically, such links have lengths ≤ 300 m and combine multimode (MM) VCSELs with multimode fiber (MMF) to achieve low cost and power efficiency [27,28]. Single mode VCSELs and fibre (SMF) are currently also being considered for use in slightly longer reach links in the range 1 to 3 km in data centre environments [29][30][31].…”

A miniaturized tunable optical attenuator with ultrawide bandwidth based on evanescent-field coupling between nanofibers

“…The broadband input light propagating along the tapered fiber is coupled into a uniform fiber through an evanescent-field coupling process. The transmitted spectra are analyzed by a spectrograph 15 . The integration of the two fibers is ensured through van der Waals forces and electrostatic forces.…”

“…Limited by a confined changing range of refractive index or mechanical structure, the typical optical bandwidth is less than 100 nm. Considering the recent interest in developing integrated optical communicating systems with higher optical communication capacity, nanofiber-based optical attenuator with much wider bandwidth is in high demand 15 .…”

Self-Powered ZnO@PdTe2/Si Heterojunction Photodetector with an Ultrafast Response for Color Imaging and Optical Communication

“…Optical communication, as a high-speed, large-capacity, low-loss, and anti-interference communication method, has become one of the most critical technologies in the field of modern communication. Photodetectors, as the core part of the receiving end of optical communication, play a decisive role in capturing optical signals and converting electrical signals. − The range of optical communication covers ultraviolet (UV) (10–400 nm) to short infrared (SIR) (1.1–3 μm). , Among them, deep ultraviolet (DUV) (200–300 nm) has the advantages of high confidentiality, environmental solid adaptability, all-weather capability, and flexible mobility in local communication, which can be used in military combat, emergency rescue, disaster relief, and other scenarios. , The 1.26–1.625 μm IR band has become the first choice for IR optical communication due to its slight distortion and the lowest loss in optical fiber . Therefore, the development of broadband photodetectors with a fast response speed, high sensitivity, and a detection band covering the DUV and SIR is of great significance for the future development of modern optical communication.…”