“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems”
Thomas Sphicopoulos ([email protected])Optical Communications Laboratory National and Kapodistrian
University of Athens, Greece
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
Advantages of Optical TechnologyOptical Technology Provides:• Ultra Low Transmission Losses• Ultra Wide Band • Very High Bitrates• (Mostly) Linear Behavior• Very Low Crosstalk
But:• Optics are not smart• InP / Si / Polymer platforms do not yet
provided increased scale of integration• No means of storage
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
The Optical Value ChainMATERIAL AND PROCESSES
Silicon, GaAs, InPPolymers / Organic Materials,
Etchers, MEMS
PHOTONIC COMPONENTSLasers, Optical Amplifiers
Transceivers, Optical FiltersFiber cables, WavelengthConverters, RegeneratorsDispersion Compensators
EQUIPMENT MAKERSRouters, Switches, HubsBase Stations, Satellites
Servers
NETWORK OWNERSWireless, Backbone, MetroAccess, Satellites, Spread
Spectrum Communications
SERVICE PROVIDERSLong Distance, Cellular
ISP, Broadcast, Cable TVVPN
CONTENTS AND APPLICATIONSMusic, Movies, E-mail
VoIP, Shopping, SurveillanceeBusiness
APPLIANCESComputers, Phones
Media Players, Cameras, PDAs
END USERSConsumer, Government
Education, MedicalBusiness
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
Evolution of Transmission Rates/Channel
1990 1995 2005 2010
2.5Gb/s
10Gb/s
40Gb/s
160Gb/s(?)
Year
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM)
λ2
λ1
λ3
λ4
λ2
λ1
λ3
λ4
The aggregate bit rate can be drastically increased by using Wavelength Division Multiplexing (>1Tb/s exhibited )
In optical transmission systems, the available bandwidth can exceed 40nm
To efficiently utilize this enormous bandwidth one can assign each channel a different wavelength and lead all the wavelengths inside
the fiberChannel spacing as narrow as 10GHz(!) can be achieved!
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
Transmission ImpairmentsLinear Impairments:• Optical Losses • Chromatic Dispersion• Polarization Mode Dispersion
Non-linear Impairments:• Self Phase Modulation• Cross Phase Modulation• Four Wave Mixing• Stimulated Raman Scattering• Stimulated Brillouin Scattering
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
The Fiber: A Nearly Lossless Channel
Typical Losses can be as low as 0.2dB/KmPoses no problem if optical amplification is used
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
Linear Impairments: Dispersion
Types of Cables according to dispersion:•G652: D~15-20ps/nm/Km (λ=1.55μm)•G653: D~0ps/nm/Km (λ=1.55μm)•G655: D~2-6ps/nm/Km (λ=1.55μm)
As in most types of waveguides the different spectral parts of the pulse travel with slightly
different phase velocities (chromatic dispersion)
This causes pulse broadening!
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
Linear Impairments: Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD)
The principal polarization axes of the fiber may change randomly along the cable due to temperature / size variations. This causes Polarization Mode Dispersion
The fiber is not completely circular and hence supports two degenerate modes with slightly different group
velocities (birefrigence)
PMD can also cause pulse broadening at high bit rates
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
Nonlinear Impairments due to the non-linearity of the refractive index
Self Phase Modulation: Phase modulation due to the intensity modulation of the Signal (introduces chirp)
Cross Phase Modulation: Phase modulation due to the intensity modulation of other interfering wavelength
channels (pulse broadening and time jitter)
Four Wave Mixing: Crosstalk with other nearby channels due to frequency mixing (three photon interaction)
22linearn n n E Intensity of the
Electric Field
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
Nonlinear Impairments: Stimulated Scatterings
Brillouin Scattering: Energy is transferred from a photon to an acoustic phonon (molecular vibration) and to a photon of smaller frequency (≈-10GHz) (unwanted reflections at the source).
Raman Scattering: Energy is transferred from a photon to an optical phonon (molecular vibration) and to a photon of smaller frequency (optical crosstalk from higher to lower frequency channels)
Current WDM systems avoid problems with both type of scatterings by limiting the optical power and increasing the
channel spacing
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
Technological Landmarks: Optical SourcesDistributed Feed Back Lasers (DFB) are ideal Optical Sources for ~40Gb/s providing:High Launch Power (>20mW)Wavelength Stability (~0.001nm/0C)Very Low RIN (>-145dB/Hz)High Side Mode Suppression Ratio (<-45dB when MQW is used)Narrow Linewidths (~2MHz)
At ~40Gb/s only external modulation can be used:LiNbO3 Mach Zehnder Modulator (electroptical effect)Electroabsorption Modulator (electroabsorption effect)
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
Technological Landmarks: AmplifiersTwo types of Amplification is used:Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA):High Gain (~40dB)High Output Power (~400mW)Very Low NoiseVery LinearWide Band (~40nm)
Raman AmplifierHigher Power than EDFA (~700mW)Can offer distributed and/or lumped amplificationUltra wide band (~100nm)
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
Technological Landmarks: MUX/DEMUXArrayed Waveguide Gratings (AWGs):Can multiplex up to 1000 channels!Channel spacing can be as small as 10GHz!Commercial systems multiplex 64 channels x 50GHzCan be integrated with SOAs and provide an integrated ADD/DROP MUXHave small polarization sensitivityHave small insertion lossCan be designed with “flat-top” transfer function
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
System Design: Dispersion Management (1)First Generation Dispersion Management System
SMFDSF
DSF (D= -0.2ps/nm/Km)
SMF (D=+18ps/nm/Km)
Distance
Acc
umul
ated
D
ispe
rsio
n (p
s/nm
)
150ps/nm
RepeaterDSF=Dispersion Shifted FiberSMF=Single Mode FiberThis scheme was used in the past for single channel ~5Gb/s systems but is unsuitable for WDM:high nonlinearityCompensates dispersion for one wavelength
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
System Design: Dispersion Management (2)Dispersion Management for multi-channel 10Gb/s
NZDSFLCF
LCF / NZDSF (D= -2ps/nm/Km)
SMF (D=+18ps/nm/Km)
Acc
umul
ated
D
ispe
rsio
n (p
s/nm
)
Repeater
SMF
~500Km
+6000ps/nm
-6000ps/nm
~500Kmλ1
λΝ
LCF = Large Core Fiber NZDSF= Non-Zero DSF
LCF is used first to reduce non-linearitySMF is placed in the middle of the period and the accumulated dispersion alternates sign
Parameters NZ-DSF LCF D (ps/nm/Km) -2~-3 -2~-3 Ds (ps/nm2/Km) 0.05~0.06 0.1~0.14 Aeff(μm2) 50~55 70~80 Loss(dB/Km) 0.2 0.22
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
System Design: Dispersion Management (2)Dispersion Management for multi-channel 10Gb/s
To further residual dispersion at edge channels we use pre/post-compensantion (50:50) on a channel by channel basis:Less Maximum Dispersion Less Waveform DistortionOverall:Less NonlinearityIdeal for 16x10Gb/s (~20nm)
NZDSFLCF
LCF / NZDSF (D=-0.2ps/nm/Km)
SMF (D=+18ps/nm/Km)
Acc
umul
ated
D
ispe
rsio
n (p
s/nm
)
Repeater
SMF
~500Km
+6000ps/nm
-6000ps/nm
~500Kmλ1
λΝ
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
System Design: Dispersion Management (2)Expanding the Bandwidth from ~20nm to ~40nm
SPCDFΕΕ-PDF
EE-PDF(D=+20~22ps/nm/Km)
SMFAcc
umul
ated
Dis
pers
ion
(ps/
nm)
Repeater
SMF
~500Km
+600ps/nm
-600ps/nm
~50Km
λ1
λΝ
SCDCF(D=-40~-60ps/nm/Km)
EE-PDF: Aeff Enlarged Positive Dispersion FiberSC-DCF: Slope Compensating Dispersion-Compensation Fiber
Parameters EE-PDF SCDCF D (ps/nm/Km) +20~22 -40~-60 Ds (ps/nm2/Km) +0.06 -0.12~-0.18 Aeff(μm2) >100 30~22 Loss(dB/Km) 0.15~0.19 0.23~0.27
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
System Design: Dispersion Management (3)Moving to 40Gb/s… It is preferable to lower accumulated dispersion
SMF+SCDCF
EE-PDF+SCDCF+EE-PDF
+600ps/nm
-200ps/nm
Cum
ulat
ive
Dis
pers
ion
(ps/
nm)
~40Km
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
System Design: Integrated Optics Dispersion Compensation
Modifying the Geometry of an Arrayed Waveguide Grating by a Variable Reflecting Membrane introduces Second Order Dispersion that can be used to compensate the accumulated dispersion of a multiwavelength 40Gb/s signalTunable: Applying Voltage1000ps/nm Tuning Range
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
System Design: Electronic Dispersion Compensation
Processor D/A
Am
p
Laser
Processor D/A
Am
p
Ein ETX
MZM
d1(t)
d2(t)
One idea is to predistort the signal for each channel1
1( )
( ) ( ) cos TX
in
V E td t t
E
12
( )( ) ( ) cos TX
in
V E td t t
E
2
2exp2TX RX
LE E j
Use a MZM interferometer to predistort the signal in order to counteract the effects of dispersionWorks very well in theory but you need fast electronics and D/A (even if you parallelize!)
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
System Design: Mitigation of Nonlinearities
Methods for Reducing Nonlinearities: FWMUse unequal channel spacings Use optical prechirped pulses
DE
MU
XMU
X
NZD fiber DCF fiberTx
Tx
Tx
ASK MOD
ASK MOD
ASK MOD
...
Rx
Rx
Rx
Transmitter Receiver
DCF fiberused for
prechirping
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
System Design: Mitigation of Nonlinearities
Methods for Reducing Nonlinearities: XPM
Dispersion Compensation at each spanHigh channel spacingPre-chirped optical pulsesAdvanced modulation schemes
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
How to Model and Design? (1)
Use Numerical Tools:Numerically Solve the Propagation Equation
22
2 2
( )( ) ( )2 2
A j A a zz A j z A Az t
A=A(z,t): Envelope of the Electric Field
β2(z): Second order dispersion
γ(z): Nonlinear Kerr Coefficient
You can add amplifier gain and noise in each span
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
How to Model and Design? (2)
Use Numerical Tools:Calculate Q-factor from Receiver Eye-Diagram
1 0
1 0
m mQ
12 2e
QP erfc
For Gaussian Noise:
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
How to Model and Design? (2)
Example: Estimate Performance of Modulation Formats in G655 fibers:
-8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4
5
10
15
20
25
30
Q fa
ctor
Pin (dBm)
NRZ Duobinary DPSK NRZ single channel
(a)
FWM limits the quality of
multichannel systems and
hence DPSK has superior
performance
Δfch=100GHz, Lspan=80Km, Nspan=4
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
How to Model and Design? (3)
But:The Gaussian Assumption is usually not valid!The Q-factor provides a crude estimate for the error probabilityUse Saddle-Point approximation to compute the error probability from the MGF (if it is known!)Use Monte Carlo methods to estimate the error probability numerically
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
How to Model and Design? (3)
Example: Estimation of FWM probability density function using MCMC simulations
Gaussian PDF is inadequate!MCMC requires very few iterations (~106) for probabilities of the order of 10-14
Single span system, Nch=8, Δfch=100GHz
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
Small Size Components: Photonic Crystals as a Possible Candidate for Nanophotonics
Photonic Crystals: Artificial Periodic StructuresExhibit Bandgaps (no guided modes exist)“Defects” introduce highly localized modesConfine light (can implement sharp bends)Are highly non-linear (signal processing)
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
Slow Light: Towards Integrated All-Optical Buffers?
OPTICAL RESONATORS
Certain waveguiding structures can support pulse propagation with very low group velocities
Coupled Resonator Optical Waveguides (CROWs)
Integrated Optical Delay LinesPhotonic MemoriesSignal Processing (Linear + Nonlinear)
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
In conclusion…
Optical Transmission Systems have made significant advances and are
operational.
But much can be gained by improving optical integration and exploring optical
buffering!
“Recent Trends in Optical Transmission Systems” - CSNDSP 06, 19-21 July, 2006, Patra
Thomas Sphicopoulos, Optical Communications Laboratory, University of Athens, Greece
THANK YOU FOR THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!YOUR ATTENTION!