In the fast-growing world of data, there is a pressing demand for compact optical transmitters and receivers capable of handling multilevel modulation formats and achieving extremely high data transfer speeds.
A significant breakthrough in meeting this demand comes in the form of a new miniature coherent driver of a modulator (CDM) based on Indium Phosphide (InP) developed by scientists. This new device has been shown to outperform others in terms of maximum speed transfer and throughput by a full wavelength.
CDMs are optical transmitters used in communication systems to encode information onto a light beam by modulating amplitude and phase before transmitting it through fiber optics.
The enhancement of data transmission capabilities is crucial as services requiring high data throughput, such as video streaming and web conferences, become increasingly popular. Increasing the overall speed of data transfer in optical systems is essential for enabling new and convenient services. The development of an optical transmitter that covers both C- and L-bands in a single module allows for flexible network management and equipment cost reduction.
The groundbreaking research showcasing this new technology will be presented at the upcoming OFC Conference, the premier global event for optical communication and network technologies, to be held in San Diego.
The newly designed modulator is capable of operating across a wide range of wavelengths thanks to its optimized semiconductor layer and waveguide structure. In experimental trials, this modulator achieved a record-breaking data transmission speed of 1.8 terabits per second over a standard single-mode optical fiber spanning 80 kilometers in the C and L bands. This marks the first successful use of an InP-based modulator in these ranges and the first report of such high data capacity for this type of module.
Future efforts will focus on further increasing data transmission rates to accommodate the growing demand for information dissemination. Key objectives include developing new modulator designs that offer expanded electro-optical bandwidth, reduced energy consumption, and smaller device footprints.