Multi-mode photonic crystal fibers for VCSEL based data transmission

N A Mortensen,A Petersson,M Stach,R Michalzik,H R Simonsen,J Broeng

doi:10.1364/oe.11.001953

Abstract

Quasi error-free 10Gbit/s data transmission is demonstrated over a novel type of 50 microm core diameter photonic crystal fi ber with as much as 100m length. Combined with 850 nm VCSEL sources, this fi ber is an attractive alternative to graded-index multi-mode fi bers for datacom applications. A comparison to numerical simulations suggests that the high bit-rate may be partly explained by inter-modal diffusion.

Highlights

Optical datacom as employed for the high-speed interconnection of electronic subsystems has rapidly gained importance over the past years
We report on the properties of a new type of multi-mode photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with relatively simple waveguide geometry and demonstrate 850 nm data transmission at 10 Gbit/s over a length of L = 100 m
For a recent review of photonic crystal fibers we refer to Ref. [2] and references therein

Summary

Introduction

Optical datacom as employed for the high-speed interconnection of electronic subsystems has rapidly gained importance over the past years. Due to strong inter-modal dispersion, the use of the former fiber type is limited to link lengths of some meters at Gbit/s data rates, fabrication of the latter requires supreme control over the refractive index profile, especially in optimized 50 μm core diameter fibers enabling up to 300 m serial transmission of 10 Gbit/s signals. Since optical interconnect requirements move toward higher speed over shorter distances, the availability of an manufacturable, yet high-speed capable fiber medium would be very beneficial. We report on the properties of a new type of multi-mode photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with relatively simple waveguide geometry and demonstrate 850 nm data transmission at 10 Gbit/s over a length of L = 100 m. For a recent review of photonic crystal fibers we refer to Ref. For a recent review of photonic crystal fibers we refer to Ref. [2] and references therein

Fiber design

Transmission experiments

Small-signal transfer function and DMD

Digital data transmission

Simulations

Conclusions