Wavelength-division Multiplexing Lightwave Systems Research Articles

Optimum algorithm for WDM channel allocation for reducing four-wave mixing effects

A novel channel allocation method, based on optical Golomb ruler (OGR), that allows reduction of the FWM effect while maintaining bandwidth efficiency along with the algorithms has been presented in this paper. Very high-capacity, long-haul optical communication systems can be designed by wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) of high-bit-rate channels and by using erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) to periodically compensate the fiber loss. In such all-optical systems, the effects of chromatic dispersion and nonlinearities accumulate during light propagation, imposing limits on the achievable performance. Chromatic dispersion at 1.55 pm can be effectively reduced by using dispersion-shifted fiber (DSF). The use of very-low-dispersion fiber, however, enhances the efficiency of generation of four-wave mixing (FWM) waves by reducing the phase mismatch naturally provided by the fiber dispersion. For this reason, crosstalk due to FWM is the dominant nonlinear effect in long-haul WDM systems using DSFs. To reduce four-wave-mixing crosstalk in high capacity long-haul repeater less WDM light wave systems, the use of the channel allocation method that involves unequal spaced channels has been proposed.

Performance of Optical OFDM in Ultralong-Haul WDM Lightwave Systems

We show, using simulations, that a combination of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and optical single sideband modulation can be used to compensate for chromatic dispersion in ultralong-haul wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) systems. OFDM provides a high spectral efficiency, does not require a reverse feedback path for compensation, and has a better sensitivity than nonreturn to zero. This paper provides design rules for 800-4000-km optical-OFDM systems. The effects of WDM channel number and spacing, fiber dispersion, and input power per channel on the received Q are studied using extensive numerical simulations. These effects are summarized as a set of design rules

Effects of Polarization-Mode Dispersion on Cross-Phase Modulation in Dispersion-Managed Wavelength-Division-Multiplexed Systems

This paper develops a vector theory of cross-phase modulation (XPM) in optical fibers and use it to investigate the impact of polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) on the crosstalk induced by XPM in wavelength-division multiplexed lightwave systems. Under certain reasonable approximations, the theory permits us to obtain an analytic expression for the amplitude of probe fluctuations induced by a copropagating pump channel through XPM. We use this expression to calculate the average level of XPM-induced crosstalk together with its variance for several dispersion maps. We show that PMD not only reduces the crosstalk on average, but also impacts the efficiency of a commonly used polarization-interleaving technique.

Determination of FWM products in unequal-spaced-channel WDM lightwave systems

Recently, unequal-spaced channel-allocation techniques have been studied and analyzed to reduce four-wave-mixing (FWM) crosstalk in high-capacity, long-haul wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) transmission systems. It will be helpful to system designers if there exists a fast tool to measure the strength of FWM crosstalk in such WDM systems. In this paper, we develop two algorithms, using frequency difference triangles and frequency difference squares, that can determine the total numbers of FWM signals falling onto the operating band and each channel, respectively, of unequal-spaced WDM systems. By knowing these two numbers, one can adjust the system parameters, such as minimum channel spacing, in order to keep a good balance on the adverse effects of FWM crosstalk and interchannel interference, or avoid the assignment of channels at locations with the most severe crosstalk.

Dispersion of cascaded fiber gratings in WDM lightwave systems

Fiber gratings operating in the transmission mode can provide high dispersion at wavelengths close to the Bragg resonance. When multiple gratings are cascaded for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) applications, the net dispersion between the stop bands of any two consecutive gratings is significantly modified. We discuss the dispersion characteristics of such cascaded fiber gratings and propose a dispersion compensator for simultaneous compensation of group-velocity dispersion (GVD) for multiple channels of a WDM lightwave system. We also discuss the impact of the dispersion possessed by cascaded gratings on grating based add-drop multiplexers.

An algebraic approach to the unequal-spaced channel-allocation problem in WDM lightwave systems

To reduce four-wave-mixing crosstalk in high-capacity, long-haul, repeaterless, wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) lightwave systems, the use of unequally spaced channels has been proposed. Instead of being solved by integer linear programming, the unequal-spaced channel-allocation problem is treated by constructing suitable optical orthogonal codes in optical code-division multiple-access (CDMA). An "algebraic" framework and three algorithms on finding the frequency locations of unequally spaced WDM channels are introduced, where the constructions are based on generating optical CDMA codewords with a predetermined pulse separation and "aperiodic" autocorrelation sidelobes no greater than one. The algorithms potentially provide a fast and simple alternative to solve the problem, besides the proposed computer-search method.

Allocation of unequal-spaced channels in WDM lightwave systems

To reduce four-wave-mixing crosstalk in wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) lightwave systems, an algebraic algorithm for finding the frequency locations of unequal-spaced channels is reported. This algebraic approach allows certain classes of 'optimum' channel locations to be obtained much faster than when using the recently reported computer exhaustive search. >

MULTIWAVELENGTH LIGHT SOURCE WITH INTEGRATED DFB LASER ARRAY AND STAR COUPLER FOR WDM LIGHTWAVE COMMUNICATIONS

We discuss the advantages of wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) lightwave systems and the need for monolithically integrated multiwavelength laser arrays. For WDM light-wave systems to be cost effective, it is important to reduce the per-wavelength component cost. By photonic integration, the packaging and the control circuitry will be shared among all the wavelengths. In this paper, we review the multiwavelength laser arrays, the array coupling, and the photonic integration approach. We have demonstrated the monolithic integration of a 21-wavelength multi-quantum-well distributed-feedback laser array with a star coupler and optical amplifiers on the same chip. Operating a packaged module under CW operation, we obtained as many as 15 individual wavelengths simultaneously launched from one output port of the star coupler of this integrated chip into one lensed single-mode fiber. We also characterized the thermal and the electrical crosstalk from the neighboring lasers. This integrated chip stands a good chance of being a compact and low-cost multiwavelength laser source for future WDM lightwave systems.

LEDs and photodetectors for wavelength-division-multiplexed light-wave systems

The very wide transmission window, from 0.8 to 1.6 μm wavelength, in present low-loss optical fibres offers opportunities for wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) in light-wave systems. This paper reviews light emitting diode (LED) light sources and photodetectors capable of meeting the power (distance) and bandwidth (bit rate) requirements of such systems. Particular attention will be paid to the new multiplexing dual wavelength LEDs and demultiplexing photodetectors which point a way toward simpler, perhaps more economical, WDM light-wave systems in wide-band loop and inter-office trunking applications.