Compact 224-Gbit/s Modulator Modules for Digital Coherent Optical Communication Systems

摘要

Digital coherent technology with multilevel modulation formats is an attractive solution to satisfy the rapid increase in optical traffic demand and has already been adopted in ultra-long haul systems. In the next generation, the application area will be expanded to metro systems, and smaller-sized, lower-power optical components are expected in order to realize high port density. We have developed InP-based modulators and linear driver ICs, which have enabled the modulator module size as small as 34.0 × 16.5 × 6.0 mm3. We demonstrated that a 224-Gbit/s DP-16QAM modulator module, including all of an InP-based modulator, four linear driver ICs, and polarization multiplexing micro-optics, has comparable performance to LiNbO3-based modulators.