OPTICAL TRANSMITTER SUPPLYING OPTICAL SIGNALS HAVING MULTIPLE MODULATION FORMATS

摘要

Consistent with the present disclosure, a compact transmitter is provided that can generate optical signals having different modulation formats depending on optical link requirements. Preferably, the transmitter includes a photonic integrated circuit having multiple lasers and modulators. A control circuit adjusts the drive signals supplied to the modulators such that optical signals having a desired modulation format may be output from the modulators. Thus, for example, the transmitter may be used to output optical signals having a modulation format suitable for long haul or submarine links, as well as for links having a shorter distance. Moreover, the same photonic integrated circuit may supply optical signals with different modulation formats, such that, for example, those optical signals that are dropped along a link, and thus travel a shorter distance, may have a first modulation format, while other optical signals that travel the entire length of the link may have a second modulation format that is more suited for longer distances.