We propose and test a coherent all-optical orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (AO-OFDM) system, based on all-optical (de)multiplexing and coherent detection, for multiterabit per second (multi-Tbit/s) passive optical networks (PONs). The proposed approach allows us to greatly increase the downstream data rate per user and extend the standard single-mode fiber reach for future long-reach applications. The compliance with a next-generation PON layout is guaranteed thanks to the exploitation of cyclic arrayed waveguide gratings. Five-user transmission with 12.5 Gbaud quadrature phase shift keying modulation per user (125 Gbit/s downstream capacity per wavelength) over a more than 40 km link has been successfully demonstrated.
We report on the transmission experiment of seven 12.5-GHz spaced all optical-orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (AO-OFDM) subcarriers over a 35-km fiber link, using differential quadrature phase shift keying (DQPSK) modulation and direct detection. The system does not require chromatic dispersion compensation, optical time gating at the receiver (RX) or cyclic prefix (CP), achieving the maximum spectral efficiency. We use a wavelength selective switch (WSS) at the transmitter (TX) to allow subcarrier assignment flexibility and optimal filter shaping; an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) AO-OFDM demultiplexer is used at the RX, to reduce the system cost and complexity.
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