For space division multiplexing self-homodyne coherent systems, we propose a novel digital in-service relative time delay (RTD) estimation method without any additional optoelectronic device. Taking advantage of the frequency-domain periodicity of the colored frequency modulation noise, we manage to find the peak with location reflecting the RTD in its autocorrelation function (ACF). The peak to average ratio is further enhanced by leveraging a low-pass differential finite impulse response filter for robust identification. By simulations, the method is validated to be feasible for various linewidths, formats (16QAM, 32QAM and 64QAM), and links up to 80 km. Particularly, it is proved to be inherently compatible with large-linewidth low-cost lasers for the 10-km link. Also, for a low-complexity implementation, we discuss the way to reduce the number of points used to calculate the ACF while maintaining the same dynamic range. Furthermore, we demonstrate a 50-GBaud 16-QAM experiment to investigate its performances. With received optical power varying from -11 dBm to -17 dBm, 216 points are sufficient to provide an estimation accuracy of standard deviation (STD) less than 0.089 ns for the RTD range of [2.6, 491.0 ns]. The STD can be lowered to 0.036 ns by adopting 218 points. Especially, at -11-dBm ROP, the highest performance has been achieved with an accuracy smaller than the symbol period (0.018-ns STD) and a RTD range of [1.5, 491.0 ns].

In this Letter, we propose a cost-efficient bi-directional (BiDi) polarization-multiplexed self-homodyne coherent detection (SHCD) system, in which only one fiber link and one adaptive polarization controller (APC) are required. By employing the correlation of the state of polarization (SOP) between the upstream and downstream light, one APC is capable of stabilizing SOPs of the counterpropagating waves at the same time. The signal and local oscillator (LO) can be optically split by a polarization beam splitter (PBS), relaxing pressure of the digital signal processing (DSP) and simplifying the coherent receiver. The impact induced by polarization cross talk and delay mismatch is collectively investigated by theoretical analysis and simulation. Finally, the proposed scheme is experimentally verified through 120 Gbit/s 16-quadrature amplitude modulation (16-QAM) transmission, achieving a satisfying laser-linewidth tolerance of 10 MHz and a polarization rotation tolerance of up to 45 rad/s.

An all-optical bi-directional polarization demultiplexing self-homodyne coherent system is proposed. In the 120-Gbit/s 16-QAM experimental demonstration, one adaptive polarization controller is applied to lock the polarization of uplink and downlink light at the same time.

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