Demonstration and performance investigation of all-optical OFDM systems based on arrayed waveguide gratings

Complex-valued matrix-vector multiplication system for a large-scale optical FFT

Recent advancements in optical convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and radar signal processing systems have brought an increasing need for the adoption of optical fast Fourier transform (OFFT). Presently, the fast Fourier transform (FFT) is executed using electronic means within prevailing architectures. However, this electronic approach faces limitations in terms of both speed and power consumption. Concurrently, existing OFFT systems struggle to balance the demands of large-scale processing and high precision simultaneously. In response, we introduce a novel, to the best of our knowledge, solution: a complex-valued matrix-vector system harnessed through wavelength selective switches (WSSs) for the realization of a 24-input optical FFT, achieving a high-accuracy level of 5.4 bits. This study capitalizes on the abundant wavelength resources available to present a feasible solution for an optical FFT system with a large N.

Real-time gap-free dynamic waveform spectral analysis with nanosecond resolutions through analog signal processing

Real-time tracking of a waveform frequency content is essential for detection and analysis of fast rare events in communications, radar, radio astronomy, spectroscopy, sensing etc. This requires a method that can provide real-time spectrum analysis (RT-SA) of high-speed waveforms in a continuous and gap-free fashion. Digital signal processing is inefficient to perform RT-SA over instantaneous frequency bandwidths above the sub-GHz range and/or to track spectral changes faster than a few microseconds. Analog dispersion-induced frequency-to-time mapping enables RT-SA of short isolated pulse-like signals but cannot be extended to continuous waveforms. Here, we propose a universal analog processing approach for time-mapping a gap-free spectrogram −the prime method for dynamic frequency analysis− of an incoming arbitrary waveform, based on a simple sampling and dispersive delay scheme. In experiments, the spectrograms of GHz-bandwidth microwave signals are captured at a speed of ~5×10⁹ Fourier transforms per second, allowing to intercept nanosecond-duration frequency transients in real time. This method opens new opportunities for dynamic frequency analysis and processing of high-speed waveforms.

Real-time dynamic Fourier analysis of high-speed signals is difficult using either digital or analog schemes. Here, the authors present a universal analog approach that can track the changing frequency spectrum of waveforms in a real-time fashion at the nanosecond level, continuously and with no gaps.

All-optical OFDM demultiplexing with optical partial Fourier transform and coherent sampling

We propose a novel scheme with a "time-lens"-based partial optical Fourier transform (OFT) and coherent sampling for high-speed complex orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) signal detection. Compared with all-optical OFDM demultiplexing with a matched optical filter, our proposed method replaces specialized optical filters with commercially available equipment, which relaxes stringent manufacturing and operational requirements. Our simulation shows that even with a partial OFT, theoretically, close to inter-channel interference-free performance is possible. In addition, we performed a proof-of-concept experiment of 16×10  Gbaud quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) all-optical OFDM detection, with all the bit error rates far below the 7% hard-overhead forward error correction limit.

Efficient Joint Estimation of Carrier Frequency and Sampling Frequency Offsets for MIMO-OFDM ATSC Systems

Multiple-input multiple-output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) is appealing for the provision of high spectral efficiency in digital terrestrial broadcast systems. To fully obtain its advantageous features, it is very important to remove the frequency mismatch between the transmitter and the receiver. In this paper, we present the performance analysis of joint estimation of carrier and sampling frequency offsets in the MIMO-OFDM-based advanced television systems committee (ATSC) 3.0 system. In the MIMO-OFDM ATSC system, the continual pilot (CP) is primarily utilized to perform frequency synchronization. To efficiently suppress an unwanted bias introduced by the presence of random-likely located CPs, an optimal pilot subset is selected to form the basis of least squares frequency-offset estimation. A closed-form mean squared error is derived in the context of MIMO-OFDM, considering the multipath fading channel. We show via computer simulations and numerical analysis that the proposed estimation method achieves higher estimation accuracy than the existing estimation method.

General optical discrete z transform: design and application

This paper presents a generalization of the discrete z transform algorithm. It is shown that the GOD-ZT algorithm is a generalization of several important conventional discrete transforms. Based on the GOD-ZT algorithm, a tunable general optical discrete z transform (GOD-ZT) processor is synthesized using the silica-based finite impulse response transversal filter. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the method, the design and simulation of a tunable optical discrete Fourier transform (ODFT) processor as a special case of the synthesized GOD-ZT processor is presented. It is also shown that the ODFT processor can function as a real-time optical spectrum analyzer. The tunable ODFT has an important potential application as a tunable optical demultiplexer at the receiver end of an optical orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing transmission system.

Sub-GHz-resolution C-band Nyquist-filtering interleaver on a high-index-contrast photonic integrated circuit

Modern optical communications rely on high-resolution, high-bandwidth filtering to maximize the data-carrying capacity of fiber-optic networks. Such filtering typically requires high-speed, power-hungry digital processes in the electrical domain. Passive optical filters currently provide high bandwidths with low power consumption, but at the expense of resolution. Here, we present a passive filter chip that functions as an optical Nyquist-filtering interleaver featuring sub-GHz resolution and a near-rectangular passband with 8% roll-off. This performance is highly promising for high-spectral-efficiency Nyquist wavelength division multiplexed (N-WDM) optical super-channels. The chip provides a simple two-ring-resonator-assisted Mach-Zehnder interferometer, which has a sub-cm² footprint owing to the high-index-contrast Si₃N₄/SiO₂ waveguide, while manifests low wavelength-dependency enabling C-band (> 4 THz) coverage with more than 160 effective free spectral ranges of 25 GHz. This device is anticipated to be a critical building block for spectrally-efficient, chip-scale transceivers and ROADMs for N-WDM super-channels in next-generation optical communication networks.

Scalable two- and three-dimensional optical labels generated by 128-port encoder/decoder for optical packet switching

This paper deals with massive number of optical code (OC) label generation and recognition for scalable optical packet switching (OPS) networks. In order to expand the system scalability of code label processing, we develop a record port count 128 x 128 optical encoder/decoder (E/D) and propose a novel three-dimensional (3-D) optical label combining code label with wavelength and polarization. In the experiment, we conduct a proof-of-concept demonstration of 4-code x 2-wavelength x 2-polarization and validate that the 3-D labeling scheme can consequently increase the available number of code label up to more than 1,000 labels. Real-time labeling performance using a field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based processor and crosstalk influence at an optical switch are also experimentally evaluated.

Systems performance comparison of three all-optical generation schemes for quasi-Nyquist WDM

Orthogonal time division multiplexing (OrthTDM) interleaves sinc-shaped pulses to form a high baud-rate signal, with a rectangular spectrum suitable for multiplexing into a Nyquist WDM (N-WDM)-like signal. The problem with generating sinc-shaped pulses is that they theoretically have infinite durations, and even if time bounded for practical implementation, they still require a filter with a long impulse response, hence a large physical size. Previously a method of creating chirped-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) pulses with a chirped arrayed waveguide (AWG) filter, then converting them into interleaved quasi-sinc pulses using dispersive fiber (DF), has been proposed. This produces a signal with a wider spectrum than the equivalent N-WDM signal. We show that a modification to the scheme enables the spectral extent to be reduced for the same data rate. We then analyse the key factors in designing an OrthTDM transmitter, and relate these to the performance of a N-WDM system. We show that the modified transmitter reduces the required guard band between the N-WDM channels. We also simulate a simpler scheme using an unchirped finite-impulse response filter of similar size, which directly creates truncated-sinc pulses without needing a DF. This gives better system performance than either chirped scheme.

Spectrally-efficient all-optical OFDM by WSS and AWG

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.

Chromatic dispersion monitoring and adaptive compensation using pilot symbols in an 8 x 12.5 Gbit/s all-optical OFDM system

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel technique for chromatic dispersion (CD) monitoring and adaptive compensation in an 8 x 12.5 Gbit/s all-optical orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (AO-OFDM) system by using two pilot symbols and a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) for a tunable CD compensator. The two pilot symbols are added to the first and the last sub-channels of the OFDM signal, and their relative time delay is detected and used for CD estimation at the CD monitoring circuit. The monitored CD value is fed to VIPA for CD compensation. In the experiments, the relative time delay between the two pilot symbols was successfully observed, and the adaptive CD compensation drastically improved the bit-error-rate (BER) from over 10(-5) to under 10(-9). The estimated CD values showed less than 10 ps/nm difference from the values measured by a photonic dispersion analyzer, which is accurate enough since the AO-OFDM system can keep BER<10(-9) upto 20 ps/nm residual CD.