Polarization division multiplexing for optical data communications

Darko Ivanovich; Samuel B. Powell; Viktor Gruev; Roger D. Chamberlain

doi:10.1117/12.2290452

22 February 2018 Polarization division multiplexing for optical data communications

Darko Ivanovich, Samuel B. Powell, Viktor Gruev, Roger D. Chamberlain

Proceedings Volume 10538, Optical Interconnects XVIII; 105381D (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2290452
Event: SPIE OPTO, 2018, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Multiple parallel channels are ubiquitous in optical communications, with spatial division multiplexing (separate physical paths) and wavelength division multiplexing (separate optical wavelengths) being the most common forms. Here, we investigate the viability of polarization division multiplexing, the separation of distinct parallel optical communication channels through the polarization properties of light. Two or more linearly polarized optical signals (at different polarization angles) are transmitted through a common medium, filtered using aluminum nanowire optical filters fabricated on-chip, and received using individual silicon photodetectors (one per channel). The entire receiver (including optics) is compatible with standard CMOS fabrication processes.

The filter model is based upon an input optical signal formed as the sum of the Stokes vectors for each individual channel, transformed by the Mueller matrix that models the filter proper, resulting in an output optical signal that impinges on each photodiode. The results show that two- and three-channel systems can operate with a fixed-threshold comparator in the receiver circuit, but four-channel systems (and larger) will require channel coding of some form. For example, in the four-channel system, 10 of 16 distinct bit patterns are separable by the receiver. The model supports investigation of the range of variability tolerable in the fabrication of the on-chip polarization filters.

Citation Download Citation

Darko Ivanovich, Samuel B. Powell, Viktor Gruev, and Roger D. Chamberlain "Polarization division multiplexing for optical data communications", Proc. SPIE 10538, Optical Interconnects XVIII, 105381D (22 February 2018); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2290452

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available