Time resolved bit error rate analysis of a fast switching tunable laser for use in optically switched networks

John A. O’Dowd, Kai Shi, Anthony J. Walsh, Vivian M. Bessler, Frank Smyth, Tam N. Huynh, Liam P. Barry, Andrew D. Ellis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We investigate the use of different direct detection modulation formats in a wavelength switched optical network. We find the minimum time it takes a tunable sampled grating distributed Bragg reflector laser to recover after switching from one wavelength channel to another for different modulation formats. The recovery time is investigated utilizing a field programmable gate array which operates as a time resolved bit error rate detector. The detector offers 93 ps resolution operating at 10.7 Gb/s and allows for all the data received to contribute to the measurement, allowing low bit error rates to be measured at high speed. The recovery times for 10.7 Gb/s non-return-to-zero on–off keyed modulation, 10.7 Gb/s differentially phase shift keyed signal and 21.4 Gb/s differentially quadrature phase shift keyed formats can be as low as 4 ns, 7 ns and 40 ns, respectively. The time resolved phase noise associated with laser settling is simultaneously measured for 21.4 Gb/s differentially quadrature phase shift keyed data and it shows that the phase noise coupled with frequency error is the primary limitation on transmitting immediately after a laser switching event.
Original languageEnglish
Article number6305043
Pages (from-to)A77-A81
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Optical Communications and Networking
Volume4
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2012

Bibliographical note

© 2012 OSA
This paper was published in Journal of Optical Communications and Networking and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/JOCN.4.000A77. Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.

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