Title :
Multilevel polarization modulation using a specifically designed LiNbO/sub 3/ device
Author :
Benedetto, S. ; Djupsjobacka, A. ; Lagerstrom, B. ; Paoletti, R. ; Poggiolini, P. ; Mijic, G.
Author_Institution :
Dipartimento di Elettronica, Politecnico di Torino, Italy
Abstract :
Binary and multilevel optical polarization modulation (POLSK) is an innovative transmission technique, suitable for both coherent and direct detection. To prove its feasibility, we have built a flexible polarization modulator based on a specifically designed LiNbO/sub 3/ device. We show that it can generate any state of polarization and therefore it is suitable for transmission of any binary or multilevel POLSK constellation. Once electrically equalized, the modulator has a 4 GHz bandwidth. To test the modulator with actual digital modulation, we set up a coherent binary experiment at 800 Mbit/s, and attained a sensitivity 1.5 dB away from the noise limit of the receiver.<>
Keywords :
electro-optical devices; integrated optics; light polarisation; lithium compounds; optical modulation; optical receivers; 1550 nm; 4 GHz; 800 Mbit/s; LiNbO/sub 3/; POLSK; binary optical polarization modulation; coherent binary experiment; coherent detection; digital modulation; direct detection; multilevel optical polarization modulation; noise limit; polarization shift keying; receiver; sensitivity; specifically designed LiNbO/sub 3/ device; transmission technique; Electrodes; Fiber nonlinear optics; Nonlinear optics; Optical design; Optical fiber devices; Optical fiber polarization; Optical modulation; Optical polarization; Optical receivers; Polarization shift keying;
Journal_Title :
Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE
