Self-homodyne AWG-based coherent optical packet switching architecture for data centers

We experimentally demonstrate a novel coherent optical packet switching architecture for data center networks. This architecture uses coherent polarization-division multiplexed QPSK modulation to increase the capacity and relies on self-homodyne transmission for automatic tuning of the receiver LO. Information bearing packets and pilot tone signals are routed thought separated arrayed wavelength gratings. The receiver sensitivity and dynamic range are -7.05 dBm and 10.05 dB, respectively, and resilience to polarization crosstalk in the local oscillator is observed.