Abstract:
A method and apparatus is provided for transmitting an optical signal. The method includes the step of generating an optical signal that includes a plurality of optical channels, which are sequentially numbered from 1 to N from lowest to highest wavelength. A state-of-polarization of predetermined odd-numbered channels is oriented to be substantially orthogonal to a state of polarization of predetermined even-numbered channels by directing the predetermined odd-numbered channels and the predetermined even-numbered channels through orthogonally polarizing inputs of a polarization coupler. The odd-numbered channels and the even-numbered channels may be directed through first and second wavelength combiners, respectively, prior to orienting their states of polarization. The orthogonal relationship between the states of polarization of odd and even-numbered channels advantageously limits the four-wave mixing products that can be generated in the optical transmitter and the optical transmission path to which it is typically coupled.
Abstract:
An apparatus is provided for transmitting an optical signal. The apparatus includes an optical signal source for generating an optical signal having a plurality of optical channels onto which data is modulated at a plurality of predetermined frequencies to provide a plurality of optical data channels. An amplitude modulator is coupled to the optical signal source for modulating each of the optical channels with a waveform that is independently adjustable from one another. A clock, coupled to the amplitude modulator, has a plurality of frequencies that respectively determine the modulation frequencies imparted to the plurality of optical channels by the amplitude modulator. Each of the frequencies of the clock is phase locked and equal to its respective predetermined frequency at which is data is modulated.
Abstract:
In general, optical communication systems and methods may generate higher-level nmQAM from nQAM signals using one or more delay line interferometers (DLIs) arranged in various configurations. The nQAM signals may be generated by a lower-level modulator, such as a BPSK modulator, QPSK modulator or lower-level QAM modulator, with binary driving signals. Different parameters of the DLIs, such as free spectral range (FSR), phase shift, and amplitude imbalance, may be selected to accomplish the desired higher-level nmQAM depending upon the nQAM signal.
Abstract:
A WDM optical transmission system and method uses slope compensation at the transmit terminal and/or the receive terminal. The system and method may be used with modulation formats with a short pulse width and a broad optical spectrum.
Abstract:
An apparatus, system and method wherein a polarization multiplexed differential phase shift keying format (POLMUX-DPSK) is provided with offset and bit-interleaved frequency channels and demodulated using a DPSK demodulator.
Abstract:
A system and method using for wavelength monitoring and control in a WDM optical communication system. An aggregate channel monitor detects crosstalk between channels in the aggregate signal. Channel spacing may be modified by an element management system in response to the output of the aggregate channel monitor.
Abstract:
An apparatus, system and method wherein a polarization multiplexed differential phase shift keying format (POLMUX-DPSK) is provided with offset and bit-interleaved frequency channels and demodulated using a DPSK demodulator.
Abstract:
An optical communication system and method may be configured to operate with optical signals having reduced channel spacing. The system may transmit optical signals on a plurality of optical channels with a pair-wise orthogonal relationship such that a first subset of channels has a first polarization state and a second subset of channels has a second polarization state. The channels may be spaced such that there is no overlap of modulation sidebands associated with channels in each of the polarization states. When receiving the optical signals, the orthogonal channels adjacent to a selected channel of interest may be nulled.
Abstract:
A WDM optical transmission system and method uses slope compensation at the transmit terminal and/or the receive terminal. The system and method may be used with modulation formats with a short pulse width and a broad optical spectrum.
Abstract:
A system and method for optimizing dispersion in an optical transmission line is provided. The system and method comprise measuring the amplitude of a d.c. voltage component of a synchronously demodulated data signal of at least one wavelength channel by an in-phase carrier at the baud frequency of the wavelength channel. In an alternative embodiment, the system and method comprise measuring the IF amplitude of the resulting a.c. signal of a data signal of the at least one wavelength channel comprising a received RZ signal mixed with a local oscillator, whose frequency differs from the wavelength channel baud by a relatively small amount, somewhere on the order of about 100 kHz.