Devices and Technologies for Tbit s\n −1\n Communication and Beyond

Abstract

Terabits-per-second communication networks have become a necessity of modern society owing to the surge in internet users and high-demanding applications. This has exerted pressure on the existing optical networks to meet these data rate requirements by upgrading their optical-fiber communication-based architectures. This goal could be achieved by exploring two different approaches: system-level and device-level approaches. In the system-level approach, various advances in optical communication algorithms and techniques, namely, sophisticated modulation schemes and multiplexing techniques, are discussed. Moreover, a concrete qualitative background about these technologies is provided. On the other hand, in the device-level approach, the focus is then shifted toward optical transmitter sources, which are primarily semiconductor laser diodes. In this case, the basic principle of operation and structure of laser diodes are discussed at a fundamental level while highlighting the recent advancements in a quantum-confined nanostructure-based semiconductor laser. In particular, the realization of single-mode lasers and a new class of broadband lasers, which enabled terabits-per-second green communication, are discussed. Finally, some recent advances employing these approaches (i.e. system and device) are concisely highlighted enabling terabits-per-second optical communications.