David T. Neilson

Wavelength-selective 1/spl times/K switches using free-space optics and MEMS micromirrors: theory, design, and implementation

The design and performance of several generations of wavelength-selective 1/spl times/K switches are reviewed. These optical subsystems combine the functionality of a demultiplexer, per-wavelength switch, and multiplexer in a single, low-loss unit. Free-space optics is utilized for spatially separating the constituent wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) channels as well as for space-division switching from an input optical fiber to one of K output fibers (1/spl times/K functionality) on a channel-by-channel basis using a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) micromirror array. The switches are designed to provide wide and flat passbands for minimal signal distortion. They can also provide spectral equalization and channel blocking functionality, making them well suited for use in transparent WDM optical mesh networks.

1100 x 1100 port MEMS-based optical crossconnect with 4-dB maximum loss

We present a microelectromechanical systems-based beam steering optical crossconnect switch core with port count exceeding 1100, featuring mean fiber-to-fiber insertion loss of 2.1 dB and maximum insertion loss of 4.0 dB across all possible connections. The challenge of efficient measurement and optimization of all possible connections was met by an automated testing facility. The resulting connections feature optical loss stability of better than 0.2 dB over days, without any feedback control under normal laboratory conditions.

Beam-steering micromirrors for large optical cross-connects

This paper describes Si-micromachined two-axis beam-steering micromirrors and their performance in 256 /spl times/ 256- and 1024 /spl times/ 1024-port large optical cross-connects (OXCs). The high-reflectivity wavelength-independent mirrors are electrostatically actuated; capable of large, continuous, controlled, dc tilt in any direction at moderate actuation voltages; and allow setting times of a few milliseconds. Packaged two-dimensional (2-D) arrays containing independently addressable identical 256 and 1296 mirrors are used to build fully functional bitrate and wavelength-independent single-stage, low-insertion-loss, single-mode fiber OXC fabrics.

Fully provisioned 112/spl times/112 micro-mechanical optical crossconnect with 35.8 Tb/s demonstrated capacity

A scalable, fully provisioned 112/spl times/112 micro-mechanical optical cross connect with mean insertion loss of 7.5 dB@1550 nm into single-mode optical fiber and <10 ms switching speed is presented. 35.8 Tbit/s aggregate capacity was demonstrated with 320 Gbit/s TDM signals signals.

1296-port MEMS transparent optical crossconnect with 2.07 petabit/s switch capacity

A 1296-port MEMS transparent optical crossconnect with 5.1dB/spl plusmn/1.1dB insertion loss at 1550 nm is reported. Measured worst-case optical crosstalk in a fabric was n38 dB and nominal switching rise/fall times were 5 ms. A 2.07 petabit/s switch capacity was verified upon cross-connecting a forty-channel by 40 Gb/s DWDM data stream through a prototype fabric.

Silicon photonic devices and integrated circuits

Abstract Silicon photonic devices and integrated circuits have undergone rapid and significant progresses during the last decade, transitioning from research topics in universities to product development in corporations. Silicon photonics is anticipated to be a disruptive optical technology for data communications, with applications such as intra-chip interconnects, short-reach communications in datacenters and supercomputers, and long-haul optical transmissions. Bell Labs, as the research organization of Alcatel-Lucent, a network system vendor, has an optimal position to identify the full potential of silicon photonics both in the applications and in its technical merits. Additionally it has demonstrated novel and improved high-performance optical devices, and implemented multi-function photonic integrated circuits to fulfill various communication applications. In this paper, we review our silicon photonic programs and main achievements during recent years. For devices, we review high-performance single-drive push-pull silicon Mach-Zehnder modulators, hybrid silicon/III-V lasers and silicon nitride-assisted polarization rotators. For photonic circuits, we review silicon/silicon nitride integration platforms to implement wavelength-division multiplexing receivers and transmitters. In addition, we show silicon photonic circuits are well suited for dual-polarization optical coherent transmitters and receivers, geared for advanced modulation formats. We also discuss various applications in the field of communication which may benefit from implementation in silicon photonics.

Wavelength-selective 1/spl times/4 switch for 128 WDM channels at 50 GHz spacing

We present a reconfigurable wavelength-selective switch that independently distributes 128 input WDM channels to four output ports. The switch is based on bulk optics and MEMS micro-mirrors, exhibits <5 dB insertion loss and flat-top pass-bands, and is well suited for transparent switching of 10 Gb/s signals.

238 x 238 micromechanical optical cross connect

This letter describes a 238/spl times/238 beam-steering optical cross connect constructed using surface micromachined mirrors. Its innovative optical configuration resulted in superior optical performance, achieving a mean fiber-to-fiber insertion loss of 1.33 dB and a maximum insertion loss for all 56 644 connections of 2 dB.

Demonstration of the interconnection of two optical packet rings with a hybrid optoelectronic packet router

We demonstrate the interconnection of two optical packet switching systems: a hybrid optoelectronic packet router and two optical packet rings. Error-free inter-ring and intra-ring optical packet transmission and unicast and multicast transport of encapsulated 10 GbE are achieved.

Reduced Recovery Time Semiconductor Optical Amplifier Using p-Type-Doped Multiple Quantum Wells

The effect of p-type doping of the active region of multiple quantum-well (MQW) semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) has been studied. Spectrogram measurements of the dynamics of the SOAs reveal that using p-doped barriers for the MQWs has significantly reduced both gain and phase recovery times. 1/e phase recovery times as short as 11 ps were demonstrated using this approach