Ihsan Fsaifes

DS-OCDMA encoder/decoder performance analysis using optical low-coherence reflectometry

Direct-sequence optical code-division multiple-access (DS-OCDMA) encoder/decoder based on sampled fiber Bragg gratings (S-FBGs) is characterized using phase-sensitive optical low-coherence reflectometry (OLCR). The OLCR technique allows localized measurements of FBG wavelength and physical length inside one S-FBG. This paper shows how the discrepancies between specifications and measurements of the different FBGs have some impact on spectral and temporal pulse responses of the OCDMA encoder/decoder. The FBG physical lengths lower than the specified ones are shown to affect the mean optical power reflected by the OCDMA encoder/decoder. The FBG wavelengths that are detuned from each other induce some modulations of S-FBG reflectivity resulting in encoder/decoder sensitivity to laser wavelength drift of the OCDMA system. Finally, highlighted by this OLCR study, some solutions to overcome limitations in performance with the S-FBG technology are suggested

Source coherence impairments in a direct detection direct sequence optical code-division multiple-access system.

We demonstrate that direct sequence optical code- division multiple-access (DS-OCDMA) encoders and decoders using sampled fiber Bragg gratings (S-FBGs) behave as multipath interferometers. In that case, chip pulses of the prime sequence codes generated by spreading in time-coherent data pulses can result from multiple reflections in the interferometers that can superimpose within a chip time duration. We show that the autocorrelation function has to be considered as the sum of complex amplitudes of the combined chip as the laser source coherence time is much greater than the integration time of the photodetector. To reduce the sensitivity of the DS-OCDMA system to the coherence time of the laser source, we analyze the use of sparse and nonperiodic quadratic congruence and extended quadratic congruence codes.

Nonlinear Pulse Reshaping With Highly Birefringent Photonic Crystal Fiber for OCDMA Receivers

We combine an erbium-doped fiber amplifier with a short segment of highly birefringent photonic crystal fiber to generate a nonlinear transfer function suitable for optical transmission systems based on optical code-division multiple-access (OCDMA). Such a functional element based on spectral broadening followed by an off-center narrow optical filtering provides an effective suppression of spurious signals such as multiple-access interferences in OCDMA receivers and can reduce the pulses amplitude jitter.

Phase Noise of the Radio Frequency (RF) Beatnote Generated by a Dual-Frequency VECSEL

We analyze, both theoretically and experimentally, the phase noise of the radio frequency (RF) beatnote generated by optical mixing of two orthogonally polarized modes in an optically pumped dual-frequency vertical external cavity surface emitting laser (VECSEL). The characteristics of the RF phase noise within the frequency range of 10 kHz-50 MHz are investigated for three different nonlinear coupling strengths between the two lasing modes. In the theoretical model, we consider two different physical mechanisms responsible for the RF phase noise. In the low frequency domain (typically below 500 kHz), the dominant contribution to the RF phase noise is shown to come from the thermal fluctuations of the semiconductor active medium induced by pump intensity fluctuations. However, in the higher frequency domain (typically above 500 kHz), the main source of RF phase noise is shown to be the pump intensity fluctuations which are transferred to the intensity noises of the two lasing modes and then to the phase noise via the large Henry factor of the semiconductor gain medium. For this latter mechanism, the nonlinear coupling strength between the two lasing modes is shown to play an important role in the value of the RF phase noise. All experimental results are shown to be in good agreement with theory.

Performance analysis of quadratic congruence codes using superstructured fiber Bragg gratings for a flexible data rate coherent DS-OCDMA system

The performance of a coherent direct sequence optical code division multiple access (DS-OCDMA) system using quadratic congruence codes implemented with superstructured fiber Bragg gratings is experimentally analyzed. We point out that nonperiodic and sparse quadratic congruence codes reduce multipath beat noise and intersymbol interference, respectively. These two properties of the structure of the quadratic congruence codes are shown to improve the bit-error-rate (BER) performance of the coherent system. As a result, we demonstrate that the performance enhancement of the coherent DS-OCDMA system allows the data bit rate of the system to be varied from 1 Gbit/sto2.5 Gbits/s and the receiver bandwidth to be decreased from 15 GHzto5 GHz respecting the low-cost requirement of the optical access network. These data bit rate and receiver bandwidth performances are achieved with moderate BER penalty.

Pulsed laser source coherence time impairments in a direct detection DS-OCDMA system

We investigate the impact of laser source coherence time on bit error rate (BER) and autocorrelation function performances of a direct sequence OCDMA system. Congruence codes are suggested to reduce the observed coherence effects.

Spectral slicing of a supercontinuum source for WDM/DS-OCDMA application

WDM and optical CDMA are leading contenders to easily upgrade access network performances in terms of multiple access technique. Both methods can be used at once, using a single multiwavelength optical source. We show, numerically and experimentally, that spectral slicing of a 10-GHz pulse train broadened to a supercontinuum yields pulses suitable for use in a direct sequence optical CDMA system. Simulations with optical CDMA encoders and decoders based on superstructured fiber Bragg gratings indicate good performance can be expected.

A novel ring architecture of multiple optical private networks over EPON using OCDMA technique

We propose a novel ring architecture to install multiple optical private networks (PNs) on EPON infrastructure. The PNs are demonstrated to be independent of OLT which does not add any supplement traffic management into OLT. We experimentally demonstrate two active PNs communications using OCDMA technique in which ONUs within PN are interconnected and sharing the same codeword.

Optical Phase Sensitive Amplification for Microwave Photonics Applications: intermodulation distortion analysis

In the context of microwave photonics, we experimentally demonstrate the linearity of an optical phase sensitive amplifier by performing third order intermodulation distortion products measurements using two RF tones. Distortionless amplification is achieved.

Index phase profile and pitch measurement technique of fiber Bragg gratings using uv-induced blue luminescence

We report experimental results on a phase and pitch (chirp) measurement technique of local index modulation along fiber-Bragg gratings, based on UV-induced blue luminescence. Experiments show good agreement compared to Bragg grating reconstruction by Layer-Peeling.