Achieved a 19 dBm high output of the ultra-small, narrow linewidth tunable light source for optical digital coherent communications

- By increasing optical output power and reducing linewidth, realized progress toward early implementation of the next-generation standard 800ZR -

March 21, 2024

Increased optical output power by 27% to 19dBm by optimizing the drive conditions and increasing the laser chip efficiency
Along with increasing the optical output power, realized a linewidth of 150kHz, which is important for digital coherent communications
Will exhibit the new product at OFC 2024 scheduled to be held in the United States and plan to begin shipping samples from June 2024

Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. (Head office: 2-6-4 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Hideya Moridaira) has achieved a 19dBm (approx. 80mW) optical output power from the ultra-small, narrow linewidth tunable light source , a laser product used as a light source in optical digital coherent communications (Fig. 1).

Background

Following the recent appearance of generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) and machine learning, data traffic at data centers and other locations has exploded globally, and it is expected to grow further in the future. In response to this situation, progress is being made toward the introduction of 800G ultra-high speed transmission systems using optical digital coherent communications. In particular, in relation to the next-generation telecommunications standard 800ZR ^(note), there are expectations for increased optical output power from the narrow linewidth tunable light source and other developments.

Details

By optimizing the waveguide design through the use of our crystal growth, precision optical semiconductor processing and other laser manufacturing technology accumulated over the past 20 years, we succeeded in increasing the optical output power from the narrow linewidth tunable light source. Compared to the existing product’s optical output power of 18dBm (approx. 63mW), it was possible to increase the optical output power by 27% to 19dBm (approx. 80mW) (Fig. 2) by optimizing the drive conditions and increasing the laser chip efficiency. Along with increasing the optical output power, we realized a linewidth of 150kHz, which is important for digital coherent communications (Table). Increasing the optical output power and reducing the linewidth will contribute to progress toward the early implementation of 800ZR, as well as increased performance through the use in products designed under the existing 400ZR standard.

Fig. 1 Nano-ITLA

We will exhibit this new product at OFC 2024 scheduled to be held on March 26-28, 2024 in San Diego (OFS Fitel, LLC booth; Booth number 2041) and plan to begin shipping samples in June 2024.

OFC 2024

Going forward, we will continue to achieve further advances in optical lasers and contribute to the establishment of socially and environmentally friendly networks that support progress of the telecommunications society.

Fig. 2 Optical output power curve

Table Comparison with the existing product
	Existing product	Newly developed product (High output version)
Frequency range (THz)	191.300 - 196.100
Optical output power (dBm)	18	19
Linewidth (kHz)	＜150
Dimensions	5.6x12.1x3.8mm (excluding the fiber part)

(note) Standard set forth by the industry association OIF (The Optical Internetworking Forum) for transmission distance exceeding 80km and data transmission speed of 800 Gb/s. The current standard is 400ZR.

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