Performance of 1550 nm VCSEL at 10 Gb/s in G.655 and G.652 SSMF

Abstract

Vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) are now major optical sources in optical communication and technology. The VCSEL-based transmission systems satisfy the next generation optical fibre access networks requirements such as low output power, low threshold currents, no optical amplification and use of single fibre for signal transmission. High speed and long wavelength 1550 nm VCSEL are attractive candidates for use in short distance transmission system due to its cost effectiveness and low drive currents. The performance of VCSEL, especially with respect to the low output power characteristics, has made significant progress. However, dispersion and attenuation is a major hurdle to VCSELs transmission at bit rate of 10 Gb/s and above. In this study, we experimentally and theoretically evaluate the capability of 1550 nm VCSEL to operate upto 10 Gb/s on G.655 and G.652 fibres. We present VCSEL characterization and BER performance as a function of received power. A 1550 nm VCSEL was directly modulated with 10 Gb/s NRZ PRBS 27 -1 and transmitted over 25 km ITU. T G.652 and ITU. T G.655 fibres. Error free transmission (with bit error rate, BER, of 10-9) over 25 km G.655 single mode fibre (SMF) has been demonstrated. The Q factor was used theoretically to quantify the performance of the VCSEL. The Q factor increased with the increase in the output power at the receiver. High Q factor values of 6 and above were achieved when 1550 nm VCSEL was transmitted over G.655 fibre. These results show the feasibility of long-wavelength VCSELs in the deployment of enhanced optical access networks.