Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. 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.
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.
Next-generation telecommunications
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.
It was possible to increase the optical output power by 27% to 19dBm (approx. 80mW)
By optimizing the waveguide design through the use of crystal growth, precision optical semiconductor processing and other laser manufacturing technology accumulated over the past 20 years, they 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) by optimizing the drive conditions and increasing the laser chip efficiency.
Digital coherent communications
Along with increasing the optical output power, they realized a linewidth of 150kHz, which is important for digital coherent communications. 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.
They 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.