Reconfigurable photonic integrated transmitter for metro-access networks

A reconfigurable photonic integrated transmitter, enabling dynamic resource allocation in the metro-access network, is proposed. The device consists of a multicarrier sliceable bandwidth variable transmitter (MC-SBVT) realized in indium phosphide and a silicon-nitride-based optical cross-connect (OXC). The proposed architecture delivers full flexibility in terms of the choice of data format/bandwidth, channel spacing, and wavelength assignment. The functional design of the MC-SBVT and OXC as well as their practical realization are discussed. Preliminary characterization results of the photonic-integrated-circuit-based MC-SBVT, demonstrating the reconfigurability of the device, are also presented.

Automated summary

A reconfigurable photonic integrated transmitter, allowing dynamic resource allocation in the metro-access network, is proposed. It is composed of a multicarrier sliceable bandwidth variable transmitter (MC-SBVT) made of indium phosphide and a silicon-nitride-based optical cross-connect (OXC). The architecture provides full flexibility in data format/bandwidth choice, channel spacing, and wavelength assignment. The functional design and practical realization of the MC-SBVT and OXC, as well as preliminary characterization results, demonstrating device reconfigurability, are discussed.