IntEgrated verticAl Modulator onto VCSEL for ultra high speed optical interconnects – EAM-VCSEL

In addition, we will also consider alternative modulation formats (multilevel, sub-carrier) to further extend the data transmission capability, or the potential use for high-microwave frequency radio-over-fiber transmission.

Workpackage 2 – Design and fabrication of the EAM-VCSEL :
The design of the EAM and EAM-VCSEL vertical structures have been finalized by LAAS and VUB (D2.1 and D2.2).
In june 2021 (M18), the epitaxy of the EAM and EAM-VCSEL structures have been realized (D2.3 and D2.4), and the technological process for the fabrication of devices is on-going.
Workpackage 3 – Opto-microwave characterizations :
The necessary and specific equipments (photodiode, etc..) for the high-speed characterization of the EAM and EAM-VCSEL have been supplied.
The task schedule and the deliverable due dates in the WP3 have been rescheduled accordingly to the schedule for the completion of the device fabrication tasks.
Workpackage 4 - High-speed optical communication devices and systems
In this WP4, FOTON is in charge for back-to-back and transmission assessment of the fabricated EAM-VCSELs. In a first step, we target to test standalone EAMs with OOK and PAM-4 signals at bit rates up to 100 Gbit/s in back-to-back configuration.
In the first part of this project, FOTON has worked on a 100 Gbit/s single wavelength PAM-4 experiment in a real-time setup. Carrying out a PAM-4 real-time measurement without off-line digital signal processing at 100 Gbit/s is really challenging, few laboratories have the capacity to perform this type of experiment.
A detailled report is given in the appendices at the end of this document.
For the same reasons as WP3, the deliverable dates for this WP4 has been rescheduled.
Workpackage 5 - Devices specifications based on end-user applications and industrial manufacturing
the Deliverable 5.1: »eport on EAM-VCSEL device & transmission level specifications » has been completed.

EAM and EAM-VCSEL devices will be fabricated and characterized for demonstrating high speed modulation and optical transmission links.

Real Time 100 Gbit/s/? PAM-4 Experiments for Future Access Networks over 20 km with 29 dB Optical Budget
Jérémy Potet, Mathilde Gay, Laurent Bramerie, Hamza Hallak Elwan, Fabienne Saliou, Gaël Simon, Philippe Chanclou, accepted in ECOC 2021 (FOTON)

The goal of EAM-VCSEL project is to develop a cost- and energy-effective laser-source technology for short range Tb/s optical data communications links by extending the high-speed capability of VCSELs to beyond what is possible using direct current modulation. Therefore, the main objective is to demonstrate single-channel data rates in the 100 Gbps range under operating conditions and environmental requirements as set by relevant applications. Our technological approach consists in the monolithic integration of an electro-absorptive modulation structure in the vertically stacked VCSEL layout. By decoupling the electrical and optical designs of the modulator from the laser, one can optimize the ultra-high speed performances. Beyond this, we will also consider alternative modulation formats (multilevel, sub-carrier) to further extend the data transmission capacity, or the potential for high-microwave frequency radio-over-fiber transmission.