Spatial domain multiplexing (SDM), also known as space division multiplexing, adds a new degree of photon freedom to existing optical fiber multiplexing techniques by allocating separate radial locations to different channels of the same wavelength as a function of the input launch angle. These independent MIMO channels remain confined to their designated locations while traversing the length of the carrier fiber owing to helical propagation of light inside the fiber core. As a result, multiple channels of the same wavelength can be supported inside a single optical fiber core, thereby allowing spatial reuse of optical frequencies and multiplication of fiber bandwidth. It also shows that SDM channels of different operating wavelengths continue to follow an output pattern that is based on the input launch angle. As a result, the SDM technique can be used in tandem with wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), to achieve higher optical fiber bandwidth through increased photon efficiency and added degrees of photon freedom. This endeavor presents the feasibility of a hybrid optical fiber communication architecture in which the spectral efficiency of the combined system increases by a factor of “n” when each channel of an “n” channel SDM system carries the entire range of WDM spectra.
Spatial domain multiplexing/space division multiplexing (SDM) can increase the bandwidth of existing and futuristic optical fibers by an order of magnitude or more. In the SDM technique, we launch multiple single-mode pigtail laser sources of the same wavelength into a carrier multimode fiber at different angles. The launching angles decide the output of the carrier fiber by allocating separate spatial locations for each channel. Each channel follows a helical trajectory while traversing the length of the carrier fiber, thereby allowing spatial reuse of optical frequencies. We launch light from five different single-mode pigtail laser sources (of same wavelength) at different angles (with respect to the axis of the carrier fiber) into the carrier fiber. Owing to helical propagation, five distinct concentric donut-shaped rings with negligible crosstalk at the output end of the fiber were obtained. These SDM channels also exhibit orbital angular momentum (OAM), thereby adding an extradegree of photon freedom. We present the experimental data of five spatially multiplexed channels and compare them with simulated results to show that this technique can potentially improve the data capacity of optical fibers by an order of magnitude: A factor of five using SDM and another factor of two using OAM.
Spatial domain multiplexing (SDM) also known as space division multiplexing adds a new degree of photon freedom to
existing optical fiber multiplexing techniques by allocating separate radial locations to different MIMO channels as a
function of the input launch angle. These independent MIMO channels remain confined to the designated location while
traversing the length of the carrier fiber, due to helical propagation of light inside the fiber core. The SDM technique can
be used in tandem with other multiplexing techniques, such as time division multiplexing (TDM), and wavelength division
multiplexing in hybrid optical communication schemes, to achieve higher optical fiber bandwidth by increasing the photon
efficiency due to added degrees of photon freedom. This paper presents the feasibility of a novel hybrid optical fiber
communications architecture and shows that SDM channels of different operating wavelengths continue to follow the
input launch angle based radial distribution pattern.
Spatial Domain Multiplexing/Space Division Multiplexing (SDM) can increase the bandwidth of existing and futuristic
optical fibers by an order of magnitude or more. In the SDM technique, we launch multiple single mode pigtail laser
sources of same wavelength into a carrier fiber at different angles. The launching angles decide the output of the carrier
fiber by allocating separate spatial locations for each channel. Each channel follows a helical trajectory while traversing
the length of the carrier fiber, thereby allowing spatial reuse of optical frequencies. In this endeavor we launch light from
five different single mode pigtail laser sources at different angles (with respect to the axis of the carrier fiber) into the
carrier fiber. Owing to helical propagation we get five distinct concentric donut shaped rings with negligible crosstalk at
the output end of the fiber. These SDM channels also exhibit Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM), thereby adding an extra
degree of photon freedom. We present the experimental data of five spatially multiplexed channels and compare them with
simulated results to show that this technique can potentially improve the data capacity of optical fibers by an order of
magnitude: A factor of five using SDM and another factor of two using OAM.
An optical encryption technique based on polarization property of light is proposed. Many techniques using polarization
beam splitters to encrypt the signal have been proposed earlier. They are based on splitting and interference of two light
signals, namely message and noise. Only by placing suitable mirrors and a second beam splitter in a suitable position,
the two signals are reconstructed at the output. In this paper we report the fiber optic version of a polarization based
encryption technique that also has the potential to double the data carrying capacity of the fiber. Using polarization
dependent couplers in the fiber optic cables, we are able to achieve encryption of the light signal. Theoretical analysis
and simulated results are also presented.
Free-space optical links are ideal for short-range (1 km to 3 km) communications. An innovative new technique called
Spatial Optical Encryption can be used to secure laser data communications. With this technique, data can be encoded
and transmitted spatially through a single fiber, and then transmitted over a free-space optical link. Different sources of
data could be simultaneously sent over the same fiber. This endeavor demonstrates the design and performance issues of
such a transmitter and receiver using Spatial Optical Encryption over an environmental link of 100 meters.
Spatial domain multiplexing (SDM) utilizes co-propagation of exactly the same wavelength in optical fibers to increase
the bandwidth by integer multiples. Input signals from multiple independent single mode pigtail laser sources are
launched at different input angles into a single multimode carrier fiber. The SDM channels follow helical paths and
traverse through the carrier fiber without interfering with each other. The optical energy from the different sources is
spatially distributed and takes the form of concentric circular donut shaped rings, where each ring corresponds to an
independent laser source. At the output end of the fiber these donut shaped independent channels can be separated either
with the help of bulk optics or integrated concentric optical detectors. This presents the experimental setup and results
for a four channel SDM system. The attenuation and bit error rate for individual channels of such a system is also
presented.
Most developments in data transfer techniques are incremental by nature and the goal of increasing total
capacity in optical communications and networking requires new concepts for basic transmission media. The
transmission data rates can only be enhanced by introducing new modulation and multiplexing techniques. In
this paper different single mode tapered fiber waveguides are used to design a Spatial Multiplexer Unit (SMU)
for a novel optical fiber multiplexing technique called the Spatial Domain Multiplexing (SDM) that allows co-propagation
of two or more channels of exactly same wavelength without interfering with each other. This paper
also presents a CAD model for the SMU and then compares the output beam profiles from different single mode
tapered fibers to determine the optimum geometry for the SMU. Finally experimental and simulated beam
profiles for the SMU are presented.
Spatial reuse of optical frequencies in optical fibers is possible through a novel Spatial Domain Multiplexing
(SDM) technique that enables simultaneous propagation of two or more spatially multiplexed channels of
exactly the same wavelength by confining them to unique spatial locations inside the fiber. Spatial filtering
techniques are employed at the output end to separate the individual optical channels. The SDM channels follow
helical path inside the carrier fiber and do not interfere with each other. This paper presents electromagnetic
wave based model to analyze two such co-propagating SDM channels and then compares the model predictions
to experimental data. The comparison of attenuation and dispersion show a close match to prove that SDM
technique can be used to enhance the bandwidth of optical fiber systems.
Spatial Domain Multiplexing (SDM) is a novel optical fiber multiplexing technique where multiple channels of the same
wavelength are launched at specific angles inside a standard step index multimode carrier fiber. These channels are
confined to specific locations inside the fiber and they do not interfere with each other while traversing the length of the
fiber. Spatial filtering techniques are employed at the output end to separate, route and process the individual channels.
These skew ray channels inside the SDM system follow a helical trajectory along the fiber. The screen projection of the
skew rays resembles a circular polygon. A ray theory based mathematical model of the SDM system is presented and
simulated as well as experimental data is compared to the model predictions. This ray theory model utilizes launch point,
input incidence angle, and point of incidence on fiber to explain the behavior of the individual channels. Thus the vector
approach to propagation allows us to predict the effects of pulse spreading in the SDM system. The results showed that
the skew ray trajectory is sensitive to input incidence angle. Similarly changing the launch point, while maintaining the
angle of incidence constant with the z axis, can drastically affect the skew ray trajectory.
Spatial Domain Multiplexing (SDM) is a novel technique in optical fiber communications. Single mode fibers are used
to launch Gaussian beams of the same wavelength into a multimode step index fiber at specific angles. Based on the
launch angle, the channel follows a helical path. The helical trajectory is explained with the help of vortex theory. The
electromagnetic wave based vortex formation and propagation is mathematically modeled for multiple channels and the
results are compared against experimental and simulated data. The modeled output intensity is analyzed to show a
relationship between launch angle and the electric field intensity.
Spatial Domain Multiplexing (SDM) is a novel technique that allows co-propagation of two or more optical
communication channels of the same wavelengths over a single strand of optical fiber cable by maintaining spatial
separation between the channels. Spatial multiplexer known as the beam combiner module (BCM) supports helical
propagation of light to ensure spatial separation between the channels. It is inserted at the input end of the system. Spatial
de-multiplexing is achieved by a unit named beam separator module (BSM). This unit is inserted at the receiving end of
the system and it routes the optical energy from individual channels to dedicated receivers. Spatially multiplexed
channels exhibit negligible crosstalk. The bandwidth of the fiber optic systems employing SDM technique increases by
multiple folds. CAD model of a beam combiner module for a two channel system using commercially available
simulation tools is presented here. Simulated beam profile of the output is compared to the experimental data.
Spatial domain multiplexing is a new dimension in fiber optic multiplexing with the potential to greatly increase the data-carrying capacity of optical fiber communication systems. Spatially multiplexed channels follow helical paths inside the fiber and do not interfere with each other as optical energy from individual channels is distributed in the radial direction at different distances from the origin of the fiber. The resultant output appears as concentric circles when projected on a screen. The experimental setup and results for two spatially modulated analog channels of the same wavelength over approximately 600 m of standard 62.5/125-µm multimode fiber, using 635-nm pigtail laser sources and 30-MHz sinusoidal modulation, are reported here.
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