Directly modulated lasers in negative dispersion fiber links

Abstract

In the paper the impact of frequency chirp of directly modulated lasers is considered in context of high-speed data transmission over negative dispersion fiber. Chirp/dispersion induced signal distortions are described, and detailed investigations of their influence on 10 Gb/s transmission system performance are presented. The desired laser chirp characteristics and optimal driving conditions are determined. It is also demonstrated that directly modulated laser with low chirp offers similar or even better dispersion tolerance than unchirped (externally modulated) source. Experimental verification of described investigations is presented at the end. © Association of Polish Electrical Engineers 2007.