J. Opt. Commun.
2016; aop
Hsiu-Sheng Lin* and Po-Chou Lai
40 Gb/s DWDM Structure with Optical Phase
Configuration for Long-Haul Transmission System
DOI 10.1515/joc-2016-0019
Submitted/Received February 20, 2016; revised March 25, 2016;
accepted April 11, 2016
Abstract: We propose the experimental transport of 48
channels with 40 Gbit/s dense wavelength-division multi-
plexing (DWDM) system that uses single-mode fiber
(SMF) in combination with dispersion compensation
fiber (DCF) which is a dispersion compensation device,
in C and L band wavelength range to solve the dispersion
program. The DWDM system scheme employing single
Mach–Zehnder modulation (MZM) return-to-zero differen-
tial phase-shift keying (RZ-DPSK) modulation format with
hybrid Raman/EDFA (Erbium-doped fiber amplifier) con-
figuration to improve transmission signal, and employing
an optical phase conjugation (OPC) configuration in the
middle line. That can compensate for dispersion impair-
ment and improve nonlinear effects to investigate trans-
mission distance performances.
Keywords: dense wavelength-division multiplexing
(DWDM), Mach–Zehnder modulation (MZM), return-to-
zero differential phase-shift keying (RZ-DPSK), single-
mode fiber (SMF), dispersion compensation fiber (DCF),
optical phase conjugation (OPC)
PACS® (2010). 42.79.Sz
1 Introduction
To resolve the bandwidth exhaustion and enable multiple
services in optical communication system, more than one
wavelength has been multiplexed in the same fiber using
dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) technol-
ogy [1, 2]. The DWDM system involves transport technology
that enables many aggregate wavelengths to move over a
single fiber. It can work for long-haul distances, with
*Corresponding author: Hsiu-Sheng Lin, Institute of Computer
Communication Engineering, National Taipei University of
Technology, Rm. 1, 6F., No. 111, Sec. 2, Daye Rd., Taoyuan Dist.,
Taoyuan City 330, Taiwan, R.O.C., E-mail: lss121@yahoo.com.tw
Po-Chou Lai, Department of Electronic Engineering Department of
Electronic Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, 1,
Sec.3, Chung-Hsiao, E. Rd., Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.,
E-mail: pclai@en.ntut.edu.tw
many wavelengths and high bit rates being multiplexed
in a fiber.
The dispersion compensation fiber (DCF) feature is a
dispersion compensation technology that almost comple-
tely compensates for accumulated positive dispersion over
a wide range of wavelengths. Using the DCF as a dispersion
compensation device has been proposed to improve the
system’s performance. The DCF parameter value includes
a loss value of 0.5 dB/km, an effective area of 22 μm2 and a
dispersion value of –85 ps/nm/km. The differential phase-
shift keying (DPSK) format in a high-speed optical commu-
nication system carries signal information by an optical
phase change bit, due to DPSK 3 dB having a lower require-
ment for an optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) than an on–
off keying (OOK) signal when using a balanced receiver. The
return-to-zero (RZ) modulation format possesses greater
advantages in operating with high input powers and high
receiver sensitivity than the conventional non-return-to-
zero (NRZ) modulation format. The optical signal of RZ-
DPSK modulation format is generated by two cascaded
Mach–Zehnder modulators (MZMs), one is used for phase
modulation referred to as E/O phase modulator, and the
other is used for pulse carving out of NRZ-DPSK optical
signals referred to as an E/O intensity modulator.
We proposed a novel system to generate RZ-DPSK
signal that only one MZM modulator and the use of an
electronic component to replace the pulse carving in the
second MZM modulator. The system is to generate an
electrically pulse-carved bipolar signal, where “ + 1” state
corresponds to “0” phase and “–1” state corresponds to
“π” phase [3]. The single MZM for generating RZ-DPSK
output signal is the same as the RZ-DPSK modulation
generating signal that reduces modulation system complex
for long-distance transmission effectively [4, 5].
2 The specific optical phase conjugation
Dispersion impairment and nonlinear effects can limit the
transmission distance. However, modulation formats in
optical communication system suffers from the impact of
dispersion and nonlinear effects. A novel scheme for imple-
menting optical phase conjugation (OPC) is proposed. It is a
new method to compensate for the dispersion impairment
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2 H.-S. Lin and P.-C. Lai: 40 Gb/s DWDM Structure with Optical Phase Configuration

and reduce the nonlinear effects in long-haul optical com- 0

munication system [6–8]. Laser pump Data signal
1,555.7 nm 1,558.2 nm
The OPC is a novel scheme to compensate for the
–10
nonlinear effects and dispersion impairment with conven-
tional compensation formats. The spectrum data signal of

OPC is inverted in the middle optical communication trans-
mission system. Employing the OPC scheme, the accumu-
lated dispersion and nonlinear effects in the middle part of
the transmission are degraded. It has been proven that OPC
by four-wave mixing (FWM) can fully compensate for the
dispersion impairment and reduce nonlinear effects at a
40 Gb/s RZ-DPSK transmission system [9].
2.1 The principle of OPC
The simplest way to understand how OPC can compen-
sate the dispersion impairment is by formula (1):
∂A* iβ2 ∂2 A* β3 ∂3 A*
− − = 0,
∂Z 2 ∂t2 6 ∂t2
where A* is the phase conjugated field and β2 is the
dispersion parameter. The formula shows the phase con-
jugated field A* produces the sign reversed with the dis-
persion parameter β2 . With the OPC in the middle of the
transmission system, the dispersion acquired over the
first half will be exactly compensated for in the second
half of the link. Since the β3 term does not change the
sign, the OPC cannot compensate for the third-order dis-
persion. The pulse shape is restored to the input form,
and the input data signal is completely recovered, thus a
phase reversal signal induced by the OPC. The signal
spectrum after the OPC becomes the mirror signal of the
input spectrum. Therefore, the OPC implements in the
middle span can compensate for the dispersion impair-
ment and nonlinear effects simultaneously.
Figure 1 shows the basic OPC configuration; the OPC
of the input data signal and pump laser signal are con-
jugated by FWM after a semiconductor optical amplifier
(SOA) generates a new optical spectrum signal.
Intensity (dB)
Conjugate signal
–20 1,553.3 nm
–30
–40
–50
1,552 1,554 1,556 1,558 1,560
Wavelength (nm)
Figure 2: The optical spectrum of OPC after the SOA.
Figure 2 shows the new optical spectrum signal after the
SOA. The input data signal is combined with the amplified
output of a dispersion fiber brag (DFB) pump laser and
(1)
injected into the SOA. The input data signal is 1,558.2 nm
and the DFB pump laser is 1,555.7 nm conjugated to gener-
ate one FWM signal at 1,553.3 nm. The FWM has an inverted
optical spectrum from the input data signal. By the process,
the signal of the accumulated dispersion is also inverted.
After the conversion process, the pump signal was
removed by a fiber Bragg grating (FBG). The band-pass
filter (BPF) mainly filters the converted data signal to
receiver and detects using a bit error rate (BER) detector.
The isolator component mainly prevents the signal from
being refracted by the FBG back into the SOA to reduce
SOA damage.
3 Experimental structure
The block shown in Figure 3 is the proposed single
MZM modulator to generate RZ-DPSK signal structure.

DATA
+
Divider
Input data signal Isolator FBG EDFA BPF
1,558.2 nm
Data out Low-pass
SOA Gaussian
filter
Clock Time
delay

Laser Output
BPF EDFA DFB MZM
1,555.7 nm diode

Figure 1: The basic OPC configuration. Figure 3: The block of the Single MZM gererate RZ-DPSK signal.

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 H.-S. Lin and P.-C. Lai: 40 Gb/s DWDM Structure with Optical Phase Configuration
The input differential precoded data with divider is
separated into two parts, one is sent to the input of
the XOR gate and the other 40 Gb/s signal is sent with
a certain time delay into the XOR gate. The other signal
is combined with the output of the XOR gate. The output
signal is passed to low-pass Gaussian filter (LPGF) to
generate a pulse-carved bipolar signal and through
amplifier to drive single MZM to generate RZ-DPSK
signal.
Figure 4 shows the time domains of single MZM
RZ-DPSK. The data waveform is the precoded data sig-
nal, the clock is 40 Gb/s signal with delay time and the
XOR output waveform is a combination of delay signal
and precoded data signal. The combiner output wave-
form generates the differential signal with high level of
“1” and low level of “–1.”
1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1
DATA(A)
Clock(B)
t
XOR
output(C)
Combiner
output(D)
Filter
output(E)
Modulator 0 π 0 π 0 0 π π
output(F)
Figure 4: The signal MZM RZ-DPSK time domains.
The filter output waveform employs the LPGF to generate
bipolar signal and the signal input into the MZM modulator
to generate RZ-DPSK signal. The modulator output wave-
form of “1” state corresponds to “0” phase and “0” state
corresponds to “π” phase that have the same signal as the
conventional RZ-DPSK signal output.
Figure 5 shows single MZM RZ-DPSK time domains.
Figure 5(a) is the different precoded data signal,
Figure 5(b) is the 40 Gb/s clock signal, Figure 5(c)
shows the XOR output waveform combined with time
delay signal and precoded data signal, Figure 5(d) is the
combined output waveform to generate the differential
signal with high level of “1” and low level of “–1,”
Figure 5(e) is the filter output waveform employing the
LPGF to generate pulse-carved bipolar signal and the
Figure 5(f) is the MZM output waveform.
3
Figure 6 shows the 48-channel DWDM system
scheme at 40 Gb/s employing single MZM RZ-DPSK
transmission of single-mode fiber (SMF) and DCF for
long-haul transmission and using OPC in the middle
transmission scheme for dispersion compensation and
improve nonlinear effects [10, 11].
At the transmitter, the output signals of 48 contin-
uous-wave (CW) lasers on a 50 GHz are coupled by
using a multiplexer device. The modulation signal
uses a single MZM RZ-DPSK format to generate an RZ-
DPSK signal output. The wavelength range of 48 chan-
nels is from 1,540 to 1,558.8 nm and the injected power
of 48-channel laser source using 1 mW (0 dBm). The
signal transmission part employing 100 km SMF and
20 km DCF for one span transmission distance and
employing hybrid amplifier included two pump lasers
Raman fiber amplifier and EDFA to improve the trans-
mission impairment.
0 In the middle of the transmission distance, OPC con-
figuration is employed to compensate for the accumu-
lated dispersion impairment and improve nonlinear
effects for long-haul optical communication performance.
The OPC as a novel configuration can be utilized to
compensate for accumulated dispersion and nonlinear
effects in the DWDM system. The spectrum data signal
from the OPC is inverted by FWM effects after an SOA in
the middle of the optical communication transmission
system. The injected current of the SOA is set to 750 mA,
and the length of SOA is 2 mm [12, 13]. The input data
π 0 π signal at 1,558.2 nm and the DFB pump laser at 1,555.7 nm
are conjugated to generate an FWM signal at 1,555.3 nm.
The FWM effect generates the inverted optical spectrum
signal by input data signal and DFB pump laser.
After the conversion phenomenon, the pump noise
signal is removed by an FBG. The isolator device mainly
prevents the signal from being refracted by the FBG back
into the SOA device. The noise of the converted data
signal is removed utilizing an 8 nm BPF.
Figure 7 illustrates the spectrum signal before the
SOA device. The input data signal generates power of –
24.12 dBm at 1,558.2 nm and the laser pump signal gen-
erates power of 11.8 dBm at 1,555.7 nm.
Figure 8 illustrates the spectrum signal after the SOA
device. In the middle of the long-haul transmission link,
the OPC configuration was accomplished by FWM effects
in an SOA device.
The input data signal generates power of –10.04 dBm
at 1,558.2 nm, the laser pump signal generates power of
18.7 dBm at 1,555.7 nm and the conjugate signal generates
power of –22.13 dBm at 1,553.3 nm.
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4 H.-S. Lin and P.-C. Lai: 40 Gb/s DWDM Structure with Optical Phase Configuration

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

(e) (f)

Figure 5: The time domains waveform of single MZM RZ-DPSK. (a) The pre-coded data signal; (b) 40 Gb/s clock signal; (c) the XOR output
waveform; (d) the combiner output waveform; (e) the filter output waveform; and (f) the MZM output waveform.

By the FWM effect after SOA, the power spectrum signal
is improved to 7 dB, and the increased power can
improve nonlinear effects and promote the transmission
distance. Figure 9 shows 48-channel spectrum signal
after multiplexer.
Figure 10 shows 48-channel flatness efficiency of spec-
trum signal after multiplexer, the maximum power signal is
1,557.6 nm that generates –19.38 dBm and the minimum
power signal is 1,542.4 nm that generates –20.12 dBm.
The 48-channel flatness efficiency is ± 0.37 dB.

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 H.-S. Lin and P.-C. Lai: 40 Gb/s DWDM Structure with Optical Phase Configuration 5

Single MZM SMF DCF

CH1 RZ-DPSK 100 km 20 km

Multiplexer
OA EDFA
RFA

Pump laser
Single MZM Laser pump coupler 1,480 nm
CH48 RZ-DPSK

1,540–1,558.8 nm Span-1

Pump laser Pump laser

1,446 nm 1,452 nm

BPF FBG Isolator

SOA

ED F A

DFB EDFA BPF

1,555.7 nm

SMF DCF
100 km 20 km Single MZM
BER Rx
RZ-DPSK Rx
Demultiplexer

OA EDFA
RFA

Pump laser Single MZM

Laser pump coupler 1,480 nm RZ-DPSK Rx
BER Rx

CH1–CH48
Span-N

Pump laser Pump laser Figure 6: The system employing OPC

1,446 nm 1,452 nm scheme transmission SMF and DCF.

Figure 7: The spectrum signal before the SOA. Figure 8: The spectrum signal after the SOA.

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6 H.-S. Lin and P.-C. Lai: 40 Gb/s DWDM Structure with Optical Phase Configuration

22

SMF+DCF with OPC OSNR

20

18

OSNR (dB)
16

14

12

10

0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000

Distance (km)

Figure 11: The average OSNR value employing OPC with transmission
distance.

Figure 9: The spectrum signal of 48 channels after multiplexer. configuration in middle line with SMF and DCF in the
long haul at 5,040 km transmission.
The 48-channel scheme employs OPC configuration
with SMF and DCF after long haul at 5,040 km transmis-
sion; all the 48 channels Q-factor are over 6 and BERs are
all over 10−9 that corresponds to the system specification.
Figure 12 shows the 48 channels with distributed BER
value employing OPC configuration with SMF and DCF at
Flatness efficiency 0.37 dB
5,040 km transmission. Figure 13 shows the flatness effi-
ciency of spectrum signal at 2,520 km middle section. The
maximum power signal is 1,557.6 nm that generates –
20.44 dBm and the minimum power signal is 1,540 nm
that generates –27.25 dBm; the average power of 48 chan-
nels is –23.84 dBm.
Figure 14 shows the flatness efficiency of spectrum
signal after OPC configuration, the maximum power signal

24
–log(BER)
22

20
Figure 10: The flatness efficiency of 48 channels after multiplexer.
18
–log(BER)

16
4 Experimental results and discussions
14

The SMF transmission at 100 km and DCF transmission at 12

20 km are comprised in one span of the system transmis-
10
sion scheme. The experimental setup employs OPC con-
8
figuration with transmission fiber to measure the flatness
efficiency and OSNR value for transmission distance per- 6
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
formance. The average OSNR value for 48 channels trans-
Channel
mitted at 600 km is 20.32 dB and at 5,040 km is 10.23 dB.
Figure 11 shows the average OSNR value employing OPC Figure 12: The 48 channels BER value with SMF and DCF at 5,040 km.

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 H.-S. Lin and P.-C. Lai: 40 Gb/s DWDM Structure with Optical Phase Configuration
Average power –23.84 dBm
Figure 13: The flatness efficiency of spectrum signal at 2,520 km.
Average power –19.02 dBm
Figure 14: The flatness efficiency of spectrum signal after OPC
configuration.
is 1,557.2 nm that generates –8.58 dBm and the minimum
power signal is 1,540 nm that generates –27.47 dBm; the
average power of 48 channels is –19.02 dBm.
So, the 48 channels transmit SMF and DCF at 40 Gb/s
employing OPC configuration in middle section, the
power spectrum signal is increased at 4.82 dB; therefore,
the increased power can improve nonlinear effects and
propagate long-haul transmission.
7
Figure 15: The best eye pattern of channel 36.
Figure 16: The worst eye pattern of channel 1.
The 48-channel system employs OPC configuration with
SMF and DCF at 5,040 km. Figure 15 shows channel 36 is
the best eye pattern with the BER of 5.13 × 10−20 and
Figure 16 shows channel 13 is the worst eye pattern with
the BER of 6.16 × 10−10.
5 Conclusion
The proposed novel scheme of OPC configuration in the
middle line can compensate for the nonlinear effects and
reduce dispersion impairment to promote system perfor-
mance in long-haul fiber communication system.
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8 H.-S. Lin and P.-C. Lai: 40 Gb/s DWDM Structure with Optical Phase Configuration
In the middle of the transmission distance employing
OPC configuration, after SOA device by the FWM effect,
the power signal promotes 13 dB. The increased power
can compensate for the accumulated dispersion impair-
ment and improve nonlinear effects.
The proposed system utilized 48 × 40 Gb/s with
0.4 nm channel spacing in the 1,540–1,558.8 nm wave-
length range employing OPC configuration with SMF
and DCF at 5,040 km.
The proposed 48 × 40 Gb/s DWDM system scheme
employing single MZM RZ-DPSK modulation format to
reduce modulation complex configuration and employing
hybrid Raman/EDFA configuration to promote power sig-
nal, employing OPC configuration in the middle line can
compensate for dispersion impairment, improve non-
linear effects and promote power optical spectrum signal
for long-haul optical transmission.
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