Error-free demultiplexing of 160 Gbit/s pulse signal using optical loop mirror including semiconductor laser amplifier

Abstract

The authors demonstrate the bit error rate (BER) measurement of an optically multiplexed single polarised 160 Gbit/s pulse signal with a gate-width tunable demultiplexer based on an optical loop mirror that includes a semiconductor laser amplifier (SLA). It is found that the excess signal power in the optical loop mirror induces BER degradation. A BER of less than 10-10 at 160 Gbit/s is successfully achieved for the first time.