Hybrid WDM-MDM transmitter with an integrated Si modulator array and a micro-resonator comb source

Abstract

We demonstrate a multi-channel silicon photonic transmitter based on wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and mode division multiplexing (MDM). The light source is realized by a silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) Kerr frequency comb and optical modulation is realized by silicon electro-optic modulators. Three wavelengths and two modes are employed to increase the optical transmission capacity. The accumulated data rate reaches 150 Gb/s. The dense integration of WDM and MDM components with a compact optical comb source opens new avenues for the future high-capacity multi-dimensional optical transmission.