Simplified Transceivers for Short-Reach Coherent-Lite Systems

2025/06/19 by Xiaoyan Ye, X.R. Ye, Seb J. Savory
Engineering · #Optical Network Technologies

paper · doi:10.1109/jlt.2025.3581121

Abstract

While coherent transceivers are widely deployed for long-haul transmissions, short-reach systems predominantly rely on intensity modulation with direct detection. In this paper, we discuss the promise coherent-lite systems offer for short-reach applications. These systems represent a simplified version of conventional coherent systems, being simplified to lower cost and improve power efficiency while maintaining high performance. We review various digital and photonic solutions for designing coherent-lite systems for both data center networks and access networks, addressing future data rate requirements beyond 800 Gbit/s for data center interconnects and 200 Gbit/s for passive optical networks.

Citations

• Beyond 1 Tb/s Intra-Data Center Interconnect Technology: IM-DD OR Coherent?

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