NeoPhotonics offers PIC-based variable-power intradyne coherent receiver

Optical component and subsystems developer NeoPhotonics Corp. (NYSE: NPTN) says its new 100-Gbps Variable Power Intradyne Coherent Receiver (VICR) will enable service providers to better manage network capacity in colorless coherent networks. The VICR, based on photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology, integrates a variable optical attenuator (VOA) on the signal path. It will increase dynamic range and improve the optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) for both single-channel and multiple coincident signals, NeoPhotonics asserts.

The VICR works with the local oscillator to enable colorless channel drop without the need for a terminal optical filter. The VICR detects the signal channel to which the local oscillator laser is matched. In colorless applications the remaining channels are not filtered out optically, so the incoming signal power to the VICR can vary significantly depending on how many other channels are present. Up to 100X higher power can hit the receiver than in a single-channel case.

However, the integrated PIC VOA in the NeoPhotonics VICR provides control and stability to the input signal. And in both colorless and conventional optically filtered systems, the VOA can enable system selection of the optimal operating point to enhance OSNR and reduce the effects of optical impairments such as polarization dependent loss (PDL), NeoPhotonics adds.

“We are pleased to add the VICR to our extensive line of PIC based intradyne coherent receivers,” said Tim Jenks, Chairman and CEO of NeoPhotonics. “The VICR illustrates the power of photonic integration to provide additional functionality to our existing products, which are designed to benefit our customers with improved performance in the same form factor and simplified board layouts.”

NeoPhotonics is currently sampling the VICR, which it expects will enter general availability in the second half of 2013.

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