Superradiance: exploiting quantum phase transition in the real world

Superradiance (SR), or cooperative spontaneous emission, has been predicted by R. Dicke before the invention of the laser. During the last few years one can see a renaissance of both experimental and theoretical studies of the superradiant phase transition in a variety of media, ranging from quantum dots and Bose condensates through to black holes. Until recently, despite of many years of research, SR has been considered as a phenomenon of pure scientific interest without obvious potential applications. However, recent investigations of the femtosecond SR emission generation from semiconductors have opened up some practical opportunities for the exploitation of this quantum optics phenomenon. Here we present a brief review of some features, advantages and potential applications of the SR generation from semiconductor laser structures

100 Gb/s PAM4-CAP2 real-time modulation of a single optical source for next-generation datacommunication links

100 Gb/s PAM4-CAP2 modulation is demonstrated for next-generation datacommunication links. Simulation studies indicate a power budget advantage of 2.5 dBo relative to PAM8 modulation. A real-time experimental demonstration is performed. © OSA 2014.