Mode division multiplexing exploring hollow-core photonic bandgap fibers

We review our recent exploratory investigations on mode division multiplexing using hollow-core photonic bandgap fibers (HC-PBGFs). Compared with traditional multimode fibers, HC-PBGFs have several attractive features such as ultra-low nonlinearities, low-loss transmission window around 2 μm etc. After having discussed the potential and challenges of using HC-PBGFs as transmission fibers for mode multiplexing applications, we will report a number of recent proof-of-concept results obtained in our group using direct detection receivers. The first one is the transmission of two 10.7 Gbit/s non-return to zero (NRZ) data signals over a 30 m 7-cell HC-PBGF using the offset mode launching method. In another experiment, a short piece of 19-cell HC-PBGF was used to transmit two 20 Gbit/s NRZ channels using a spatial light modulator for precise mode excitation. Bit-error-ratio (BER) performances below the forward-error-correction (FEC) threshold limit (3.3×10-3) are confirmed for both data channels when they propagate simultaneously. © 2013 IEEE.

Optical vortex based mode division multiplexing over graded-index multimode fibre

Mode Division Multiplexing is performed over 2km and 8km of 50μm graded-index multimode fibre using (de)multiplex phase masks based around optical vortex modes to transmit 2x56Gbps QPSK signals without MIMO equalization. © 2013 OSA.

Degenerate mode-group division multiplexing using MIMO digital signal processing

MIMO DSP is employed to improve the performance of degenerate mode-group division multiplexing in 8 km of conventional GI-MMF. Compensation of the mode coupling, induced by the launch and propagation, between and inside each degenerate mode-group is investigated in order to reduce the DSP complexity. © 2013 IEEE.

2×56-Gb/s mode-division multiplexed transmission over 2km of OM2 multimode fibre without MIMO equalization

A Spatial Light Modulator is used to optically demultiplex modal channels on the basis of degenerate propagation constants using a shared phase mask for all channels. This allows groups of modes to be routed to common output fibres eliminating the need for MIMO equalization to transmit 2×56Gb/s QPSK over 2km of OM2 grade 50μm core MMF. © 2012 Optical Society of America.

2x56-Gb/s mode-division multiplexed transmission over 2km of OM2 multimode fibre without MIMO equalization

A Spatial Light Modulator is used to optically demultiplex modal channels on the basis of degenerate propagation constants using a shared phase mask for all channels. This allows groups of modes to be routed to common output fibres eliminating the need for MIMO equalization to transmit 2x56Gb/s QPSK over 2km of OM2 grade 50μm core MMF. © 2012 OSA.

Holographic mode generation for mode division multiplexing

This paper demonstrates how techniques from computational holography can be employed to significantly improve the modal selectivity of phase masks used in mode division multiplexing. © 2012 OSA.

Quantum key distribution for 10 Gb/s dense wavelength division multiplexing networks

We demonstrate quantum key distribution (QKD) with bidirectional 10 Gb/s classical data channels in a single fiber using dense wavelength division multiplexing. Record secure key rates of 2.38 Mbps and fiber distances up to 70km are achieved. Data channels are simultaneously monitored for error-free operation. The robustness of QKD is further demonstrated with a secure key rate of 445 kbps over 25km, obtained in the presence of data lasers launching conventional 0 dBm power. We discuss the fundamental limit for the QKD performance in the multiplexing environment. © 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.

Demonstration of radio-over-fibre transmission of broadband MIMO over multimode fibre using mode division multiplexing

A novel method for sending MIMO wireless signals to remote antenna units over a single multimode fibre is proposed. MIMO streams are sent via different fibre modes using mode division multiplexing. Combined channel measurements of 2km MMF and a typical indoor radio environment show in principle a 2×2 MIMO link at carrier frequencies up to 6GHz. © 2012 Optical Society of America.

Coarse optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing for optical datacommunication applications

We propose a new low-cost solution using orthogonal transmission of non-return-tozero and carrierless-amplitude-and-phase format data to realize a coarse OFDM transmission system. Using low bandwidth electronics and optoelectronic components, the system is demonstrated at 37.5Gb/s. © OSA/ CLEO 2011.

Holographic mode generation for mode division multiplexing

This paper demonstrates how techniques from computational holography can be employed to significantly improve the modal selectivity of phase masks used in mode division multiplexing. © 2012 OSA.

Precise modal excitation in multimode fibre for control of modal dispersion and mode-group division multiplexing

Each mode of a multimode fibre is excited using binary phase patterns on a Spatial Light Modulator and verified by observation of the near-field leaving the fibre and analysis of the step response. © 2011 OSA.

Holographic mode-group division multiplexing

Specific fibre modes are deliberately excited in a few-mode and multimode fibre using holography. The same system is also used to demonstrate holography's ability to detect and route individual fibre modes. © OSA/OFC/NFOEC 2011.

20 Gb/s mode-group-division multiplexing employing Hermite-Gaussian launches over worst-case multimode fiber links

For the first time, mode group division multiplexing is achieved in a multimode fiber link using a 2-D Hermite-Gaussian mode launch. 20 Gb/s error-free transmission is achieved over a 250 m worst-case OM1 multimode fiber link. © OSA 2014.

Regulation by hetC of genes required for heterocyst differentiation and cell division in Anabaena sp strain PCC 7120

Unlike those of the wild-type strain, proheterocysts of the Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 hetC strain keep dividing. ftsZ, the most critical cell division gene, is up-regulated in hetC proheterocysts. Heterocyst differentiation genes hglD, hglE, patB, nijB, and xisA are no longer expressed in the hetC mutant. hetC also regulates the expression of patA, a pattern formation gene.

Margulis' theory on division of labour in cells revisited

Division of labour is a marked feature of multicellular organisms. Margulis proposed that the ancestors of metazoans had only one microtubule organizing center (MTOC), so they could not move and divide simultaneously. Selection for simultaneous movement and cell division had driven the division of labour between cells. However, no evidence or explanation for this assumption was provided. Why could the unicellular ancetors not have multiple MTOCs? The gain and loss of three possible strategies are discussed. It was found that the advantage of one or two MTOC per cell is environment-dependent. Unicellular organisms with only one MTOC per cell are favored only in resource-limited environments without strong predatory pressure. If division of labour occurring in a bicellular organism just makes simultaneous movement and cell division possible, the possibility of its fixation by natural selection is very low because a somatic cell performing the function of an MTOC is obviously wasting resources. Evolutionary biologists should search for other selective forces for division of labour in cells.