Quaternary Polarization-Multiplexed Subsystem for High-Capacity IM/DD Optical Data Links

We demonstrate for the first time an intensity-modulated direct-detection link using four states of polarization. The four data-independent tributaries are each assigned distinct states of polarization to enable the receiver to separate the signals. Polarization rotation due to propagation over optical fiber is tracked and compensated with simple digital signal processing in Stokes space. Transmission below the forward error correction limit is shown for maximum net bitrates of 100 Gb/s (4 × 27 GBd) and 120 Gb/s (4 × 32 GBd) over 2-km standard single-mode fiber at a center wavelength of 1550 nm.