Optimization of VCSEL spatiotemporal operation in MMF links for 10-gb ethernet

A complete model of the spatiotemporal behavior of multimode vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), through static and dynamic response, noise, thermal effects, and its coupling to multimode fibers (MMF) has been investigated in low-cost 10-Gb Ethernet (10-Gb E) prototype optoelectronic packages using GaAs VCSEL arrays coupled to MMF ribbons for short-distance optical links. Eye diagram simulations compared to measurements allow the analysis of critical parameters, such as launching conditions, in order to maximize the MMF bandwidth as well as VCSEL static and dynamic conditions. A new bit error rate (BER) estimation method is proposed by taking into account not only the Q-factor but random and deterministic jitter and digital pattern effects. Global system optimization is discussed for a BER less than 10
^-12
for an aggregate link speed of 120 Gb/s over 300 m of a 12-fiber MMF ribbon