A Radio- and Power-Over-Fiber System Using Double-Clad Fiber Towards B5G Networks

This paper presents the integration of radio- and power-over-fiber (RPoF) for beyond-fifth-generation (B5G) systems using double-clad fibers (DCFs) to deliver data and power simultaneously. We propose a system that transmits a 5G new radio (NR) signal centered at 26 GHz and over 20- W optical power through a 250-m DCF link. In this setup, the PoF system is able to power critical components of the RoF system, including a photodetector (PD) and electrical amplifier (EA). Our experimental performance investigation is based on power efficiency and stability analysis, as well as root mean square error vector magnitude $(\text{EVM}_{\text{RMS}})$ measurements. The results demonstrate that the proposed RPoF system meets the $3^{\text{rd}}$ Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) requirements without degradation from the high-power feed light. Additionally, a throughput of 1.6 Gbps is achieved, demonstrating the feasibility of using DCFs in RPoF systems.