Low-Loss Optical Nyquist Pulse Train Generation Using Nonauxiliary Wavelength Selective Switch in Communication Band

We report low-loss optical Nyquist pulse train generation using a non-auxiliary wavelength selective switch (WSS). The typical approach for optical Nyquist pulse train generation involves two procedures. The first is conversion from a laser output Gaussian pulse to a Nyquist pulse via spectral filtering with a WSS. The second is multiplexing to generate a Nyquist pulse train with an optical circuit. To generate a high optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) Nyquist pulse train, the first procedure was improved by developing a high-power laser and improving the filtering process by using nonlinear effects in a highly nonlinear fiber. The second procedure also has the potential to further improve the OSNR, because an optical circuit typically causes an optical loss of 9 dB in the case of eight-multiplexing. In this study, we demonstrate optical loss reduction for multiplexing using a nonauxiliary WSS approach without an auxiliary optical circuit. The experimental results show that the optical loss for the Nyquist eight-pulse train is successfully reduced to 2.8 dB.