Silicon Photonics for 5G Passive Optical Networks

The fifth-generation (5G) communication raises new challenges to optical access networks. To resolve the stringent requirements in throughput, latency, cost, and flexibility, passive optical networks (PON) many innovations lie ahead. In this paper, we present our resent research into silicon photonics (SiP) devices and subsystems for various application scenarios, such as, optical line terminals, remote notes, and optical network units. Theoretical and experimental studies have shown the versatile roles of SiP in 5G PON.