Low-Loss Cascaded Mach-Zehnder Multiplexer Integrated 25-Gbit/s x 4-Lane EADFB Laser Array for Future CFP4 100 GbE Transmitter

A 4 x 25-Gb/s electroabsorption modulator integrated with a distributed feedback (DFB) laser (EADFB laser) array monolithically integrated with a low-loss optical multiplexer (MUX) is developed for 100 GbE transmitters for the first time. A cascaded Mach-Zehnder (MZ) filter, which has no intrinsic loss, is used as the MUX. The design and fabrication of the MZ-MUX for 100 GbE are thoroughly described. The measured loss of fabricated MZ-MUX is 2-3 dB, which is improved by 4 dB compared with that of the conventional 1 x 4 multimode interference MUX. The MZ-MUX is monolithically integrated with a four-EADFB-laser array and the output power of the chip is increased by 3 dB compared with that of a conventional 4 x 25-Gb/s monolithically integrated chip. With the folded layout, the size of the chip is similar to that of the conventional chip. The fabricated chip is packaged into a very compact transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA). The system requirements are satisfied with semi-cooled operation, and very clear eye openings are obtained after 10-km single-mode-fiber transmission. The adjustment of filter spectra by current injection is also shown, and fine tuning is possible with very low injection current.