Ultra-compact 100 GbE transmitter optical sub-assembly for 40-km SMF transmission

The first ultra-compact transmitter optical sub-assembly (TOSA) has been developed for the metro-area 100 Gbit/s Ethernet (100 GbE) system. Four DFB lasers integrated with electro-absorption modulators (EADFB lasers) operated at 25.8 Gbit/s and an optical multiplexer are monolithically integrated on one chip. The chip was assembled in the compact TOSA using a three-dimensional (3D) RF circuit board supported by a spacer. The new structure provides compact and high-density interconnection with low crosstalk between RF signal lines. The TOSA is very small at just 8.0 mm × 35 mm × 6.5 mm including the receptacle and the flexible printed circuit (FPC) and could be installed in next-generation small form 100 GbE transceivers. In addition, an error-free transmission is demonstrated through 40 km of single-mode fiber at 100 Gbit/s with a modulation voltage of 2 V.