Detailed analysis of multi-mode optical components for utilization in data centers

• Main Authors: Bohata, J., Zvanovec, S., Nemecek, T., Komanec, M.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: data centers; encircled flux; Light emitting diodes; multi-mode; optical fiber; Optical fiber networks; Optical fibers; Vertical cavity surface emitting lasers
• ISSN: 2150-329X
• DOI: 10.1109/GIIS.2017.8169800

Due to the high demands for the reliability of data centers, the determination of properly excited optical field inside the multimode (MM) fiber core belongs to the key parameters while designing such a MM optical system architecture for data centers. Appropriately excited mode field of the MM fiber provides optimal power budget in connections, leads to the decrease of insertion losses (IL) and achieves effective modal bandwidth (EMB), which is essential for high data rates. Crucial is especially the encircled flux (EF) parameter, which should be properly defined for combinations of variable optical sources and MM fiber infrastructure to provide proper mode-field distribution. In this paper, we present detailed investigation and measurements of the mode field distribution for short MM optical data center links with the emphasis on their reliability. Such characterization is essential for the design of large MM networks. Various scenarios were tested in terms of IL and mode-field distribution to reveal potential problematic scenarios. Furthermore, we focused via simulations and experiments on the estimation of particular defects and errors, which can realistically occur like eccentricity or connector misalignment. Their dependence on EF statistics and functionality of data center infrastructure was evaluated. Finally, we provide recommendations for data center systems and networks, using OM3 MM fiber connections.