Perfectly synchronized bit-parallel WDM data transmission over a single optical fiber

We demonstrate a hit-level synchronization technique by conducting a bit-pa rallel wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) data transmission over 27.5 km of optical fiber. Multiple WDM channels, which may represent individual bi ts in a byte or a word in parallel computer input-output, are transmitted i n the optical fiber in non-return-to-zero format. These bits experience tim e skew due to group velocity dispersion. By sampling with an all-optical sw itch in the range where all these bits overlap, we obtained perfectly synch ronized WDM signals. The synchronized WDM channels are demultiplexed with a n array waveguide grating. Bit error rates below 10(-10) are measured for e ach channel. The spectral range of the experimental demonstration covers ab out 24 nm with the smallest wavelength separation of 1.4 nm, enough to pack 16 bits into the span, More bits are available if smaller channel-separati on and wider spectral span are employed.