CW-WDM MSA Consortium releases multi-wavelength O-Band laser specifications
The Continuous-Wave Wavelength Division Multiplexing Multi-Source Agreement (CW-WDM MSA) Group has released its initial set of specifications for 8-, 16-, and 32-wavelength optical sources. The specifications, which cover three spans in the O-Band, are expected to prove influential in the development of co-packaged optics technology as well as products for machine learning and optical computing.
The frequency assignments for the 8-, 16-, and 32-wavelength grids cover multiple grid spacings, and the specification features support for fixed and flexible grids. The specifications cover both a modular optical source with each output port carrying a single wavelength and an integrated optical source with each output port carrying all the wavelengths. A variety of output power classes are defined as are optical parameters and measurement methods, including relative intensity noise, side mode suppression ratio (SMSR), and linewidth. The specifications are available for download on the CW-WDM MSA website.
“The CW-WDM MSA just published an 8-, 16-, and 32-wavelength O-Band laser source standard for use in optical transceivers for emerging advanced datacom applications,” commented Chris Cole, chair of the MSA. “Laser sources are the critical component in optical communications and having an agreed set of grids creates great opportunities for transceiver and laser suppliers to develop innovative products.”
The CW-WDM MSA debuted in June 2020 (see “CW-WDM MSA targets optical laser sources for greater than four channels”). Promoter members include Arista Networks, Ayar Labs, II-VI, imec, Intel, Lumentum, Luminous Computing, MACOM, Quintessent, Sivers Photonics, and Sumitomo Electric.
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
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