Enabling Technologies to Achieve Beyond 500 Gbps Optical Intra-Connects Based on WDM Visible Light Laser Communication

Abstract

The rapid development of emerging technologies has led to a significant increase in data traffic, posing challenges for data centers in terms of storing, transmitting, and processing large volumes of information. Intra- and inter-datacenter connections with high bandwidth, low latency, high reliability, and high energy efficiency are in great demand. Traditional electrical communication is becoming increasingly inadequate, while optical communication has emerged as promising solutions. Visible light laser communication (VLLC) utilizes the spectrum ranging from 380 nm to 700 nm and has the advantages of offering high transmission rates, cost-effectiveness, and simple system structures. In this paper, enabling technologies including high-bandwidth laser diodes, advanced modulation formats, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based equalization schemes are introduced. A compact 50-channel VLLC interconnect system has been developed, achieving ultra-high-speed short-range VLLC transmission with a record data rate of 534.51 Gbps, showcasing the potential of VLLC as a high-capacity and cost-effective optical intra-data center connection solution.