Article | 2026-07-27 Latest Published
By Shen Wang Yuyi Wang Haohua Wang Yuntao Zhu Junjie Yi Defeng Shan Mingwang Jiang Jiakai Dong Yunjie Wang Jingyi Wang Kaixuan Chen Xinlun Cai Jie Liu Changjian Guo Siyuan Yu Liu Liu
PIER Photonics, Vol. 1, 20-30, 2026
Abstract
Optical transmission based on dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) is widely considered a key solution for increasing optical-link capacity. However, the complexity and stringent requirements for optical devices in such systems challenge full integration on a chip. Here, we demonstrate the first monolithic DWDM transmitter chip, built on a thin-film lithium niobate. The chip consists of an easy-to-drive and high-efficiency electro-optical (EO) frequency comb generator for a flat-top multi-wavelength source, a single arrayed waveguide grating for both multiplexing and demultiplexing to ensure no wavelength misalignment, and an EO Mach-Zehnder modulator array. Using a single-wavelength laser as input, the proposed transmitter can deliver a total modulated signal of 1.6 Tbps in eight 100-GHz spacing channels using an intensity-modulation direct-detection scheme. A record high spectral efficiency of 2 bps/Hz was achieved for an integrated DWDM transmission system using optical frequency combs. The energy consumption of the entire system was measured to be 2.76 pJ/bit. This work establishes a scalable route towards a versatile and integrated multi-wavelength data processor for DWDM data transmissions, optical computing, and microwave-photonics.
Editorial Highlight | 2026-07-13
PIER Photonics
Vol. 1, 10-11, 2026
download: 81
Singular Jones Metasurfaces - Polarization Addressability and Topological Phase Winding
Sailing He
PIER Photonics is a premier open-access journal launched by The Electromagnetics Academy to serve the rapidly evolving photonics community. Focusing on the frontiers and hot topics, the journal covers six strategic domains: Fundamental Science, Materials and Nanostructures, Integrated Photonic Systems, Healthcare and Life Sciences, Sustainability and Information Technology, and Emerging Frontiers. Built on the PIERS conference legacy, PIER Photonics offers rigorous peer review, rapid publication, and a vibrant platform for transformative photonics research.
Singular Jones Metasurfaces - Polarization Addressability and Topological Phase Winding
Editorial | 2026-07-10
PIER Photonics
Vol. 1, 1-2, 2026
download: 80
PIER Photonics - Focusing on the Frontiers and Hot Topics
Sailing He, et al.
PIER Photonics is a premier open-access journal launched by The Electromagnetics Academy to serve the rapidly evolving photonics community. Focusing on the frontiers and hot topics, the journal covers six strategic domains: Fundamental Science, Materials and Nanostructures, Integrated Photonic Systems, Healthcare and Life Sciences, Sustainability and Information Technology, and Emerging Frontiers. Built on the PIERS conference legacy, PIER Photonics offers rigorous peer review, rapid publication, and a vibrant platform for transformative photonics research.
PIER Photonics - Focusing on the Frontiers and Hot Topics