Advanced Optical Fiber Communication

A special issue of Photonics (ISSN 2304-6732). This special issue belongs to the section "Optical Communication and Network".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 May 2026 | Viewed by 2780

Special Issue Editors

School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Xidian University, Xi’an 710071, China
Interests: structured light; optical vortices; photonic devices

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Guest Editor
Zhangjiang Laboratory, Shanghai 2012210, China
Interests: optical fiber communication; silicon photonics; laser communication; narrow linewidth laser
Shanghai Satellite Network Research Institute Co., Ltd., Shanghai 201204, China
Interests: optical fiber communication; free space optical communication; optical phased array; coherent reception

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Optical fiber communication, the backbone of the global information infrastructure, continues to evolve rapidly to meet exponentially growing bandwidth demands. While traditional single-mode fiber systems are near their fundamental capacity limits, novel paradigms like space-division multiplexing (SDM) using multi-core and multi-mode fibers, advanced modulation formats, and sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP) techniques are unlocking unprecedented data rates and spectral efficiencies. Concurrently, innovations in fiber design, optical amplification, photonic integration, and intelligent network management are pushing performance boundaries even further.

This Special Issue aims to capture the latest breakthroughs and emerging trends shaping the future of high-capacity, long-haul, and access networks.

We invite original research papers and reviews addressing key advancements and challenges. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Design and fabrication of novel optical fibers (multi-core, multi-mode, hollow-core, rare-earth-doped, and other specialty fibers).
  • Space-Division Multiplexing (SDM) systems and components.
  • Advanced modulation and coding techniques.
  • Coherent detection and DSP algorithms.
  • High-capacity transmission experiments.
  • Optical amplifiers (SDM amplifiers, Raman, wideband EDFA).
  • Photonic integrated circuits for transceivers and switching.
  • Free-space optical/fiber hybrid links.
  • Intelligent optical networks and performance monitoring.
  • Next-generation PON and access network technologies.
  • Fiber lasers and modulators.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Yize Liang
Dr. Fang Wei
Dr. Weijie Ren
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • optical fibers
  • space-division multiplexing
  • coherent detection
  • digital signal processing
  • intelligent optical networks
  • advanced modulation formats
  • high-capacity optical communication
  • optical amplifiers

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 4550 KB  
Article
Performance Analysis of SOA and BPF Integration for S-, C-, and L-Band Photonic UWB Pulse Generation
by Meryem Filiz and Ömer Galip Saraçoğlu
Photonics 2026, 13(5), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics13050402 - 22 Apr 2026
Viewed by 356
Abstract
In this study, a simulation-based investigation of the variations of the bit error rate (BER) and the maximum quality factor are presented for short- (S-), conventional- (C-), and long- (L-) band wavelengths in a photonic ultra-wideband (UWB) circuit using a semiconductor optical amplifier [...] Read more.
In this study, a simulation-based investigation of the variations of the bit error rate (BER) and the maximum quality factor are presented for short- (S-), conventional- (C-), and long- (L-) band wavelengths in a photonic ultra-wideband (UWB) circuit using a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) with different bias currents and a bandpass filter (BPF). Gaussian quadruplet UWB pulses are generated at the S-, C-, and L-band wavelengths, which are commonly used in fiber transmission lines. An analysis of the temporal and spectral features of the generated pulses is carried out. The highest maximum quality factor and the lowest minimum BER are obtained in the C-band at an SOA bias current of 150 mA. This study simultaneously investigates both UWB pulse generation and transmission performance. The proposed circuit has a simple design and high applicability, as it employs a SOA, a Gaussian optical filter, a low-pass filter (LPF) and a single BPF. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Optical Fiber Communication)
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16 pages, 4253 KB  
Article
Concentric-Ring-Assisted Multimode Fiber Supports Numerous High-Order LP Beams
by Chengyang Zhu, Xi Zhang, Haixuan Xu, Jingwen Zhang, Shuqi Ma and Yize Liang
Photonics 2026, 13(4), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics13040354 - 8 Apr 2026
Viewed by 422
Abstract
This study proposes and numerically investigates the design and characterization of a ring-assisted (RA) fiber supporting 11 LP mode groups and a concentric-ring-assisted (CRA) fiber supporting 13 LP mode groups. Based on the relationship between the normalized frequency and the number of LP [...] Read more.
This study proposes and numerically investigates the design and characterization of a ring-assisted (RA) fiber supporting 11 LP mode groups and a concentric-ring-assisted (CRA) fiber supporting 13 LP mode groups. Based on the relationship between the normalized frequency and the number of LP modes, a step-index (SI) fiber capable of supporting 13 LP mode groups is first designed. By leveraging the overlap between the high-index ring-assisted structure and the LP22 mode, the effective index difference (Δneff) between the LP22 and LP03 modes is enhanced. The resulting RA 11-LP mode fiber achieves a minimum effective index difference Min|Δneff| of 0.78 × 10−3, comparable to that of a standard SI 4-mode fiber, and a minimum effective area Min|Aeff| of 164 μm2, which effectively suppresses nonlinear effects. Furthermore, by introducing a second ring structure to form a CRA design, we realize a 13-LP mode fiber. This structure selectively increases the effective index of the LP61 mode through overlap with its power distribution, while leaving the effective index of the LP13 mode unaffected. The CRA 13-LP mode fiber exhibits highly stable effective indices across the C band. It demonstrates a Min|Δneff | of 0.55 × 10−3, which ensures effective mode separation and reduced inter-mode crosstalk. The Min|Aeff| is 131 μm2—still above 100 μm2—thereby mitigating nonlinear impairments. With support for 46 spatial modes in total, this fiber significantly enhances transmission capacity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Optical Fiber Communication)
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Review

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35 pages, 2368 KB  
Review
Bridging Light and Immersion: Visible Optical Interfaces for Extended Reality
by Haixuan Xu, Zhaoxu Wang, Jiaqi Sun, Chengkai Zhu and Yi Xia
Photonics 2026, 13(2), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics13020115 - 27 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1636
Abstract
Extended reality (XR), encompassing virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), is rapidly reshaping the landscape of digital interaction and immersive communication. As XR evolves toward ultra-realistic, real-time, and interactive experiences, it places unprecedented demands on wireless communication systems in [...] Read more.
Extended reality (XR), encompassing virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), is rapidly reshaping the landscape of digital interaction and immersive communication. As XR evolves toward ultra-realistic, real-time, and interactive experiences, it places unprecedented demands on wireless communication systems in terms of bandwidth, latency, and reliability. Conventional RF-based networks, constrained by limited spectrum and interference, struggle to meet these stringent requirements. In contrast, visible light communication (VLC) offers a compelling alternative by exploiting the vast unregulated visible spectrum to deliver high-speed, low-latency, and interference-free data transmission—making it particularly suitable for future XR environments. This paper presents a comprehensive survey on VLC-enabled XR communication systems. We first analyze XR technologies and their diverse quality-of-service (QoS) and quality-of-experience (QoE) requirements, identifying the unique challenges posed to existing wireless infrastructures. Building upon this, we explore the fundamentals, characteristics, and opportunities of VLC systems in supporting immersive XR applications. Furthermore, we elaborate on the key enabling techniques that empower VLC to fulfill XR’s stringent demands, including high-speed transmission technologies, hybrid VLC-RF architectures, dynamic beam control, and visible light sensing capabilities. Finally, we discuss future research directions, emphasizing AI-assisted network intelligence, cross-layer optimization, and collaborative multi-element transmission frameworks as vital enablers for the next-generation VLC–XR ecosystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Optical Fiber Communication)
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