Spanning visionary theoretical research, pioneering experimentation, and world- and industry-first technology field trials, our publications document breakthrough advances in optical communications and computing, transforming what’s possible tomorrow into what’s proven today.
OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS & COMPUTING
PROJECTS
PEOPLE
PATENTS
We propose to jointly optimize path and gateway selection to achieve load balancing for mobile orbital domain-based hierarchical routing in satellite networks. The load at bottleneck gateway satellites can be reduced by 22% on average.
We develop closed-form formulas for PDL-induced SNR margins using solutions based on central limit theorem. Experimental validations confirm accurate and conservative performancepredictions, enabling precise quality of transmission assessment and margin-aware design in optical networks.
The evolution toward open and partially disaggregated optical networks has introduced new, to our knowledge,requirements on how transmission performance is evaluated and compared across technologies, vendors, and deployment scenarios. In this context, sound benchmarking practices are essential to ensure
We propose a method to compensate the phase offset between samples from different tributaries in time-interleaved phase OTDR using nested phase reference channels. We demonstrate our method for a four-span bidirectional link with high-loss loopback.
We propose a mobile orbital domain-based hierarchical routing scheme which addresses the challenges posed by constant satellite movement and the resulting dynamicnetwork topology, thus significantly improving the routing scalability and efficiency in satellite networks.
We present methods and field trial results demonstrating an integrated distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) and distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system for manhole localization, condition diagnostics, and anomaly detection in pre-deployed telecommunication fiber networks. The proposed system leverages
In this talk, we will present recent technological advances in fiber sensing applications with long monitoring distances orextending multiple fiber spans. In forward-transmission-based sensing, adaptive beamforming techniques weredemonstrated to achieve multi-event vibration sensing in environments with
Optical link tomography (OLT) is a rapidly evolving field that allows the multi-span, end-to-end visualization of optical power along fiber links in multiple dimensions from network endpoints, solely by processing signals received at coherent receivers. This paper has two objectives: (1) to report the
Silicon photonic neural networks can achieve higher throughputs and lower latencies than digital electronic alternatives.However, recently reported implementations of such networks have lacked integrated signal gain, instead utilizingoff-chip amplifiers or co-processors to complete the signal processing
We present near-field radio-frequency (RF) sensing using microwave photonic canceler (MPC) for residual signal recovery and neuromorphic photonic recurrent neural network (PRNN)chip and FPGA hardware to implement machine learning for high-bandwidth and low-latency classification.
Automatic modulation classification (AMC) is becoming increasingly critical in the context of growing demands for ultra-wideband, low-latency signal intelligence in 5G/6G systems, with photonics addressing the bandwidth and real-time adaptability limitations faced by traditional radio-frequency (RF)
Distributed Fiber-Optic Sensing (DFOS) is a promising technique for large-scale acoustic monitoring. However, its wide variation in installation environments and sensor characteristics causes spatial heterogeneity. This heterogeneity makes it difficult to collect representative training data. It also
Since the inception of integrated photonics, multimaterial integration has served as a primary avenue for new technology innovations. Now, with an ever-increasing demand for integrated photonics as a platform for both high-performance links from/within datacenters and AI acceleration, multimaterial integration
Transformer-based methods have demonstrated strong potential in hyperspectral pansharpening by modeling long-range dependencies. However, their effectiveness is often limited by redundant token representations and a lack of multiscale feature modeling. Hyperspectral images exhibit intrinsic spectral
This tutorial presents an architecture and methods for all-photonics networks-as-a-service in distributed Al data center infrastructures. We discuss server-based coherent transceiver architectures, remote transponder control, rapid end-to-end lightpath provisioning, digital longitudinal monitoring,
We introduce anchor vectors to monitor Rayleigh-backscattering variability in a fiber-optic computing system that performs nonlinear random projection for image classification. With a ~0.4-s calibration interval, system stability can be maintained with a linear decoder, achieving an average accuracy
GNPy advancements enable accurate and efficient modeling of multiband optical networks for digital twin applications. The developed solvers for Kerr nonlinearity and SRS have been validated through simulation and experimentally in C+L transmission, supporting real-world network planning, design, and
For the first time, we present an end-to-end AI framework for data analysis in distributed fiber optic sensing. The proposed model eliminates the need for optical phase computation and outperforms traditional data processing pipelines, achieving over 96% recognition accuracy on a diverse acoustic dataset.
Distributed fiber-optic sensing combined with machine learning enables continuous monitoring of telecom infrastructure. We employ generative modeling for event classification, supporting semi supervised learning, uncertainty calibration, and noise resilience. Our approach offers a scalable, data-efficient
We experimentally investigated variable spectral loading in an OMS, identifying performance under best and worst transmission conditions. Metrics and data visualization allowed correlation between channel configurations and OSNR variations, enabling the derivation of a simple spectrum allocation rule.
We report the first trial of network tomography over a live network in a multi-domain environment. We visualize end-to-end optical powers along multiple routes across multiple domains solely from a commercial B00G transponder, enabling performance bottleneck localization, power and routing optimization,
The 2021 emergence of Brood X cicadas was monitored in situ in our testbed using a DAS system connected to an outdoor telecom fiber over a 16-day period. The spectral and energy characteristics of the cicada calling signal has been measured and analyzed.
We report a record long 200.6 km distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) link without inline ampli-fication, 28.6% improvement of sensing range has been achieved by using three segments of enhanced-scattering fibre (ESF) with progressively higher scattering enhancements.
Fiber sensing function was introduced in 2020 as one of the key technology features for the OpenAPN (all photonics network) developed by IOWN GF (Innovative Optical and Wireless NetworkGlobal Forum) in 2020.To our best knowledge, IOWN GF is the first global standard developmentorganization or technology
Subsea cables are critical components of offshore wind turbines and are subjected to scour. Monitoring the scour conditions of subsea cables plays significant roles in improving safety and operation efficiency and reducing the levelized cost of electricity. This paper presents a feasibility study on
Fault localization in power distribution networks is essential for rapid recovery and enhancing system resilience. While Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs or ?PMUs) providehigh-resolution measurements for precise fault localization, their widespread deployment is cost-prohibitive. Distributed Fiber Optic
We propose to apply optical circuit switching to enable dynamic AllReduce reconfiguration for accelerating distributed machine learning. With simulated annealing-based optimization, theproposed AllReduce reconfiguration approach achieves 31% less average training time than existing solutions.
We demonstrate real-time fiber risk assessment and dynamic network routing in live metro networks using deployed DASs, satellite imagery, and large-scale AI, achieving the first significantreduction in fiber failures in four years
Distributed fiber optics sensing is applied for traffic management in the intersection. The high-definition fiber sensing data streaming is applied as source and YOLO computer vision model isemployed for event detection classification and localization.
This paper outlines QoT-driven optimization strategies in coherent fiber-optic WDM networks, addressing distinct transmission scenarios, QoT metrics, control-plane methodologies, and emerging trends to enhance network reliability, flexibility and capacity.
We jointly estimate the phase noise power spectral densities of multiple lasers using interferometry between different combinations of laser pairs. We demonstrate a beat-frequency trackingmethod that allows under-sampling of interferometric products without phase jumps.
Polarization-based, multi-span sensing over a link without reflection-back circuits is demonstrated experimentally. It is shown that distributed reflection from Rayleigh scattering can serveas an alternative to reflectors after spatial averaging of received state-of-polarization
Optical transmission networks require intelligent traffic adaptation and efficient spectrum usage. We present scalable machine learning (ML) methods for network performance modeling, andfield trials of distributed fiber sensing and classic optical network traffic coexistence.
Passive-Optical-Networks (PON) have emerged as a pivotal technology for broadband access network and are now expanding to wireless communication, supporting 5G and development of future 6G frameworks. PON systems are expected to find many new applications, including in electrical power grids, modern
We demonstrate a wavelength tunable Distributed-Vibration-Sensing over PON scheme using low-cost ITLA and Enhanced-Scattering-Fibers. Vibrations at frequency grids of 193.40THz and194.60THz in a PON with 1×16 splitter and 21 km feeder-fiber were successfully detected.
Publication Date: 6/29/2025 Event: OECC/PSC 2025 Reference: WC2-1: 1-3, 2025 Authors: Paul S. Westbrook, OFS Labs; Benyuan Zhu, OFS Labs; Kenneth S. Feder, OFS Labs; Zhou Shi, OFS Labs; Tristan Kremp, OFS Labs; Yaowen Li, NEC Laboratories America, Inc.; Ting Wang, NEC Laboratories America, Inc.; David
Subsea cables include a supervisory system that monitors the health of the amplifier pumps and fiber loss on per span basis. In some of the cables, the monitoring is achieved optically and passively using high-loss loop back paths and wavelength selective reflectors. By sending monitoring pulses through
We present a simple and accurate semi-analytical model predicting the gain of a single-stage erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) embedded with an unknown gain flattening filter (GFF). Characteristic wavelength-dependent gain coefficients and their scaling laws are extracted with a limited set of simple
We present techniques to extend the sensing range in unrepeatered submarine cable systems by utilizing Enhanced-Scattering Fibre (ESF), large-area ultra-low-loss (ULL) fibre, and a digital Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) interrogator. A DAS sensing range of up to 200.6 km has been achieved using 156km
We propose a novel Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) placement strategy tailored to the evolving needs of modern power grids, where fiber cables serve dual purposes: communication and real-time sensing. Our approach integrates a heuristic algorithm, PURE (Power Source-aware Route Exploration), with
A 100-meter-long fiber optic cable was installed at the bottom of a water tank at the Davidson Laboratory, together with a hydrophone for reference. The water tank is approximately 2.5 meters deep and 95 meters long; the tank also employs a 6-paddle wavemaker which can generate programmable surface waves.
We propose a novel optical flow processing technique for distributed temperature and strain sensing with the chirped-pulse coherent OTDR. Unlike conventional 1-dimensional cross-correlation methods, the technique treats the 2-dimensional waterfall data as sequential video frames, estimating local shifts
We propose a hybrid remote and distributed vibration sensing system based on phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometry with collimator-based sensor heads. We demonstrate dual-laser vibrometers that detects nm-scale displacements of remote targets.
Contrastive Language-Audio Pretraining (CLAP) models have demonstrated unprecedented performance in various acoustic signal recognition tasks. Fiber-optic-based acoustic recognition is one of the most important downstream tasks and plays a significant role in environmental sensing. Adapting CLAP for
Recent advancements in unique acoustic sensing devices and large-scale audio recognition models have unlocked new possibilities for environmental sound monitoring and detection. However, applying pretrained models to non-conventional acoustic sensors results in performance degradation due to domain shifts,
Deep neural network (DNN)-based models for environmental sound classification are not robust against a domain to which training data do not belong, that is, out-of-distribution or unseen data. To utilize pretrained models for the unseen domain, adaptation methods, such as finetuning and transfer learning,
We experimentally demonstrate real time mode division multiplexing free space optical communication with commercial 400G open and disaggregated transponders. As proof of concept,using HG00, HG10, and HG01 modes, we transmit 1.2 Tb/s/l (3´1l´400Gb/s) error free.
We present a generative AI framework based on a conditional diffusion model for distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) data imputation. The proposed DiffOptics model generates high-quality DAS data of various acoustic events using telecom fiber cables.
We propose a memory-augmented model architecture with disaggregated computation infrastructure for fiber sensing event recognition. By leveraging geo-distributed computingresources in optical networks, this approach empowers end-users to customize models while ensuring dual privacy protection.
We combine few-shot learning and grey-box modeling for EDFAs in optical lines, training a single EDFA model on 500 spectral loads and transferring it to other EDFAs using 4-8 samples, maintaining low OSNR prediction error.
This study demonstrates an AI-driven method for detecting road deformations using Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) over existing telecom fiber networks. Utilizingambient traffic noise, it enables real-time, long-term, and scalable monitoring for road safety.
Field trials of ambient noise-based automated methods for manhole localization and condition diagnostics using a real-time DAS/DTS integrated system were conducted. Crossreferencingmultiple sensing data resulted in a 94.7% detection rate and enhanced anomaly identification.
Publication Date: 4/3/2025 Event: OFC 2025 Reference: Th4C.2: 1-3, 2025 Authors: Jian Fang, NEC Laboratories America, Inc.; Ming-Fang Huang, NEC Laboratories America, Inc.; Scott Kotrla, Verizon; Tiejun J. Xia, Verizon; Glenn A. Wellbrock, Verizon; Jeffrey A Mundt, Verizon; Ting Wang, NEC Laboratories
We present adaptive beamforming techniques to forward-transmission multi-event vibration sensing in environments with interference and jamming. Experimental validation over 100km fiber demonstrates significant improvements on signal reconstruction, noise reduction, and interference rejection from other
We implement a cascaded learning framework leveraging three different EDFA and fiber component models for OSNR and GSNR prediction, achieving MAEs of 0.20 and 0.14 dBover a 5-span network under dynamic channel loading.
A differential algorithm is proposed to calibrate the physical digital model of an optical line system from scratch at the commissioning phase, using minimal measurements and maximizing signal and OSNR estimation accuracy.
We propose building a spectrally resolved QoT Digital Twin for optical network domains where models and telemetry are unavailable, by probing transmission on a singlespectral slot, using GNPy, and demonstrating accurate experimental results.
Optical transmission systems require accurate modeling and performance estimation for autonomous adaption and reconfiguration. We present efficient and scalable machine learning (ML) methods for modeling optical networks at component- and network-level with minimizeddata collection.
We experimentally justify the need of analyzing stochastic PDL insertion inboptical metro network nodes. Consequently, we assess conservative OSNR margin comparingdifferent approaches to the case with maxwellian-distributed PDL, through Monte Carlo simulation.
We investigate the growth rate of phase power spectral density in fiber spools in the presence of ambient acoustic noise, observing a complex interplay between spool geometry, shielding effects, and phase cancellation at high acoustic frequencies.
We demonstrate fiber-optic acoustic data transmission using distributed acoustic sensing technology in an underwater environment. An acoustic orthogonal frequencydivisionmultiplexing (OFDM) signal transmitted through a fiber-optic cable deployed in a standard 40-meter-scale underwater testbed.
A simple and accurate semi-analytical model for predicting the gain of a single-stage erbium-doped fiber amplifier embedded with an unknown gain flattening filter is proposed for precise system equalization that is crucial for submarine systems.
We demonstrate the use of existing terrestrial optical networks as a smart sensing grid, employing a bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) model enhanced with an attention mechanism to detect road vehicles. The main idea of our approach is to deploy a fast, accurate and reliable trained deep
In this work, for the first time, we experimentally demonstrate mode division multiplexing-based bidirectional free space optical communication in real-time using commercial transponders. As proof of concept, via bidirectional pairs of Hermite-Gaussian modes (HG00, HG10, and HG01), using a Telecom Infra
Vector beams are spatial modes that have spatially inhomogeneous states of polarization. Any light beam is a linear combination of vector beams, the coefficients of which comprise a vector beam spectrum. In this work, through numerical calculations, a novel method of free-space optical sensing is
Contrastive Language-Audio Pretraining (CLAP) models have demonstrated unprecedented performance in various acoustic signal recognition tasks. Fiber optic-based acoustic recognition is one of the most important downstream tasks and plays a significant role in environmental sensing. Adapting CLAP for
Scalable methods for optical transmission performance prediction using machine learning (ML) are studied in metro reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) networks. A cascaded learning framework is introduced to encompass the use of cascaded component models for end-to-end (E2E) optical path
As the adoption of large language models increases and the need for per-user or per-task model customization grows, the parameter-efficient fine-tuning (PEFT) methods, such as low-rank adaptation (LoRA) and its variants, incur substantial storage and transmission costs. To further reduce stored parameters,
The noise figure ripple of a dual-stage EDFA is studied starting from experimental measurements under full spectral load conditions and defining device characteristics. Asemi-analytical model is then proposed showing 0.1 dB standard deviation on the error distribution in all cases of operation.
In Optical Multiplex Section (OMS) control and optimization framework, end-to-end (Global) and span-by-span (Local) DNN gray-box strategies are compared in terms of scalability and accuracy of the output signal and noise power predictions. Experimental measurements are carried out in OMSs with increasing
We report the first field verification of fault localization in an optical line system (OLS) by integrating digital longitudinal monitoring and OLS calibration, highlighting changes in physical metrics and parameters. Use cases shown are degradation of a fiber span loss and optical amplifier noise figure.
Symmetry breaking has been shown to reveal interesting phenomena in physical systems. A notable example is the fundamental work of Otto Stern and Walther Gerlach [Stern and Zerlach, Z. Physik 9, 349 (1922)] nearly 100 years ago demonstrating a spin angular momentum (SAM) deflection that differed from
We propose an efficient routing strategy for AllReduce transfers, which compromise of the dominant traffic in machine learning-centric datacenters, to achieve fast parameter synchronization in distributed machine learning, improving the average training time by 9%.
We propose extending the LOGO strategy for launch power settings to multi-band scenarios, maintaining low complexity while addressing key inter-band nonlinear effects and accurate amplifier models. This methodology simplifies multi-band optical multiplex section control, providing an immediate, descriptive
We demonstrate a method for measuring the backscatter coefficient of hollow-core fibre (HCF), and show the feasibility of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) with simultaneous 9.6-Tb/s DWDM transmission over a 1.6-km field-deployed HCF cable.
Experiments show that machine learning model of an EDFA is capable of modelling spectral hole burning effects accurately. As a result, it significantly outperforms black-box models that neglect inhomogeneous effects. Model achieves a record average RMSE of 0.0165 dB between the model predictions and
We propose a transceiver back-to-back BER-OSNR characterization method that requires only a single VOA; it leverages the receiver SNR degradation caused by received power attenuation. Experiments using commercial transceivers show that the measurement error is less than 0.2 dB in the Q-factor.
For the first time, we demonstrate remote sensing of pole-mounted fuse-cutout blowing in a power grid setup using telecom fiber cable. The proposed frequency-based AI model achieves over 98% detection accuracy using distributed fiber sensing data.
We propose methods and an architecture to conduct measurements and optimize newly installed optical fiber line systems semi-automatically using integrated physics-aware technologies in a data center interconnection (DCI) transmission scenario. We demonstrate, for the first time to our knowledge, digital
Optical fiber cables, initially designed for telecommunications, are increasingly repurposed for environmental monitoring using distributed fiber sensing technologies [1,2]. Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) based on phase optical time domain reflectometry (?-OTDR) of Rayleigh backscatter enables various
Analog photonic information processing can be implemented with low chip area using wavelength-division multiplexed systems, which typically manipulate light using micro-ring resonators. Micro-rings are uniquely susceptible to thermal crosstalk, with negative system performance consequences if not addressed.
We report responsivity measurements of a multiterminal photodetection device in a commercial silicon photonics platform. The ratio of measured responsivities is found to track the relative terminal lengths. This can serve as a highly compact optoelectronic tap/diplexer. More importantly, complex biasing
The GNPy quality-of-transmission estimator has undergone improvements and rigorous experimental validation in a C+L multiband transmission scenario. This includes the incorporation of a disaggregated generalized Gaussian noise model, along with advanced modeling of amplifiers and transceivers. The recently
A control architecture for a partially disaggregated optical network is proposed using a GNPy-based digital twin for QoT estimation. The proposed implementation enables soft failure mitigation by autonomously adjusting the amplifier working points.
The various sensing technologies such as cameras LiDAR radar and satellites with advanced machine learning models offers a comprehensive approach to environmental perception and understanding. This paper introduces an innovative Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) technology utilizing the existing
We introduce two pioneering applications leveraging Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies. These innovations offer substantial benefits forfortifying telecom infrastructures and public safety. By harnessing existing telecom cables, our solutions excel in perimeter
We propose a deep learning algorithm trained on varied spectral loads and EDFA working points to generate a digital twin of an optical line system able to optimize line control and to enhance OSNR predictions.
The ever-increasing demand for data traffic in recent decades has pushed network operators to give importance to the aspect of infrastructure control to facilitate its scalability and maximize its capacity. A generic lightpath (LP) is deployed starting from a traffic request between a given pair of nodes
Broadband analog signal processors utilizing silicon photonics have demonstrated a significant impact in numerous application spaces, offering unprecedented bandwidths, dynamic range, and tunability. In the past decade, microwave photonic techniques have been applied to neuromorphic processing, resulting
Optical fiber sensing is a technology wherein audio, vibrations, and temperature are detected using an optical fiber; especially the audio/vibrations-aware sensing is called distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). In DAS, observed data, which is comprised of multichannel data, has suffered from severe noise
Over the last decade, silicon photonic neural networks have demonstrated the possibility of photonic-enabled machine learning at the edge. These systems enable low-latency ultra-wideband classifications, channel estimations, and many other signal characterization tasks within wireless environments. While
We report the first field demonstration of 4D link tomography using a commercial transponder, which offers distance, time, frequency, and polarization-resolved monitoring. This scheme enables autonomous transponders that identify locations of multiple QoT degradation causes.
We develop a heuristic solution to effectively optimize the placement of multi-channel distributed fiber optic sensors in mesh optical fiber cable networks. The solution has beenimplemented in a field network to provide continuous monitoring.
We proposed the use of BOTDA as a monitoring tool to identify fiber types present in deployed hybrid-span fiber cables, to assist in network planning, setting optimal launch powers, and selecting correct modulation formats.
We propose a method to estimate the input power dependency of the transceiver BER-OSNR characteristic. Experiments using commercial transceivers show that estimation error in Q-factor is less than 0.2 dB.
We implement a cascaded learning framework using component-level EDFA models for optical power spectrum prediction in multi-span networks, achieving a mean absolute error of 0.17 dB across 6 spans and 12 EDFAs with only one-shot measurement.
A method is proposed in order to improve QoT-E by calibrating the physical model parameters of an optical link post-installation, using only total power monitors integrated into the EDFAs and an OSA at the receiver.
We introduce a novel scheme to detect and localize optical network anomaly using forward transmission sensing, and develop a heuristic algorithm to optimize the route selection. The performance is verified via simulations and network experiments.
Falling trees or their limbs can cause power lines to break or sag, sometimes resulting in devastating wildfires. Conventional protections such as circuit breakers, overcurrent relays and automatic circuit reclosers may clear short circuits caused by tree contact, but they may not detect cases where
Recent advances in optical fiber sensing have enabled telecom network operators to monitor their fiber infrastructure while generating new revenue in various application scenarios, including data center interconnect, public safety, smart cities, and seismic monitoring. However, given the high utilization
There are increasing requirements for data center interconnection (DCI) services, which use fiber to connect any DC distributed in a metro area and quickly establish high-capacity optical paths between cloud services and mobile edge computing and the users. In such networks, coherent transceivers with
Radio-frequency interference is a growing concern as wireless technology advances, with potentially life-threatening consequences like interference between radar altimeters and 5?G cellular networks. Mobile transceivers mix signals with varying ratios over time, posing challenges for conventional digital
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as drones, can carry high-performance computing devices (e.g., servers) to provide flexible and on-demand data processing services for theusers in the network edge, leading to the so-called mobile edge computing. In mobile edge computing, researchers have already
Brood X is the largest of the 15 broods of periodical cicadas, and individuals from this brood emerged across the Eastern United States in spring 2021. Using distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) technology, the activity of Brood X cicadas was monitored in their natural environment in Princeton, NJ. Critical
mmWave devices can broadcast multiple spatially-separated data streams simultaneously in order to increase data transfer rates. Data transfer can, however, be compromised by interference. Photonic blind interference cancellation systems offer a power-efficient means of mitigating interference, but previous
We present the field trial of an innovative neural network and DAS-based technique, employing a pre-trained CNN fine-tuning strategy for effective rain detection and classification within two practical scenarios.
A novel acoustic transmission technique using distributed acoustic sensors is introduced. By choosing better incident angles for smaller fading and employing an 8- channel beamformer, over 10KB data is transmitted at a 6.4kbps data rate.
Acoustic data transmission with the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) signal has been demonstrated using a Distributed Acoustic Sensor (DAS) based on Phase-sensitive Optical Time-Domain Reflectometry (?-OTDR).
We report significant noise reduction in distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) link using enhanced-scatter fibre (ESF). The longest reach of 195km DAS link without inline amplifications is also demonstrated. We further present demonstration of simultaneous fibre-optic sensing and 400Gb/s data transmissions
We demonstrated under six minutes automatic provisioning of optical paths over field- deployed alien access links and WDM carrier links using commercial-grade ROADMs, whitebox mux-ponders, and multi-vendor transceivers. With channel probing, transfer learning, and Gaussian noise model, we achieved an
We review various use cases of distributed-fiber-optic-sensing and machine-learning technologies that offer advantages to telecom fiber networks on existing fiber infrastructures. Byleveraging an edge-AI platform, perimeter intrusion detection and impulsive acoustic event classification can be performed
The lack of visibility to behind-the-meter (BTM) PVs causes many challenges to utilities. By constructing a dictionary of typical load patterns based on daily average temperatures and power consumptions, this paper proposes a temperature-informed data-driven approach for disaggregating BTM PV generation.
Utility pole detection and localization is the most fundamental application in aerial-optic cables using distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). The existing pole localization method recognizes the hammer knock signal on DAS traces by learning from knocking vibration patterns. However, it requires many efforts
We demonstrate, for the first time, real-time blind source separation of interfering GHz transmitters using photonic weights controlled by an RF-System-on-Chip FPGA. This analog system achieves multi-antenna signal separation with millisecond execution latency.
We review various applications of distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) and machine learning (ML) technologies that particularly benefit telecom operators’ fiber networks and businesses. By leveraging relative phase shift of the reflectance of coherent Rayleigh, Brillouin and Raman scattering of light
Dependence of EDFA gain shape on input power and input spectrum shape is modelled using a simple neural network-based architecture for amplifiers with different gains and output powers. The model can predict the gain within ±0.1 dB. Even though the model has good success predicting the performance of
Simultaneous phase and polarization sensing with span length resolution using the supervisory path is demonstrated. It is shown that by measuring polarization rotation matrix of the return paths, instead of monitoring only the state of polarization, location of the polarization disturbance can be determined
Coexistence of real-time constant-amplitude distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) and 400GbE signals is verified by field trial over metro fibers, demonstrating no QoT impact during co-propagation and supporting preemptive DAS-informed optical path switching before link failure
Polarization-based, multi-span sensing over a link with reflection-back circuits is demonstrated experimentally. By measuring rotation matrices instead of just monitoring polarization, a 35 dB extinction in localization is achieved regardless of the disturbance magnitude.
We report the first distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) experiment with over >1,000 km reach on a hybrid link comprising of a mixture of field and lab fibers with bi-directional inline Raman amplification after each span. We used 20× frequency-diversity chirped-pulses for the probe signal,and recovered
We present a manhole localization method based on distributed fiber optic sensing and weakly supervised machine learning techniques. For the first time to our knowledge, ambient environment data is used for underground cable mapping with the promise of enhancing operational efficiency and reducing field
In recent years, the widespread use of drones has led to serious concerns about safety and privacy. Drone detection using microphone arrays has proven to be a promising method. However, it is challenging for microphones to serve large-scale applications due to the issues of synchronization, complexity,
Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) systems rely on measuring and analyzing different properties of the backscattered light of an optical pulse propagating along a fiber cable. DFOS systems can measure temperature, strain, vibrations, or acoustic excitations on the fiber cable and to their unique
We review recent advances in distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) and their applications. The scattering mechanisms in glass, which are exploited for reflectometry-based DFOS, are Rayleigh, Brillouin, and Raman scatterings. These are sensitive to either strain and/or temperature, allowing optical fiber
We perform the availability analysis for various reliable distributed fiber optic sensor placement schemes in the circumstances of multiple failures. The study can help the network carriers to select the optimal protection scheme for their network sensing services, considering both service availability
Distributed fiber optic sensing systems use long section of optical fiber as the sensing media. Therefore, the fiber characteristics determines the sensing capability and performance. In this presentation, various types of specialty optical fibers and their sensing applications will be introduced and
This paper presents a multi-sensor feature fusion (MSFF) neural network comprised of two inception layer-type multiple channel feature fusion (MCFF) networks for both inner-sensor and cross-sensor feature fusion in conjunction with a deep residual neural network (ResNet) for accurate grease life assessment
Urban flooding is becoming a common and devastating hazard, which causes life loss and economic damage. Monitoring and understanding urban flooding in a highly localized scale is a challenging task due to the complicated urban landscape, intricate hydraulic process, and the lack of high-quality and resolution
We explore two fiber sensing methods which enables coexistence with data transmission on DWDM fiber networks. Vibration detection and localization can be achieved by extracting optical phase from modified coherent transponders. Frequency-diverse chirped-pulse DAS with all-Raman amplification can improve
A variety of efforts have been put into sensing and modeling of pavements. Such capability is commonly validated with experimental data and used as reference for damage detection and other structural changes. Finite element models (FEM) often provides a high fidelity physics-base benchmark to evaluate
Among the power transmission infrastructures, the low-voltage overhead power lines are specifically critical, due to the complicated roadside environments and the significant number of connections to the end utility users. Maintaining of such a large size grid with mostly wood poles is a challenging
This paper presents a deep learning-based framework to detect and localize the pedestrians’ anomaly behaviors in videos captured at the grade crossing. A skeleton detection and tracking algorithm are employed to capture the key point trajectories of body movements of the pedestrians. A deep recurrent
For the first time, we demonstrate detection and classification of rain intensity using Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS). An artificial neural network was applied for rain intensity classification and high precision of over 96% was achieved.
We review multiple use cases over deployed networks including co-existing sensing/data transmission, cable cut prevention and perimeter intrusion detection to realize telecom infrastructure can be sensing backbones instead of the sole function of data transmission.
We report distributed-fiber-optic-sensing results on impulsive acoustic events localization/classification over telecom networks. A deep-learning-based model was trained to classify starter-gun and fireworks signatures with high accuracy of > 99% using fiber-based-signal-enhancer and >97% using aerial
We review recent advances aimed at increasing the reach of distributed fiber optic sensing with simultaneous data transmission. We review two methods based on measurement of accumulated phase on telecom signals, and chirp-pulsed DAS with inline amplification and frequency diversity.
We propose a new method to detect acoustic signals by matching distributed acoustic sensing data with simulation. In the simulation of the dynamic strain on an optical fiber, the optical fiber layouts and the gauge length are properly incorporated. We apply the proposed method to the acoustic-source
Recently, the distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) techniques have advanced rapidly. There emerges various types of DFOS sensors that can monitor physical parameters such as temperature, strain, and vibration. With these DFOS sensors deployed, the telecom networks are capable of offering additional
We experimentally demonstrated the real-time operation of a photonic neuron with a self-connection, a prerequisite for integrated recurrent neural networks (RNNs). After studying two applications, we propose a photonics-assisted platform for time series prediction and classification.
We propose a reinforcement learning-based approach to query object localization, for which an agent is trained to localize objects of interest specified by a small exemplary set. We learn a transferable reward signal formulated using the exemplary set by ordinal metric learning. Our proposed method enables
This paper studies zero-shot domain adaptation where each domain is indexed on a multi-dimensional array, and we only have data from a small subset of domains. Our goal is to produce predictors that perform well on unseen domains. We propose a model which consists of a domain-invariant latent representation
In pursuance of the unused spectrum in higher frequencies, millimeter wave (mmWave) bands have a pivotal role. However, the high path-loss and poor scattering associated with mmWave communications highlight the necessity of employing effective beamforming techniques. In order to efficiently search for
We report the first distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) results over>1,000 km on a field-lab hybrid link using chirped-pulses with correlation detection and 20× frequency-diversity, achieving a sensitivity of 100 pa/√Hz at 20-meters spatial resolution.
We demonstrate distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) over a bidirectional datacenter link which uses self-homodyne coherent detection for the data signal. Frequency multiplexing allows sharing the optoelectronic hardware, and enables DAS as an auxiliary function.
We review the distributed-fiber-sensing field trial results over deployed telecom networks. With local AI processing, real-time detection, and localization of abnormal events with cable damage threat assessment are realized for cable self-protection.
We report field test results of facility perimeter intrusion detection with distributed-fiber-sensing technology and backscattering-enhanced-fiber by using deployed telecom fiber cables as sensing backhaul. Various intrusive activities, such as walking/jumping at >100ft distance, are detected.
We demonstrate the first fiber-optic drone detection method with ultra-highly sensitive optical microphones and distributed acoustic sensor. Accurate drone localization has been achieved through acoustic field mapping and data fusion.
Road surface condition can significantly impact the interaction between vehicles and pavement structure, which may even cause high fuel consumption and safety issues of drivers and vehicles. Distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) technology is a useful tool to perform continuous and real-time monitoring
We demonstrate a vibration detection and localization scheme based on bidirectional transmission of telecom signals with digital coherent detection at the receivers. Optical phase is extracted from the digital signal processing blocks of the coherent receiver, from which the vibration component is extracted
Neural networks (NNs) are attractive for nonlinear impairment compensation applications in communication systems, such as optical fiber nonlinearity, nonlinearity of driving amplifiers, and nonlinearity of semiconductor optical amplifiers. Without prior knowledge of the transmission link or the hardware
By employing distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) technologies, field deployed fiber cables can be utilized as not only communication media for data transmissions but also sensing media for continuously monitoring of the physical phenomenon along the entire route. The fiber can be used to monitor ambient
In this manuscript, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a dispersion-controlled optoelectronic oscillator with phase only modulator at 18 GHz. The generated microwave signal has a phase noise of −108 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset frequency and the integrated timing jitter is calculated to be 16.2 fs
To overcome the high path loss and the intense shadowing in millimeter wave (mmWave) communications, effective beamforming schemes are required which incorporate narrow beams with high beamforming gains. The mmWave channel consists of a few spatial clusters each associated with an angle of departure
Distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) is a rapidly evolving field that allows the existing optical fiber infrastructure for telecommunications to be reused for wide-area sensing. Using the backscattering mechanisms of glass—which includes Rayleigh, Brillouin, and Raman backscatter—it is possible
For the first time to our knowledge, a stationary weight hanging on an operational aerial telecommunication field fiber was detected and localized using only ambient data collected by a φ-DAS system. Although stationary weights do not create temporally varying signals, and hence cannot be observed directly
We demonstrate, for the first time, that cyclic linear pulse coding can be bipolar for BOTDA sensors, breaking the unipolar limitation of linear coding techniques and elevating the coding gain for a given code length.
We demonstrated for the first time that motor vehicle traffic and road capacity on multiple fiber routes can be monitored by using a distributed-fiber-optics-sensing system with a photonic switch on in-service telecom fiber cables.
Distributed fiber optic sensing systems (DFOS) allow deployed fiber cables to be sensing media, not only dedicated function of data transmission. The fiber cable can monitor the ambient environment over wide area for many applications. We review recent field trial results, and show how artificial intelligence
In optical communication systems, fibre nonlinearity is the major obstacle in increasing the transmission capacity. Typically, digital signal processing techniques and hardware are used to deal with optical communication signals, but increasing speed and computational complexity create challenges for
Guided acoustic Brillouin (GAWBS) noise is measured using a novel, homodyne measurement technique for four commonly used fibers in long-distance optical transmission systems. The measurements are made with single spans and then shown to be consistent with separate multi-span long-distance measurements.
Optical fibers have a sensing function that captures environmental changes around the fiber cable. According to the recent technology evolution of optical transmission and AI, the application of the fiber sensing has expanded and visualization accuracy has improved. We have proposed to monitor the traffic
We propose an efficient approach for placing distributed fiber optic sensors (DFOS) with concurrent sensing capability. It consumes 5.7% to 9.5% fewer sensors than that using DFOS without concurrent sensing, for covering the same network.
We report the distributed-fiber-sensing field trial results over a 5G-transport-network. A standard communication fiber is used with real-time AI processing for cable self-protection, cable-cut threat assessment and road traffic monitoring in a long-term continuous test.
Empowered by the rapid advancement of fiber optic sensing techniques in recent years, network carriers are able to upgrade their network infrastructure beyond the basic communication services with extra sensing applications and services (e.g., monitoring traffic and road condition, leakage detection,
CCCE in a 60-km fiber is estimated from its GAWBS noise spectrum by comparing the TR 1m modes with the R 0m modes. The estimated CCCE value 0.73 μm is consistent with conventional measurements of 0.6–0.8 μm.
We report the field trial results of monitoring abnormal activities near deployed cable with fiber-optic-sensing technology for cable protection. Detection and position determination of abnormal events and evaluating the threat to the cable is realized.
Neural networks are attractive for nonlinear impairment compensation applications in communication systems. In this paper, several approaches to reduce computational complexity of the neural network-based algorithms are presented.
We demonstrated for the first time to our knowledge, the detection and localization of a static weight on an aerial cable by using frequency domain decomposition analysis of ambient vibrations detected by a φ-DAS system.
We demonstrate a new application of fiber-optic-sensing and machine learning techniques for vehicle run-off-road events detection to enhance roadway safety and efficiency. The proposed approach achieves high accuracy in a testbed under various experimental conditions.
In distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) on aerial fiber-optic cables, utility pole localization is a prerequisite for any subsequent event detection. Currently, localizing the utility poles on DAS traces relies on human experts who manually label the poles’ locations by examining DAS signal patterns
Distributed fiber optical systems (DFOS) allow deployed optical cables to monitor the ambient environment over wide geographic area. We review recent field trial results, and show how DFOS can be made compatible with passive optical networks (PONs).
We demonstrate vibration detection and localization based on extracting optical phase from the DSP elements of a coherent receiver in bidirectional WDM transmission of 200-Gb/s DP-16QAM over 380 km of installed field fiber.
Forget passwords—identity verification can now be accomplished with the touch of a finger or in the blink of an eye as the biometrics field expands to encompass new techniques and application areas.
We demonstrate fiber optic sensing systems in a distributed fiber sensor network built on existing telecom infrastructure to detect temperature, acoustic effects, vehicle traffic, etc. Measurements are also demonstrated with different network topologies and simultaneously sensing four fiber routes with
We are the first to investigate a novel problem, called distributed fiber optic sensor placement, in the context of Infrastructure-as-a-Sensor. We propose an ILP-based optimal solution and a close-to-optimal heuristic solution, both of which aim at minimizing the cost of sensors.
To the best of our knowledge, we present the first underground fiber cable position detection methods using distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) technology. Meter level localization accuracy is achieved in the results.
Biometric authentication is the recognition of human identity via unique anatomical features. The development of novel methods parallels widespread application by consumer devices, law enforcement, and access control. In particular, methods based on finger veins, as compared to face and fingerprints,
We demonstrate an anti-spoofing face recognition system that is able to differentiate real human face with 3D printed materials. Face images captured in infrared structure light are analyzed for surface materials and spatial structure.
In this study, we explored surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for analyzing red wine through several facile sample preparations. These approaches involved the direct analysis of red wine with Raman spectroscopy and the direct incubation of red wine with silver nanoparticles (i.e., AgNPs) and
We demonstrate the experimental implementation of photonic neural network for fiber nonlinearity compensation over a 10,080 km trans-pacific transmission link. Q-factor improvement of 0.51 dB is achieved with only 0.06 dB lower than numerical simulations.
We demonstrated for the first time that geographic locations on deployed fiber cables can be determined accurately by using OTDR distances. The method involves vibration stimulation near deployed cables and distributed fiber optical sensing technology.
We propose reusing existing optical cables in metropolitan networks for distributed sensing using a bidirectional, dual-band architecture where communications and sensing signals can coexist with weak interaction on the same optical fiber.
We demonstrate a passive optical network (PON) that employs reflective semiconductor optical amplifiers (RSOAs) at optical network units (ONUs) to allow simultaneous data transmission with distributed fiber-optic sensing (DFOS) on individual distribution fibers.
To the best of our knowledge, we present the first field trial of distributed fiber optical sensing (DFOS) and high-speed communication, comprising a coexisting system, over an operation telecom network. Using probabilistic-shaped (PS) DP-144QAM, a 36.8 Tb/s with an 8.28-b/s/Hz spectral efficiency (SE)
We proposed and demonstrated a new machine learning algorithm for wavelength modulation spectroscopy to enhance the accuracy of fire detection. The result shows more than 8% of accuracy improvement by analyzing CO/CO 2 2f signals.
An artificial neural network (ANN) based transfer learning model is built for quality of transmission (QoT) prediction in optical systems feasible with different modulation formats. Knowledge learned from one optical system can be transferred to a similar optical system by adjusting weights in ANN hidden
Traffic conditions of the highway, Ya traffic volume meter CCTV Because it is observed in the spot, such as the discovery of traffic disturbances which deviates from the observation spot it may be delayed. The traffic flow has a problem from the point observations data indirectly order to be estimated,
The higher-order spatial modes of a light beam are receiving significant interest. They can be used to further increase the data speeds of high speed optical communication, and for novel optical sensing modalities. As such, the classification of higher-order spatial modes is ubiquitous. Canonical classification
Fiber nonlinearity is one of the major limitations to the achievable capacity in long distance fiber optic transmission systems. Nonlinear impairments are determined by the signal pattern and the transmission system parameters. Deterministic algorithms based on approximating the nonlinear Schrodinger
A two-stage neural network model is applied on captured PS-144QAM raw data to estimate channel G-OSNR in a metro network field trial. We obtained 0.27dB RMSE with first-stage CNN classifier and second-stage ANN regressions.
Fiber nonlinearity is a major limitation on the achievable maximum capacity per fiber core. Digital signal processing (DSP) can be used directly to compensate nonlinear impairments, however with limited effectiveness. It is well known that fibers with higher chromatic dispersion (CD) reduce nonlinear
Neuron network (NN) is proposed to work together with perturbation-based nonlinearity compensation (NLC) algorithm by feeding with intra-channel cross-phase modulation (IXPM) and intra-channel four-wave mixing (IFWM) triplets. Without prior knowledge of the transmission link and signal pulse shaping/baudrate,
Flexible wavelength-multiplexing technique in backbone submarine networks has been deployed to accommodate the trend of variable-rate modulation formats. In this paper, we propose a new design of flexible-rate transponders in the scenario of flexible multiplexing scheme to achieve near-Shannon performance.
For the first time, we demonstrate detection of vehicle speed, density, and road conditions using deployed fiber carrying high-speed data transmission, and prove carriers’ large-scale fiber infrastructures can also be used as ubiquitous sensing networks.
Asymmetric information is shown to be more accurate in characterizing the performance of quadrant folding shaped (QFS) M-QAM. The performance difference of QFS M-QAM schemes strongly depends on the FEC coding rate, and the optimum FEC coding rate is found to be around ?0.8, which is independent of QFS
We propose a novel multi-parameter sensing technique based on a Brillouin optical time domain reflectometry in the elliptical-core few-mode fiber, using higher-order optical and acoustic modes. Multiple Brillouin peaks are observed for the backscattering of both the LP01 mode and LP11 mode. We characterize
We experimentally investigate the scattering effect on an 80 Gbit/s orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexed optical wireless communication link. The power loss, mode purity, cross talk, and bit error rate performance are measured and analyzed for different OAM modes under scattering levels from ballistic
We demonstrate high spectral efficiency transmission over 549 km of field-deployed single-mode fiber using probabilistic-shaped 144QAM. We achieved 41.5 Tb/s over the C-band at a spectral efficiency of 9.02 b/s/Hz using 32-Gbaud channels at a channel spacing of 33.33 GHz, and 38.1 Tb/s at a spectral
We propose a single-ended Brillouin-based sensor in elliptical-core few-mode optical fiber for multi-parameter measurement using spontaneous Brillouin scattering. Distributed sensing of temperature and strain is demonstrated over 0.5 km elliptical-core few-mode fiber.
An ensemble learning algorithm is applied to enhance filtering tolerance of cascaded WSSs in open ROADM environment to demonstrate ~0.8dB Q-factor improvement over MLSE after transmitting over 3200km with 16 ROADMs.
A simplified, system-agnostic NLC algorithm based on a neuron network is proposed to pre-distort symbols at transmitter side to demonstrate ~0.6dB Q improvement after 2800km SMF transmission using 32Gbaud DP-16QAM.
We study digital signal processing techniques to optimize the back-to-back performance of large probabilistic shaped constellations. We cover joint optimization of LDPC and constellation shaping, CD pre-compensation, clipping and I/Q imbalance compensation.
Vast geographical distances in Africa are a leading cause for the so-called digital divide due to the high cost of installing fiber. Free-space optical (FSO) communications offer a convenient and higher bandwidth alternative to point-to-point radio microwave links, with the possibility of repurposing
By adjusting single shaping factor in the distribution matcher, probabilistic-shaped M-QAM is reviewed to provide both flex-rate and near-Shannon performance at the given flex-grid bandwidth and filling ratio.
41.5-Tb/s over 549 km of deployed SSMF in Verizon’s network is achieved using probabilistic-shaped 144QAM to optimize throughput at ultra-fine granularity. This is the highest C-band only capacity and spectral efficiency in metro field environment.
Quality of transmission prediction for real-time mixed line-rate systems is realized using artificial neural network based transfer learning with SDN orchestrating. 0.42 dB accuracy is achieved with a 1000 to 20 reduction in training samples.
We report on the evolution of the longest segment of FASTER cable at 11,017 km, with 8QAM transponders at 4b/s/Hz spectral efficiency (SE) in service. With offline testing, 6 b/s/Hz is further demonstrated using probabilistically shaped 64QAM, and a novel, low complexity nonlinearity compensation technique
A novel algorithm to design geometric shaped 32QAM to work with probabilistic shaping is proposed to approach the Shannon limit within ~0.2 dB in SNR. The experimental results show ~0.2 dB SNR advantage over 64Gbaud PAS-64QAM, and flex-rate transmission demonstrates > 500 km reach improvement over 32QAM.
We propose universal distribution matchers applicable to any two-dimensional signal constellation. We experimentally demonstrate that the performance of 32-ary QAM, based on hybrid probabilistic-geometric shaping, is superior to probabilistically shaped 32QAM and regular 32QAM.
A systematic study, including theory, simulation and experiments, is carried out to review the generalized pairwise optimization algorithm for designing optimized constellation. In order to verify its effectiveness, the algorithm is applied in three testing cases: 2-dimensional 8 quadrature amplitude
Generalized mutual information (GMI) has been comprehensively studied in multidimensional constellation and probabilistic-shaped (PS) constellation together with different forward error correction (FEC) coding schemes. The simulation results confirm that GMI is an efficient and accurate tool to compare
