Hitless reconfiguration of a PPLN-based multiwavelength source for elastic optical networks

Elastic optical networks may significantly take advantage of reconfigurable multiwavelength sources in order to maximize spectral efficiency and throughput. A multiwavelength source based on the line multiplication process taking place in a periodically poled lithium niobate waveguide has been recently proposed as a generator of tunable frequency combs. This source is stable and compact with respect to fiber-based solutions and does not require high radio frequency power. A transmitter employing the multiwavelength source is implemented and characterized in the static and dynamic regime, thus demonstrating hitless reconfiguration. The source also is tested within a three-node testbed employing commercial transceiver cards.