Abstract
In this paper we investigate the efficacy of applying the coupled field back-propagation algorithm as a post-compensation method for nonlinearity mitigation in a coherently detected fibre optic long-haul system using multi-band orthogonal frequency division multiplexed signals. Specifically, we analyze the impact of varying the band-spacing and the number of bands. We find that its efficacy is higher for largely spaced bands and a small number of bands. Additionally, we propose a method to include the Four Wave Mixing compensating term within the coupled field method to provide simplified means of multichannel compensation. We conclude that this method is more efficient in improving the performance especially for small band spacings. The coupled field method proves to be an interesting choice for the implementation of receiver-based real-time digital signal processing.

Abstract
Optical backbone networks transport both synchronous and asynchronous traffic. The synchronous traffic is from legacy telecommunication networks still employing legacy SONET/SDH, or SONET/SDH over WDM equipment. In the WDM layer, optical circuit switching (OCS) has been widely deployed, but can be potentially bandwidth inefficient. Optical burst switching (OBS) has been proposed as an alternative to OCS that uses statistical multiplexing at a sub-wavelength granularity, but for the time constrained and loss intolerant traffic this switching paradigm is still not efficient. This article presents both open and closed ended in-advanced periodic resource reservation protocols that fulfill the QoS requirements of synchronous traffic. The proposed reservation protocols, called C2OBS Synchronous Resource Reservation Scheme (C2OBS-SRR), provide appropriate resources for SONET/SDH traffic in a Clustered Cooperative Optical Burst Switching (C2OBS) network architecture. In the C2OBS-SRR, the synchronous traffic is offered a circuit like service without two way end-to-end reservation, while still benefiting from the high level of statistical multiplexing of an optical burst switching network. The C2OBS-SRR is also compared with both OCS and classical JET OBS.

Abstract
The performance of a reflective electro-absorption modulator transceiver is assessed in terms of both slope efficiency (SE) and responsivity in a radio-over-fiber network. Different biasing schemes are analyzed, specifically zero bias (passive solution), bias for maximum SE, and bias for maximum responsivity. Finally, two case studies on multiband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing ultra-wide band and Wi-Fi are presented, for which the optimum setup parameters are determined.

Abstract
We report on photo-detectors consisting of an optical waveguide that incorporates a resonant tunneling diode (RTD). Operating at wavelengths around 1.55 m in the optical communications C band we achieve maximum sensitivities of around 0.29 A/W which is dependent on the bias voltage. This is due to the nature of RTD nonlinear current-voltage characteristic that has a negative differential resistance (NDR) region. The resonant tunneling diode photo-detector (RTD-PD) can be operated in either non-oscillating or oscillating regimes depending on the bias voltage quiescent point. The oscillating regime is apparent when the RTD-PD is biased in the NDR region giving rise to electrical gain and microwave self-sustained oscillations Taking advantage of the RTD's NDR distinctive characteristics, we demonstrate efficient detection of gigahertz (GHz) modulated optical carriers and optical control of a RTD GHz oscillator. RTD-PD based devices can have applications in generation and optical control of GHz low-phase noise oscillators, clock recovery systems, and fiber optic enabled radio frequency communication systems.

Abstract
In this work, a resonant tunnelling diode-photo-detector based microwave oscillator is amplitude modulated using an optical signal. The modulated free running oscillator is coupled to an antenna and phase locked by a wireless carrier that allows remote extraction of the information contained in the modulation. An off-the-shelf demodulator has been used to recover the envelope of the baseband data originally contained in the optical signal. Data were successfully transmitted at a rate of 1 MSym/s with a bit error rate below 10-6. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1728-1730, 2013

Abstract
Achieving affordable high speed fiber optic communication networks for airplane systems has proved to be challenging. In this paper we describe a summary of the EU Framework 7 project DAPHNE (Developing Aircraft Photonic Networks). DAPHNE aimed to exploit photonic technology from terrestrial communications networks, and then develop and optimize aircraft photonic networks to take advantage of the potential cost savings. The main areas of emphasis were on: multiplexing networks; providing standard components; simplifying installation; and reducing through life support costs. DAPHNE (fifteen partners from seven nations) finished in February 2013; and was supported by the European Commission?s Seventh Framework Programme, although the consortium members are continuing with in-house developments. © 2013 SPIE.