Self-seeding reflective semiconductor optical amplifiers for WDM Access Networks (invited)

The self-seeding of reflective semiconductor optical amplifiers (RSOAs) was proposed to achieve colorless operation in optical network units (ONUs) of wavelength division multiplexed passive optical networks (WDM-PONs). With the self-seeding technique, the use of external optical seeding sources and temperature tracking to maintain wavelength alignment, are not required in the seeding of these devices. This paper provides a review of the self-seeding technique, outlining the benefits and drawbacks in the context of WDM-PON deployment. A review of recent experimental WDM-PON demonstrations based on self-seeded RSOAs as colorless ONUs, is also presented. The use of additional techniques and components in these demonstrations to alleviate some of the drawbacks of the self-seeding technique, is highlighted.