Opportunities and challenges in optical generation and distribution of 60 GHz wireless signals

In this paper, the authors briefly discussed some of the main benefits and challenges for Radio over Fiber technology when applied to 60 GHz wireless communication. In general, the benefits that RoF technology offers to low-frequency picocellular systems also apply to 60 GHz RoF systems. However, the hardware requirements for 60 GHz RoF systems are more stringent. We have shown that channel uniformity is an issue for 60 GHz RoF systems due to the wide channel bandwidth. We have demonstrated that linear feed-forward equalization may be used to reduce the distortion induced by channel ripples. Finally, we have experimentally demonstrated an optical I/Q direct launch transmitter at 60 GHz, and used it to generate 7 Gbps data on a single carrier - representing three times higher efficiency than simple ASK modulation.