O/C Band Modulators
– O‑band modulators operate between 1260–1360 nm, prized for their low chromatic dispersion ideal for short‑reach fiber links like data‑center, access, and metro applications.
– C‑band modulators work within 1530–1565 nm, the global standard for long‑haul, undersea, and DWDM systems due to ultra‑low fiber attenuation and high transmission efficiency.
– Operating across both O and C bands gives designers flexibility for hybrid networks and versatile photonic integrated circuits.
O Band
The O band (1260–1360 nm) is a fundamental wavelength range in optical fiber communications. Valued for its low chromatic dispersion, which minimizes signal distortion over short distances. It was one of the first wavelength bands used in fiber optics due to the early availability of lasers and detectors operating in this range. Today, it plays a crucial role in short-range communication, particularly in intra-data center networks, enterprise networks, and access networks. While maintaining signal integrity over relatively short distances.
C Band
The C band (1530–1565 nm) is the most widely deployed wavelength range for long-distance fiber-optic communication. It is favored for its low attenuation, meaning signals can travel over hundreds of kilometers with minimal loss, reducing the need for optical amplification. This makes the C band the standard for long-haul transmission, undersea cables, and dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) systems. Where multiple data channels are transmitted simultaneously to maximize capacity.
