A novel 64-QAM optical transmitter driven by binary signals.

High-order quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) is a promising approach for increasing the spectral efficiency of wavelength-division-multiplexing transmission, but its optical implementation is still challenging. We propose a customized IQ modulator for generating 64-QAM using equal-amplitude electrical binary drive signals and verify the operation through simulations. Using the embedded VOAs, the transmitter can be finely controlled and flexible for several modulation formats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]