Transmission and Reception of RF Signals in Power-over-Fiber Links Powered by Raman Lasers

Simultaneous transmission of high-speed data and high-power energy in optical networks is merging radio-over-fiber (RoF) and power-over-fiber (PoF) concepts. In this work, we present an approach to evaluate the analog performance of RoF-PoF systems, based on figures of merit used in microwave photonics. Different optical links are proposed to transmit and receive RF signals remotely, while using the same fiber to supply power to electronic sensors. We compare measured values with theoretical predictions in two experimental setups. Both employ a 1480 nm power signal and a 1550 nm data signal propagating together over a 10 km single-mode fiber (SMF). Analytical results are in good agreement with measurements, as long as power level does not exceed a specific threshold, when system instabilities arise. Optical power delivered to the optical-electrical converter is sufficient to feed low consumption devices, proving the effectiveness of such approaches in remote applications.