Applications of LEDs with single-mode fiber for broadband loop distribution

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Abstract
Current thinking for transmission of future broadband services to the home is favoring the use of single-mode fiber (SMF) for reasons of upgradability, cost, and compatibility with other SMF. The current prices of lasers, the usual sources for SMF, present a problem. As only the order of $2000 can be allocated for the last mile, light sources must fall to well below $100 when production levels reach the 106/year range. Current laser price trends are showing somewhat less progress. On the other hand, LEDs show distinct probability of reaching this goal. In the loop plant, high sustained device temperatures (70° C) are possible and, also for cost reasons, it is desirable not to use active cooling. Present current lasers do not meet the goal of > 1 Mh at 70° C whereas both edge- and surface-emitting LEDs do.