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Antonio Mecozzi

Publications and source records attributed to Antonio Mecozzi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2026

Impact of Terminal Noise on Polarization Rotation Vector for Sensing Applications

State-of-Polarization sensing with coherent transponders enables wide-area geophysical monitoring over existing submarine cables, but its performance is limited by polarization noise from both the fiber and terminal hardware. This work investigates how terminal noise affects polarization rotation estimates derived from receiver equalizer coefficients and how it can obscure stochastic polarization drift used for sensing. We analyze Jones-matrix time series from two deployed receivers in the Sparkle Mediterranean link MedNautilus (approximately 2000 km and 450 km) and compare them with a laboratory back-to-back reference. Power Spectral Density (PSD) analysis reveals a low-frequency random-walk regime and a high-frequency white-noise floor, separated by a link-dependent corner frequency. The rotation innovation variance increases with link length, while the longest field link also shows elevated white noise consistent with accumulated amplifier and terminal contributions. Additionally, harmonic spectral components are observed, indicating a transponder-related artifact that should be considered in practical sensing applications.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2026

Enantio-selective inverse Faraday effect in isotropic chiral molecular mixtures

Enantiomeric excess detection in a chiral molecular mixture is paramount because very often opposite enantiomers exhibit profound functional dissimilarities that play decisive roles in biochemical applications. Existing chiral sensing methods mostly rely on large operational sample volumes, hindering compatibility with integrated sensing schemes. Here, we propose a novel chiroptical sensing technique based on the inverse Faraday effect in a photonic micro-capillary filled with nl-volume chiral drug solution. We theoretically demonstrate that, upon excitation by intense laser light, an isotropic assembly of chiral drugs produces a static magnetisation, with amplitude and direction depending on the enantiomeric excess. In turn, by measuring the chirally-sensitive static magnetic field in the vicinity of the micro-tube one can retrieve the enantiomeric excess of the chiral drug solution. Our theoretical predictions unlock new opportunities for the development of innovative nanophotonic devices suitable for efficient chiroptical sensing with nl-volume sensitivity.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2026

Chirally-sensitive optical rectification by isotropic chiral media

Chiroptical sensing is central to gain fundamental insight into electronic, vibrational and rotational degrees of freedom of chiral molecules, and is a cornerstone for nanomedicine and drug discovery platforms. Current chiral sensing technologies to assess the enantiomeric imbalance of chiral pharmaceutical compounds are sensitive to ml volumes but are time-consuming and cannot be integrated on a chip, thus creating a major bottleneck for drug discovery and nanomedicine. Here, we propose a novel chiroptical sensing approach based on optical rectification in a photonic micro-cavity filled by a drug solution with nl volume. We theoretically demonstrate that, upon optical excitation by intense pulsed laser light, such a nonlinear effect produces a chirally-sensitive nV voltage burst at the electrically-gated micro-cavity boundaries, with sign depending solely on the drug enantiomeric imbalance. Our results shed light on the potential of optical rectification as a robust platform for innovative lab-on-a-chip devices enabling chiral sensing with nl sensitivity.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2026

Redefining the limits of real-time noise cancellation in optical fiber links

A broad and growing array of applications rely on the faithful transmission of ultrastable optical signals over noisy paths, requiring cancellation of environmentally induced noise. A generally accepted limit constrains how well the path length noise can be suppressed in real time. Here, we show that this standard limit is not fundamental and can be improved upon. By considering the temporal correlations between the round-trip and one-way signals, we develop a new framework for optimizing the noise cancellation feedback signal for any spatial distribution of noise along the signal path. We use this framework to surpass the standard limit in two sets of experiments. First, we demonstrate noise cancellation in a deployed urban optical fiber, where we achieve noise suppression approximately 6 dB beyond the standard limit. Then, in a reconfigurable lab-based fiber-optic testbed, we show that, for certain spatial distributions of noise, suppression of well over 10 dB beyond the standard limit is readily achievable. With the use of digital signal processing to generate the correction signal, our new technique requires no new electro-optic hardware relative to the field-standard noise cancellation scheme. This will allow for widespread adoption of these improved limits in existing systems, with applications in optical clock distribution, optical clock comparisons for fundamental physics and geodesy, and quantum networking.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2026

Raman amplification and ISRS in SDM links: Analytical evaluation and closed-form models for optical transmission

In optical communications, the Raman effect is exploited for its lasing properties in distributed Raman amplification (DRA) and leads to spectral distortions through inter-channel stimulated Raman scattering (ISRS). In single-mode fibers, these effects are well understood and modeled, but equivalent closed-form expressions for arbitrarily coupled space-division multiplexing (SDM) links are lacking. In this work, we expand upon previous literature by providing closed-form expressions modelling DRA and ISRS in common SDM fiber designs that support arbitrarily-coupled degenerate mode-groups, incorporate mode coupling, and accounting for inter-modal non-linear effects, showing excellent agreement with simulations. The derived formulas are then applied to representative scenarios, illustrating how distinct pump and fiber configurations influence gain and mode-dependent gain (MDG). Finally, we describe suggested routines for experimentally estimating the Raman response profiles of SDM fibers.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2026

On the SNR Statistics in Coupled-Core Multi-Core Fiber Transmissions with Mode-Dependent Loss

We investigate the impact of mode-dependent loss (MDL) on the statistics of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in coupled-core multi-core fiber (CC-MCF) systems. Through numerical and theoretical simulations, we present an in-depth analysis of the impact of MDL on received amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise and nonlinear interference (NLI), as well as their joint contribution to the SNR. We show that MDL induces different statistics on the two noises and discuss the differences with single-mode polarization-dependent loss. Moreover, we investigate the impact of spatial mode dispersion (SMD) on the MDL-induced impairment, offering insights on their joint effects on ASE and NLI.

eess.SP↗
arXiv2026

Secret Key Rate Limits in Coexisting Classical-Quantum Optical Links

Classical-quantum coexistence enables cost-effective transmission of data and quantum signals over the same fiber-optic channel. Nevertheless, weak quantum-key distribution (QKD) signals are susceptible to non-linear interference generated from the classical traffic, primarily spontaneous Raman scattering (SpRS) and four-wave-mixing (FWM), as well as to unfiltered noise. In QKD protocols, increased channel loss and excess noise both reduce the secret key rates (SKRs), as illustrated in this work for the two-state BB84 and Gaussian-modulated coherent-states (GMCS) protocols. In this study, we derive closed-form expressions for evaluating the accumulated interference power from coexisting classical signals in a quantum frequency channel. Our model enables effective design of classical-quantum systems in single-mode fibers (SMFs), capturing the evolution of interference arising from the relevant physical phenomena. We utilize the model to examine frequency allocation in multiband transmission systems, demonstrating that, contrary to common practice of allocating QKD channels in the O-band, increased SKR is achieved by placing quantum channels in the upper E-/lower S-band across the relevant scenarios.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2026

Spontaneous Raman scattering in SDM fibers

Spontaneous Raman scattering (SpRS) is a weak non-linear effect, particularly relevant to classical-quantum coexistence transmission and sensing applications. In classical transmission, the relevant Raman effect is stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), and recent studies have examined it in space-division multiplexing (SDM) fibers. An intrinsic relation between SpRS and SRS allows previous SRS results to inform SpRS models. In this work, we extend SpRS models derived for single-mode fibers (SMFs) to SDM fibers with multiple mode groups of degenerate modes, covering both Stokes and anti-Stokes bands. The proposed model is a useful, fiber-design-independent tool for evaluating scattered noise in optical links, and it is validated through experimental measurements in field-deployed multi-core fibers (MCFs) and multi-mode fiber (MMF), showing good agreement.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2025

Closed-form Expression for the Power Profile in Wideband Systems with Inter-channel Stimulated Raman Scattering

Wideband systems experience significant inter-channel stimulated Raman scattering (ISRS) and channel-dependent losses. Due to the non-uniform attenuation profile, the combined effects of ISRS and fiber loss can only be accurately estimated using numerical methods. In this work, we present an approximate closed-form expression for the channels' power profile accounting for these combined effects. We validate the proposed expression against numerical solutions in the case of CLU transmission, showing high accuracy for both single-span and multi-span fiber-optic links. Additionally, we derive an inverse expression, formulated as a function of the output power, which can be utilized to target a desired optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) profile through pre-emphasis of the launched channel powers.

eess.SP↗
arXiv2025

Accurate and Effective Model for Coexistence of Classical and Quantum Signals In Optical Fibers

The rising interest in quantum-level communication has resulted in proposals for coexistence schemes with classical signals within the same fiber optic channel, where the most recent proposals leverage novel fibers designed for space-division multiplexing (SDM) transmission. In all cases the large power difference between classical and quantum channels presents challenges for such schemes, as the classical signals generate interfering noise that corrupts the quantum signal. In this work, we discuss the main interference mechanisms in coexistence scenarios and provide a model to quantify their impact on the quantum signal quality. Analytical approximations in the model allow accurate and fast numerical solutions in the millisecond time-scale. The model accounts for out-of-band non-linear interference effects, namely spontaneous Raman scattering (SpRS) and four-wave-mixing (FWM) in both cases of single-mode and SDM fibers with weakly-coupled degenerate mode groups. Rayleigh and SpRS backscattering are considered in counter-propagating scenarios. Since broadband classical transmission is targeted, the model also accounts for the effect of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS)-induced power tilt. Use of the model in sample scenarios indicates that the interference noise power is minimized at the high end of the transmission band in both cases were the quantum is co- and counter-propagating with respect to the classical signals, with a preference of one or the other scheme depending on the link length and quantum signal center frequency. Our model reveals that FWM has negligible impact in counter-propagating schemes, but can be relevant in co-propagating schemes under certain scenarios. Nevertheless, the FWM interference can be mitigated by deallocating the classical signals adjacent to the quantum channel.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2024

Enabling a multifunctional telecommunications fiber optic network: Ultrastable optical frequency transfer and attosecond timing in deployed multicore fiber

The telecommunications industry's deployment of billions of kilometers of optical fiber has created a vast global network that can be exploited for additional applications such as environmental sensing, quantum networking and international clock comparisons. However, for reasons such as the unidirectionality of long-haul fiber links, telecom fiber networks cannot always be adapted for important applications beyond data transmission. Fortunately, new multicore optical fibers create the opportunity for application coexistence with data traffic, creating expansive multifunctional networks. Towards that end, we propose and demonstrate the faithful transfer of ultrastable optical signals through multicore fiber in a way that is compatible with the unidirectionality of long-haul fiber optic systems, demonstrating a fractional frequency instability of 3x10-19 at 10,000 seconds. This opens the door towards intercontinental optical clock comparisons, with applications in fundamental physics and the redefinition of the second.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2024

Sensing with submarine optical cables

In this paper, we establish the theoretical framework for understanding the sensing capabilities of optical fibers. We show the distinct advantage of polarization over phase in detecting subhertz environmental processes. Subsequently, we propose a scheme capable of extracting the spectrum of perturbations affecting a specific section at any position along an optical fiber by detecting the state of polarization of the backreflected light. We discuss two examples of earthquake detection and the detection of sea swells and ocean tides through the analysis of the state of polarization of an optical signal reconstructed by the receiver of a transoceanic cable, obtained from an online database.\cite{zhongwenzhan_2020} Finally, we provide the analytical expression for the cross-correlation of the polarization perturbations of two wavelength division multiplexed channels, and show that the analysis of the polarization correlations between adjacent channels can provide valuable insights into the localization of earthquakes.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2023

Plasmon-enhanced circular dichroism spectroscopy of chiral drug solutions

We investigate the potential of surface plasmon polaritons at noble metal interfaces for surface-enhanced chiroptical sensing of dilute chiral drug solutions. The high quality factor of surface plasmon resonances in both Otto and Kretschmann configurations enables the enhancement of circular dichroism differenatial absorption thanks to the large near-field intensity of such plasmonic excitations. Furthermore, the subwavelength confinement of surface plasmon polaritons is key to attain chiroptical sensitivity to small amounts of drug volumes placed around $\simeq 100$ nm by the metal surface. Our calculations focus on reparixin, a pharmaceutical molecule currently used in clinical studies for patients with community-acquired pneumonia, including COVID-19 and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Considering realistic dilute solutions of reparixin dissolved in water with concentration $\leq 5$ mg$/$ml, we find a circular-dichroism differential absorption enhancement factor of the order $\simeq 20$ and chirality-induced polarization distortion upon surface plasmon polariton excitation.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2022

Effects of geomagnetic field perturbations on the power supply of transoceanic fiber optic cables

There is a growing concern that a big coronal mass ejection event will induce perturbations on the power supply of fiber optic transoceanic cables that may produce a global internet blackout. In this paper we give the expression of the voltage variations that a transient change of the geomagnetic field induces on the voltage of the power supply of a transoceanic fiber optic cable. We show that the transient voltage change is proportional to the magnitude of the magnetic field deviations and not to its time derivative as a direct application of Faraday's law would imply, and this suggests design criteria to protect transoceanic fiber optic systems against big geomagnetic storm events. The presented analysis also enables the classification of existing systems into some that are less sensitive to the weakening of the geomagnetic field occurring during strong geomagnetic storms and others that are more prone to experience an outage when a weakening of the geomagnetic field occurs.

physics.ao-ph↗
arXiv2021

Characterization and stability measurement of deployed multicore fibers for quantum applications

Multicore fibers are expected to be a game-changer in the coming decades thanks to their intrinsic properties, allowing a larger transmission bandwidth and a lower footprint in optical communications. In addition, multicore fibers have recently been explored for quantum communication, attesting their uniqueness in transporting high-dimensional quantum states. However, investigations and experiments reported in literature have been carried out in research laboratories, typically making use of short fiber links in controlled environments. Thus, the possibility of using long distance multicore fibers for quantum applications is still to be proven. We here characterize for the first time, in terms of phase stability, multiple strands of a 4-core multicore fiber installed underground in the city of L'Aquila, with an overall fiber length up to about 25 km. In this preliminary study, we investigate the possibility of using such an infrastructure to implement quantum-enhanced schemes, such as high-dimensional quantum key distribution, quantum-based environmental sensors, and more in general quantum communication protocols.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2017

Information capacity of direct detection optical transmission systems

We show that the spectral efficiency of a direct detection transmission system is at most 1 bit/s/Hz less than the spectral efficiency of a system employing coherent detection with the same modulation format. Correspondingly, the capacity per complex degree of freedom in systems using direct detection is lower by at most 1 bit.

cs.IT↗
arXiv2017

Kramers Kronig PAM transceiver and two-sided polarization-multiplexed Kramers Kronig transceiver

We propose two transceiver schemes based on Kramers Kronig (KK) detection. One targets low-cost high-throughput applications and uses PAM transmission in combination with direct detection and digital reconstruction of the optical phase. This scheme allows digital compensation of chromatic dispersion and provides a significant improvement in terms of spectral efficiency, compared to conventional PAM transmission. The second scheme targets high-channel-count coherent systems with the aim of simplifying the receiver complexity by reducing the optical components count.

eess.SP↗