Optical front-end for decoding advanced modulation formats

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The project consists in developing new fibre-based tools for use in telecommunications, biomedical, and quantum applications. All-fibre components with typically 2 inputs and 3 or 4 outputs can replace components (such as the so-called 90° optical hybrids) currently on the market. The commercially available hybrids are based on costly alternative technologies (micro-optics) with relatively high fibre-to-fibre losses. All-fibre components mitigate these problems as they are relatively low-cost and inherently compatible with optical fibre networks, such as telecommunication and sensing networks, and remote imaging systems, e.g. in medical endoscopy. The proposed components provide new functionalities in these domains, thanks to their capacity to make unambiguous phase measurements. In telecommunication networks, they can improve the signal-to-noise ratio and enable the use of more advanced protocols. For imaging systems, the phase information provided by the devices translates into depth information for 3D imaging. These components also have applications in quantum information, as they allow the implementation of advanced quantum key distribution protocols and measurements at the quantum limit.