Real-Time, self-referenced complex-field characterization of ultrahigh-speed optical telecommunication data signals

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This three-year Strategic Project is concerned with the development of a comprehensive and practical toolset for ultrahigh-speed optical signal characterization comprising all the key performance specifications that are required for real-time monitoring applications in broadband fiber-optic telecommunication networks. The proposed theoretical and experimental research will allow the two university teams from INRS-EMT and University of Ottawa, in collaboration with their non-academic partners (EXFO Inc. and CRC), to lead Canadian and international efforts in searching for cost-effective, high-performance, real-time optical signal monitoring solutions of essential importance for the future deployment of ubiquitous, fully-reconfigurable optical and fiber-wireless broadband "intelligent" networks. The proposed all-linear optical signal characterization toolset will be constructed from two different fundamental ultrafast all-optical signal processors, which have been recently pioneered by the involved research team, namely (1) ultrafast photonic differentiators; and (2) ultrafast photonic integrators. Some important distinctive features of the techniques to be developed in this project are: (i) their implementation will be based on integrated-waveguide photonic technologies; (ii) they will be self-referenced, thus avoiding the crucial challenges associated with the use of an optical reference; and (iii) they will allow achieving single-shot optical signal characterization, an essential feature for real-time monitoring of the random ultrafast optical data streams to be encountered in a practical network environment. The flexibility of our design approach and the maturity of the photonic technologies in which our concepts can be implemented may well lead to the cost/performance and mass-reproducible characteristics which are prerequisite to successful commercialization. Finally, the new knowledge generated from this project and the training of highly qualified personnel associated to the different stages of this work will certainly contribute to enhance Canada's global competitiveness, especially in high-technology sectors.