Space Division Multiplexing

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The research objective of this proposal is to build a world-class program on space-division multiplexing (SDM) using multicore optical fibers, in order to shape next-generation, terabit-per-second capacity (10e12 bits/s) ultra-dense optical interconnects. We will design, make and test multicore optical fibers and coupling devices compatible with the established technology of two dimensional arrays of high-speed vertical-cavity surface-emission lasers (VCSELs) for the development of active optical cables with dramatically expanded capacity. In recent decades, we have witnessed an incredible revolution in communications and computing based on the advancement of optical fibers, photonic devices and electronic circuits. While single-mode fibers and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) historically offered plenty of transmission capacity for long-haul and metro networks, the new applications for optical networks, such as machine interconnectivity and local area networks, require both large capacity per fiber core and increased core spatial density. The electronics industry is presently experiencing communications bottlenecks in integrated circuits, and this is particularly evident in inter-chip communications (e.g., between microprocessor and memory, and between multiple microprocessors). Short-reach optical interconnects, which typically span up to a few hundred meters, overcome the bottleneck of electrical interconnects caused by heat dissipation and size congestion: high-performance super computers manufactured in 2013 use more than 10e5 lasers typically; the IBM Blue Water super-computer uses over 1 million optical channels! In computing systems, space is a major concern. However, the benefits of very short reach optical interconnects (less than 1 meter long) still have to be established for inter-chip data communications and core-to-core on-chip communications. Can more space-efficient optical links be engineered, versus using the conventional single-core optical fiber?Recent developments in fiber-optic fabrication techniques have triggered interest in multicore optical fibers to increase spatial density by building several guiding cores in a single fiber of the same diameter. Record transmission capacity of 1.01 petabit-per-second (10e15 bits/s) was demonstrated in 2012 by Japanese researchers at NTT using such a 12-core fiber. The research program will transpose this achievement to optical interconnects by developing customized multicore fiber, active and passive coupling devices, circuits, and architectures to replace the less space-efficient fiber ribbons currently used in the industry. The new optical interconnects will be able to carry independent channels in several tens of guiding cores, thus permitting near terabit/s capacity over a single fiber using 25-Gb/s VCSELs. Our group is already equipped with the necessary design tools, has contributed to the concept of SDM for optical interconnects, has set key Canadian and international collaborations for multicore fiber sourcing, and benefits from world-class laboratory facilities. The proposed research program will contribute to the development of synergies between electronic and photonic integration technologies, which will result in revolutionary changes in photonics manufacturing that will dramatically change design principles and fundamentally improve performance. Canada is a world leader in Information and Communications Technologies (ICT). The proposed research directly supports Canada's strategic priorities in ICT Device and Systems (as stated in NSERC selected Target Areas and Research Topics), by the development of technologies that will dramatically increase the spatial density of optical links.