High speed optical communication and signal processing

由于5G/6G网络的出现，所需的互联网数据速率迅速增长，光通信行业面临着满足指数级增长的互联网速度需求的挑战。光纤网络构成了现代互联网和全球通信网络的主干。每年，使用光网络的数据流量以~26%的速度增长。因此，随着对云计算和视频服务的需求增长，光网络的容量必须增加。利用数字均衡器成功地缓解了线性效应，光纤通信系统中的数据传输速率从~GB/S提高到~TB/S。现在，满足未来需求所需的数据速率和覆盖范围的增强的根本障碍是那些由光纤非线性效应引起的障碍。在这项提议中，将开发数字均衡器和光学均衡器来缓解这些非线性效应。光域均衡器有望提供比数字域均衡器更多的好处。为了提高服务质量，我们将使用认知动态系统(CDS)对光纤网络进行升级。CDS是受Brain的启发而提出的，是人工智能(AI)的替代方案，有时被称为增强型AI。在过去，CDS已经成功地应用于认知无线电和认知雷达。在光纤网络中，CDS将执行诸如频谱管理、硬件和计算资源管理、误码率(BER)控制以及光缆断线时的自动重路由等操作。此外，建议的CDS在非线性环境下有效地工作，提供了更好的接收符号估计。在加拿大北部/偏远地区，由于缺乏光纤网络，人们无法接入高速互联网。一种可能的解决方案是在卫星和地面之间使用光无线通信(OWC)链路。传统的OWC系统使用直接检测接收器，其中接收到的光电流与光功率成正比，并且光相位丢失。在这个方案中，我们将研究使用Kramers-Kronig接收器的可能性，在这种接收器中，可以使用希尔伯特变换从光电流中提取光学相位。我们将探索各种用于OWC系统的Kramer-Kronig收发信机结构，并将它们的性能/成本与相干接收机进行比较。正如申请者以前/现在与工业合作伙伴的一些互动所表明的那样，光纤和光纤无线通信领域的加拿大公司可以从该计划开发的技术中受益。此外，在该项目中接受培训的学生将发展高度可转移的技能，这些技能不仅对活跃在这些领域的公司感兴趣，而且对其他高科技公司也是如此。

Due to emerging 5G/6G networks, the required internet data rate has increased rapidly and optical communications industry has faced with a challenge to fulfill the exponentially growing internet speed demands. Optical fiber networks form the backbone of the modern internet and worldwide communication networks.  Annually, data traffic using optical networks is increasing by ~26%.  As the demand for cloud computing and video services grows, the capacity of optical networks must increase. Successful mitigation of the linear effects using the digital equalizers, data transmission rates in fiber optic communication systems have increased from ~Gb/s to  ~Tb/s over thousands of kilometers. Now the fundamental impediments to enhancements in data rates and reach that will be required to satisfy the future demands are those arising due to fiber nonlinear effects. In this proposal, digital and optical equalizers will be developed to mitigate these nonlinear effects.  The optical domain equalizers are expected to provide more benefits than the digital domain equalizers. To improve the quality of service (QoS), we will upgrade the fiber optic networks using cognitive dynamic systems (CDS). The CDS is inspired by brain and is proposed as an alternative to artificial intelligence (AI) and sometimes is referred as enhanced AI. In the past, CDS has successfully been applied to cognitive radio and cognitive radar. In a fiber optic network, CDS would perform actions such as spectrum management, hardware and computational resources management, bit error rate (BER) control and automatic rerouting if a fiber optic cable breaks. Also, the proposed CDS works efficiently in the nonlinear environment providing a better estimate of the received symbols.  In northern/remote regions of Canada, people do not have access to high speed internet due to lack of fiber optic networks. One possible solution is to employ optical wireless communication (OWC) links between satellites and ground. Conventional OWC systems use a direct detection receiver in which the received photo-current is proportional to optical power and the optical phase is lost. In this proposal, we will investigate the possibility of employing Kramers-Kronig receivers in which the optical phase can be extracted from the photo-current using Hilbert transform. Various Kramer-Kronig transceiver architectures for OWC systems will be explored and their performance/cost will be compared with coherent receivers. As suggested by some of the applicant's previous/existing interactions with industrial partners, Canadian companies in the fiber optic and optical wireless communications could benefit from the techniques developed in this program. Furthermore, the students trained in the program will develop highly transferable skills that will be of interest not only to companies that are active in these fields, but other high technology companies, too.