Skip to main content
European Commission logo print header

SwIFT - Non-volatile optical Switch combining Integrated Photonics and Fluidics Technologies

Description du projet


Photonics

Being constantly inquired by its customers, CommScope decided to find a non-volatile and low-cost solution for automatic and remote fiber-management. CommScope partners with European experts to investigate and develop for the very first time the concept of a non-volatile Optical Switch Fabric. With the integration of two innovative technologies - silicon photonics and electrowetting (EWOD) - the consortium will realise the solution that is needed by telecom operators to enable future, flexible and manageable networks, from datacenters to core and access networks.We will investigate the integration of the innovative, non-volatile, electrowetting technology developed by Bartels for e-paper displays with the CMOS-compatible integrated silicon photonics technology to realise the compact, non-volatile, multi-port optical switch. Integration of both technologies, combines the best of both worlds: silicon photonics is known to be low cost, has a small footprint and is made by a proven, reliable CMOS technology, while Bartels' EWOD technology as developed for outdoor e-paper consumer applications has a zero operational power consumption, is low cost and meets demanding outdoor specs. The main challenge for the silicon photonics technology is to realise the required low losses, the main challenge for the EWOD technology is to find the right liquids and downscale pixel dimensions. A field trial by an end-user (TDC) will validate the concept.The consortium partners together cover the supply chain. With CommScope, Tyndall-UCC, Bartels and imec, SwIFT partners European leaders in respectively optical telecommunication interconnect products, non-volatile EWOD displays and silicon photonics. SwIFT will help to secure their leadership by developing a new application that re-uses and progresses beyond their existing backgrounds. The partners in the consortium all have manufacturing in Europe. The process developed will fit in these production lines, setting the scene for a European manufacturing chain.

Appel à propositions

FP7-ICT-2013-11
Voir d’autres projets de cet appel

Coordinateur

COMMSCOPE CONNECTIVITY BELGIUM
Contribution de l’UE
€ 291 373,00
Adresse
DIESTSESTEENWEG 692
3010 Kessel Lo
Belgique

Voir sur la carte

Région
Vlaams Gewest Prov. Vlaams-Brabant Arr. Leuven
Contact administratif
Jan Watté (Dr.)
Liens
Coût total
Aucune donnée

Participants (8)