Direct detection of coherent signals using Fano devices

Project Information

Fano Detector

Grant agreement ID: 101067399

DOI

10.3030/101067399

Project closed

EC signature date 30 March 2022

Start date 1 June 2022

End date 30 November 2023

Funded under

• European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 150 000,00

Coordinated by

DANMARKS TEKNISKE UNIVERSITET
Denmark

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Fano Detector (Direct detection of coherent signals using Fano devices)

Reporting period: 2022-06-01 to 2023-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The ever-increasing use of internet is causing data centers to consume more power at an alarming rate. Their energy consumption is estimated to reach 13-15% of the global electricity consumption in 2030 compared to 1% in 2010. Consequently, operational costs of data centers are skyrocketing. The optical interconnects within the datacenters account for 27% of this power consumption. Additionally, the surge in energy consumption is also driving up CO2 emission. Technological advancements are crucial for maintaining universal high-speed internet access. In this regard, we are working on sustainable technology for optical interconnects.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The main activities performed during this project include early prototype development, product feasibility study, and drafting business plan for a spin-off company. The prototype development focused on lab environment demonstration of higher order modulation (data encoding) format detection using Fano receiver. The IPR strategy has also been formulated and relevant IP protection is in place. The product feasibility study focused on identifying key specifications of the Fano receiver, and populating bill of materials. We have built a table-top demonstration board for the Fano receiver using a custom designed photonic chip and printed circuit board including off-the-shelf commercial components.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Further research and development is required to mature the technology to make it accessible to the optical transceiver market. In this regard, we are working towards securing more soft funding and private investment through our spin-off company i.e. Phanofi ApS. Additionally, we are working towards partnerships with major players in the data center space, this will further drive the technology faster to market.

a picture of Fano detector demonstrator developed during this project.