The TeraGEAR activities can be subdivided into two parts: Testing, evaluation, and verification of optical waveform synthesis and optical-waveform analysis (OWS, OWA) concepts with lead users, as well as the development, preparation, and partially also the implementation of a commercialization strategy, aiming at a new start-up company as a vehicle for efficient technology transfer. With respect to testing, evaluation, and verification in cooperation with lead users, we conducted proof-of-concept experiments demonstrating, e.g. the generation and measurement of quadrature-amplitude modulation (QAM) data signals with symbol rates of up to 400 GBd using optical arbitrary waveform generation and measurement (OAWG, OAWM) techniques. These results have been published in a series of journal articles and presented at various internationally leading conferences in the field of optical communications, which has triggered significant interest by lead users. In cooperation with an internationally leading research group at Nokia Bell Labs, we further investigated the transmission of high-symbol-rate signals over trans-oceanic distances. Moreover, we explored the generation and measurement of high-bandwidth electrical signals through photonic-electronic down- or up-conversion, building the base of photonic-electronic digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters (PE-DAC, PE-ADC). The results regarding the development, preparation, and implementation of commercialization strategies are described in more detail in the next section, “Results beyond the state of the arts”.
