Objective
The objectives of this research project is to design and produce novel widely tunable and selective photodetectors based on InP and related materials and combining optical and micro-electro-mechanical functions. The key performance goals will be those requested by Wavelength Division Multiplexing Systems (WDM) for telecommunication applications. The project combines the technology for optoelectronic-integrated circuits (OEICs) and Micro-Electro-Mechanical systems (MEMS), thus creating Micro-Optelectro-Mechanical Systems (MOEMS). Wavelength-selectable receivers will be implemented using an optical Fabry-Pérot resonant vertical cavity integrated with a photodetector. Continuous wavelength tuning will be obtained through micromechanical deformation of the vertical cavity by a movable membrane. These photodetectors will be an important component for WDM systems, combining in one device low control power, low insertion loss, no polarisation dependence, simple fibre coupling and reasonable tuning speed.
WDM system technology is currently considered world-wide for upgrading of telecommunications networks. Many network operators in Europe and elsewhere have plans or are starting to develop plans for introduction of WDM systems. Also, many manufacturers of telecom equipment are developing components, subsystems and systems for WDM, including the two industrial partners in this project, Thomson and Ericsson. A key device in any WDM implementation is the wavelength-selective receiver. In this project we will develop a new, compact and potentially low-cost technology that allows monolithic integration of a wavelength filter function and photodetector function. Direct exploitation of this technology is envisaged if competitive results are obtained.
Approach to be taken
The devices to be developed in the envisaged working program are based on a common concept, which is the use of mechanically tunable vertical optical Fabry-Pérot resonators where intra-cavity tuning is achieved via the displacement of movable membranes or suspended beams. Since the detector design has to be adapted to the optical filter characteristics for optimising selectivity and tunability, different types of photodiodes (MSM and PIN) will be investigated. The photodiode is either placed directly into the cavity in order to simplify device technology, or on the other hand, the photodiode is located outside the cavity for optimising separately design and technology of the optical filter and the photodiode. A capacitive actuation will be chosen.
The consortium brings together experts in micromachining and optoelectronic technology for OEIC / MEMS design and fabrication. Direct exploitation of the results and compatibility to WDM systems presently developed is ensured by participants involved in the telecommunication industry. Device testing by laboratory transmission experiments (BER measurements) is envisaged up to 2.5 Gb/s with a few (2 to 4) WDM channels.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors optical sensors
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering information engineering telecommunications telecommunications networks
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Programme(s)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
ECULLY
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.