The project achieved multiple advances on the state of the art as described above in the quest to achieve increased capacity of optical transmission systems operating in the nonlinear regime for different network applications. Firstly, a novel method for end-to-end fibre optic system optimization was proposed and implemented, unlocking the potential of fully learnable systems, forming the important foundations on the application of deep learning in future optical fibre communication systems. Secondly, major new understanding defining nonlinear communications was achieved, with the potential to increase both capacity and distances. Thirdly, a probabilistic shaping scheme, a means of coding the data in tailored to the nonlinear channel, has been shown to increase the data rate by a factor of 2, compared to an unshaped system. Finally, state-of-the-art experimental testbeds for transmission and networks research has been developed for a range of applications covering short-reach to long-haul communication applications. The PhD training programme maximised the unique synergy between the collaborators to promote opportunities of the COIN researchers in ICT, generating key expertise and human capital for the European Research Area.
- In terms of wider societal implications – advances in communications and infrastructure will improve productivity and, profitability. Optical networks form the core of the communications infrastructure also control all other infrastructure – transport (rail, roads, air traffic) and utilities – their reliability and resilience and the inter-operability is key to national wellbeing, security and safety. Every sector of the population and Government/private agencies is likely to be affected. there are enormous cost-savings to be made from the provision of flexible, secure, high-bandwidth connectivity, as well as potential improvements in productivity through availability of broadband digital services for home-based working and education. General public inc (i) children, (ii) the elderly, (iii) patients and disabled, (iv) rural communities, the possibility of having ubiquitous access to bandwidth with low-delay will enable the transformation of people’s lives at every stage of development: (i) children to access educational services, courses, university laboratories and expert teaching at a push of a broadband button, (ii) the elderly & disabled – to allow real-time monitoring and remote healthcare for housebound individual (iii) patients and disabled – access to leading specialists, tests and even treatment; (iv) rural communities – to reduce the isolation and improve the connectivity will help reduce concentration of population in urban areas and improve prosperity.
