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Ultrafast all-optical signal processing in engineered quadratic nonlinear waveguides

Obiettivo

The aim of the proposal is to demonstrate ultrafast, all-optical data processing required for future optical information transmission networks with a capacity exceeding 100 Gbps at optical communication wavelengths (1530-1600 nm). The goal is to introduce modular concepts for signal switching, routing, frequency conversion, (de)multiplexing and regeneration based on parametric interactions and spatial solitons in custom engineered waveguide structures with a quadratic non-linearity. The proposal includes technologies of waveguide fabrication and engineering, the theoretical modelling for the design of the structures and the experimental demonstration of the different functions. The basic material will be lithium niobate. Its non-linearity can be optimised and engineered by periodic poling leading to a considerable reduction in operating power and increase of functionality. The aim of the proposal is to demonstrate ultrafast, all-optical data processing required for future optical information transmission networks with a capacity exceeding 100 Gbps at optical communication wavelengths (1530-1600 nm). The goal is to introduce modular concepts for signal switching, routing, frequency conversion, (de)multiplexing and regeneration based on parametric interactions and spatial solitons in custom engineered waveguide structures with a quadratic non-linearity. The proposal includes technologies of waveguide fabrication and engineering, the theoretical modelling for the design of the structures and the experimental demonstration of the different functions. The basic material will be lithium niobate. Its non-linearity can be optimised and engineered by periodic poling leading to a considerable reduction in operating power and increase of functionality.

OBJECTIVES
The main objective consists in demonstrating the performance of a new modular concept for fast all-optical switching, wavelength conversion, regeneration and routing of data in the communication wavelength bands by using parametric interactions and/or spatial soliton effects in quadratic non-linear waveguides. The concept shall be implemented in low loss lithium niobate waveguides, manufactured by in diffusion, where engineered periodic poling can control the features of the non-linearity. Modules to be evaluated for performing the required operations are planar/channel waveguides and evanescently coupled channel waveguides (couplers, arrays). Software packages for designing the structures as well as for evaluating the experimental results will be developed. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate the performance of the modules by testing them in a high bit rate system.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK
The initial steps will consist of evaluating the performance of periodically poled lithium niobate planar/channel waveguides and couplers for all-optical switching, frequency conversion and re-amplification. Their device design, based on the advanced numerical tools to be developed, will optimise power consumption, picosecond operation and compatibility with wavelength-division multiplexing. Various waveguide structures (modules) will be manufactured by metal in-diffusion and electric field poling based on the initial design. These modules will be linearly characterized and, if required, modified. The main part of the work consists in modelling and experimentally demonstrating the envisaged all-optical operations of the different modules in the picosecond pulse regime. This process will be iterative with the latest results leading to design improvements. The particular advantages and functionality of each module will be identified. After having understood the properties of these basic structures the most challenging task will be the design, optimised fabrication and experimental study of evanescently coupled arrays of waveguides.

The main emphasis here is to take full advantage of their novel capabilities for ultrafast signal routing and regeneration. In this respect the potential of discrete spatial solitons for performing these functions will be comprehensively studied. Moreover advanced concepts for optical logic and memory will be investigated by using discrete soliton interactions and instabilities, as well as effects in resonant waveguide structures. Once the most efficient variants of all modules have been identified, their practical performance will be evaluated with a high bit rate data stream in the communication wavelength bands. The project requires the implementation of various high technology processes for device manufacturing, the command of advanced theoretical and numerical tools as well as the access to highly developed experimental techniques.

Campo scientifico

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Meccanismo di finanziamento

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinatore

FRIEDRICH-SCHILLER-UNIVERSITAET JENA
Contributo UE
Nessun dato
Indirizzo
FUERSTENGRABEN 1
07743 JENA
Germania

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Costo totale
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Ultimo aggiornamento: 13 Giugno 2005

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Permalink: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/IST-2000-26005/it

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