Grant: Strategic Projects - Group

Precise temporal and spectral references are essential in communication and information processing systems. A periodic train of short light pulses, repeating at a well-defined rate, provides a direct temporal reference, widely used for synchronization in optical transmission links, precise temporal sampling in photonic analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) etc. On the other hand, the Fourier spectrum of such a pulse train is a periodic optical frequency comb (OFC), which also provides an accurate spectral reference for wavelength-domain multiplexing (WDM) and de-multiplexing applications, photonics-based radio-frequency signal and arbitrary waveform generation (AWG) and processing etc. Nowadays, periodic ultra-short light-pulse trains can be routinely generated from mode-locked lasers. However, future elastic broadband communication systems will require (i) generation of high-precision and stable temporal and spectral reference signals with repetition rates (and frequency spacings) reaching the terahertz range, and (ii) full reconfigurable control of these references . These capabilities are beyond the potential of present designs. In this project, researchers from INRS and Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal will work with MPB Communications towards the development of practical and cost-effective fiber-optics technologies for generation and control of high-quality and high-speed ultra-short optical pulses (and OFCs), with fully programmable, on-demand time (and frequency) periods, fulfilling the stringent requirements in next-generation broadband communications. The project will exploit novel concepts of the powerful Talbot self-imaging effect for out-of-cavity time and frequency spacing control of fundamental (ultra-low-noise) mode-locked fiber lasers, involving the use of ground-breaking fiber Bragg grating (FBG) designs. The developed time/frequency reference units will enable realization of critical information-processing building blocks, e.g., ADCs, AWGs, WDM transmitters etc., with performance commensurate with future demands. The generated know-how and the training of highly-qualified personnel will place Canada in a leading position in broadband communication technologies and systems.