Photonic devices for multi-wavelength amplification and regeneration (M-WARE)

In an optical communication system information is sent using light signals that travel through a glass fiber. The signals experience difference forms of degradation which decrease signal quality and therefore have to be compensated for by signal regeneration. In order to increase
the capability of ccommunication systems several wavelength channels are sent through the same fiber, using a technique called wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). When regenerating a WDM signal the wavelengths have to be separated and regenerated in parallel, which makes the process complex and diffcult.

The aim of the proposed project is to develop a 2R-regenerator (re-amplification and re-shaping) capable of regenerating several wavelength channel simultaneously in an single device. The means of reaching this goal will be devices using saturable gain and absorption in quantum dot and quantum well semiconductor materials. Quantum dots of different sizes interact with light of different wavelengths and make it possible to regenerate them independently from each other. The project will focus on designing materials and devices for optimising this effect. A fast limiting amplifier is one part of the envisioned 2R device with important applications of its own. A QD limiting amplifier will therefore be a first important milestone.

Device processing will be made at the new processing facilities at DANCHIP, DTU and the material growth will be made together with partners in the European network of excellence ePIXnet. The project is based on experience from two Ph.D. projects which have demonstrated and investigated single wavelength regeneration in similar devices.