Integrated Coherent Receiver for 112 Gbps Compact Optical Modulation Analyzer

As prices of high data rate optical coherent communication systems are reduced and their network penetration is increased, it is critical that relevant infrastructure and peripheral technology follow a similar cost/volume curve. This requires a shift away from small numbers of very expensive optical test gear to a world with large numbers of inexpensive and flexible handheld test gear that can be easily used all over the network to support installation, verification, operations, and growth of this optical infrastructure. In this program, Freedom Photonics will address the emerging need for massive deployment of instrumentation to test and monitor optical coherent communications signal quality at line rates higher than 100 Gbps. This will be achieved by developing a compact, low-cost, integrated coherent receiver, based on Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) technology. This compact integrated coherent receiver is the enabling component required for the implementation of handheld, high performance, low cost optical instrumentation. Applications and Other Benefits: This program strengthens the USA technological base by providing measurable improvement in fundamental high technology components and facilitates interactions between large US-based global corporations and the important small US business base that aims to support the high technology ecosystem. This program also promotes the development of a US workforce skilled in 21st century technologies such as the emerging photonics integration field.