High Bandwidth Optoelectronic Data Interfaces for Satellites

This SBIR Phase I project proposes the feasibility study of integrated all-optical 2R regeneration and 3R optical signal regeneration devices for use as high-speed interfaces in satellite applications (solicitation AF04-043). Currently available products achieve regeneration of signals by resorting to Optical to Electrical and then Electrical to optical conversion (OEO), which results in costly, bulky, format and bit-rate dependent electronics. The suggested approach consists in using original concepts based on monolithic integration of semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) and resonant Distributed Feedback (DFB) lasers with Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) structures to achieve the re-amplification, re-shaping, clock-recovery and re-timing of optical signals. The project will evaluate the performance requirements and trade-offs for Photonic 2R (P2R), Photonic Clock Recovery (PCR), and Photonic 3R (P3R) devices for use in high-speed applications. Detailed consideration will be given to application-specific requirements stemming from the requirements of the emerging transformational communications architecture (TCA). The reliable operation of the proposed devices in harsh environments typical of space applications will be evaluated as well. A prototype P2R module will be delivered at the conclusion of the project.