100Gb/s-1Tb/s Data Communications, Via Cost-Effective Transceivers Based on Monolithic Integration of WDM Lasers and Photodetectors with Ultra-Compact Wavelength Mux/Demux

75625-Current high-data-rate transceivers for a 10 Gigabit Ethernet are still relatively expensive and large in size. A 10-Gigabit Ethernet system costs $20,000-$40,000 per 10 Gb port, compared to a 1-Gigabit Ethernet, which costs approximately $700 per port (corresponding to $7,000 for a system that would be 10 times larger). Merely scaling-up these transceivers will not be cost effective. This project will develop high-performance optical transceivers for next-generation data networks, which are substantially more compact, integrated, capable of higher data rates (10 to 100 times higher), and lower in cost. This will be achieved via wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM)-On-A-Chip technology, which involves the monolithic integration of active and passive photonic components on an InP chip, combined with ultra-compact wavelength multiplexers that are 10 to 100 times smaller than typical multiplexers in the industry today. In Phase I, detailed design and proof-of-concept experiments will be performed. The following components will all be integrated into the system: a WDM high-performance laser, a super-compact wavelength multiplexer, WDM high-speed waveguide photo-detectors, and a super-compact wavelength demultiplexer. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Monolithically integrated WDM-On-A-Chip platforms should find application as cost-effective, high-data-rate (greater than100Gb/s) optical transceivers for next-generation networks. Targeted market segments include data communication, long haul transmission, and data storage networks. The combined market size for high-speed transceivers in 2004 is estimated at $892 million.