Although fiber optic communications networks have long since eclipsed the capabilities of their metal wire predecessors, even this robust infrastructure is feeling the strain of a relentless and growing demand for bandwidth.  As data traffic on a single fiber approaches 1,000 Gbit/s, transmission rates are reaching the limits of current electronics.  Systems designers are therefore turning to more sublte techniques like waveform division multiplexing as a way of keep pace.

Over the last 30 years, the CRC has secured an international reputation for excellence in this field, including the design, characterization and testing of high-speed optoelectronic circuits, planar lightwave circuits and fiber based optical devices.  With access to test beds such as an inter-city dark fibre network, researchers have explored areas such as the management of optical networks, inter-and intra-domain routing in optical networks, protected paths in a meshed dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) network, fibre-to-the-home network access and interface issues, and dynamic provisioning of lightpaths over a DWDM infrastructure.

Major progress has been made in the design and fabrication of photonic components and lightwave circuits using low-cost polymer materials that could significantly reduce the cost of bringing broadband services to the home and office.  In addition to an expanding intellectural property portfolio that has generated important revenues for CRC, the ensuing technology transfer has contributed to Canadian industry and created new product lines for global markets.

Technology

Ultrafast Laser Induced Bragg Gratings