CRC's optoelectronics and photonics research program develops components which increase the capacity, versatility and performance of fibre optic broadband networks. One particular emphasis is on those technologies which support the evolution of multiwavelength optical networks which are expected to become a main supporting infrastructure for high bandwidth transport and switching. The ability of photonics to carry very large bandwidths and to cost-effectively partition this bandwidth dynamically will be a cornerstone in the evolution of emerging backbone network technology and will facilitate new types of network services.

Canada, as a leading supplier of telecommunications equipment, is well-positioned to exploit advances in optoelectronics and photonics incorporated into products and services for the world marketplace. CRC's photonics-related R&D programs are of interest to university and government laboratories, and to a growing industrial sector. CRC has been active in this area for over 20 years, accumulating a valuable intellectual property portfolio and a worldwide reputation for research excellence and technology transfer.

The research targets those components which enhance optical network performance: fibre optic multiplexers/demultiplexers/filters; Bragg grating components; laser array and detector subassemblies; optical switches; components for dispersion compensation in fibres; and cost-effective packaging techniques based on polymer and glass waveguides.

The Optoelectronics and Photonics research program has three major project activities:

• Optical Communications and Electrophotonics
• Optical Network Technologies