SubsidieMeestersUniversal frequency-comb platform for datacenter communications
The project aims to unify InAs/GaAs quantum-dot and microresonator-based comb lasers into a chip-scale platform to enhance datacom capacity and efficiency by 2028.
Projectdetails
Introduction
By 2028, it is expected that overall datacom capacity will reach 100,000 Petabit/s, corresponding to 1 billion 100-Gbps equivalent SerDes shipments, and several hundred million O-band CW laser wavelength lines (25/50/100 Gbaud PAM4/PAM8). Comb lasers are an ideal technology platform for compact WDM solutions with the high throughput required by the growing needs of the datacom industry.
Current Technologies
Currently, two compact comb-laser technologies stand out as promising platforms for datacom light sources:
- InAs/GaAs quantum-dot based comb lasers
- Microresonator-based Kerr combs
The project, facilitated by the fundamental complementarity of both technologies, will strive towards their unification in one versatile chip-scale comb platform. This platform will cover the full range of WDM spacings (ultra-dense to coarse) and address key challenges of the datacenter market, including:
- Power efficiency
- Harsh operating environment (85°C)
- Scalability
Competitive Advantage
The competitive advantage is based on current world-leading technologies of QD comb lasers and microcombs being commercialized by the partners. This includes the results of the originating H2020 CALADAN and PHOENICS projects, as well as novel features such as:
- Chirped-DBR comb laser
- Comb SOA
- Evanescent coupling to SiP
Project Goals
The goals of the project are:
- To develop a novel design and technological process of CW comb laser PIC fabrication with enhanced mode stability and ultra-low noise.
- To develop 2 prototypes of GaAs/SiN-on-SiP comb PIC, including:
- 1.3-m comb laser
- Evanescent coupling to SiP substrate
- Comb-SOA:
- (1) QD chirped DBR comb for UDWDM/DWDM
- (2) Microcomb for DWDM/CWDM
Consortium
The consortium consists of:
- Innolume (world market leader in InAs/GaAs QD)
- Dublin City University (high-speed communications)
- Enlightra (associated partner, startup established in 2021, world's first commercial optical comb with large frequency spacing 100-1000 GHz)
This consortium combines scientific expertise with experience in translating ideas into products and scaling them.
Financiële details & Tijdlijn
Financiële details
| Subsidiebedrag | € 2.499.998 |
| Totale projectbegroting | € 2.499.998 |
Tijdlijn
| Startdatum | 1-11-2023 |
| Einddatum | 30-4-2026 |
| Subsidiejaar | 2023 |
Partners & Locaties
Projectpartners
- INNOLUME GMBHpenvoerder
- DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY
- ENLIGHTRA SARL
Land(en)
Vergelijkbare projecten binnen EIC Transition
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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Adaptive microcombs for innovative connectivity in datacenter applications and optical clocks
Amica aims to revolutionize datacentre interconnects by developing a scalable microcomb technology for multi-wavelength laser sources, targeting petabit-per-second speeds and efficient mass production.
Chip-Scale Optical Frequency Combs for Communications and Sensing: A Toolkit for System Integration
CombTools aims to develop high-performance Kerr comb generators and signal processing tools, enabling commercial applications in optical communications and beyond through innovative silicon-nitride technology.
Microcomb Photonic Engine
M-ENGINE aims to revolutionize data center bandwidth with a scalable photonic chip solution using optical frequency combs, reducing energy consumption and enhancing transmission capacity.
Integrated femtosecond laser based frequency comb and photonic microwave oscillator
Femto-iCOMB aims to develop a stabilized femtosecond laser frequency comb for diverse applications in sensing, LIDAR, and RF technologies, validated through industrial prototype testing.
Coherent Comb for Co-Packaged Optics
COCOPOP aims to develop a coherent-capable external laser source to enhance optical interconnects in datacenters, addressing scaling challenges and positioning Europe in a $2.2bn market by 2032.
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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Photonic Laser Integration for Metrology and Quantum SystemsLASIQ aims to develop a compact on-chip titanium-sapphire mode-locked laser for low-noise optical frequency combs, enhancing precision spectroscopy and enabling advanced metrology applications. | ERC Starting... | € 1.490.625 | 2023 | Details |
Versatile Integrated Brillouin-Kerr Frequency Combs for On-Chip Photonic SystemsVeritas aims to develop ultra-low noise chip-scale optical frequency combs using Brillouin optomechanics for advanced applications in 6G communications and quantum technologies. | ERC Proof of... | € 150.000 | 2024 | Details |
Highly-Efficient Seeded Frequency Comb Generation on a Chip
The COMBCHIP project aims to create an ultra-efficient, chip-scale optical frequency comb generator using nonlinear AlGaAs waveguides for advanced applications like atomic clocks and spectroscopy.
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The ELASTIC project aims to develop low-power, highly tunable DKS microcombs using AlGaAsOI technology to enhance performance for advanced applications like LiDAR and wavelength-division multiplexing.
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LASIQ aims to develop a compact on-chip titanium-sapphire mode-locked laser for low-noise optical frequency combs, enhancing precision spectroscopy and enabling advanced metrology applications.
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