INTEGRATED MODE MULTIPLEXER / DEMULTIPLEXER
Description
The rise of the Internet demands increases in transmission speed in all telecommunications systems. To increase the data transmission capacity of optical communication systems and further compact the density of information they carry, modal multiplexing techniques are being developed. In these systems, a single, appropriately sized optical fiber is capable of carrying more than one electromagnetic mode. This multiplicity of modes is used to carry greater information capacity, since each mode essentially functions as a different channel that can carry a certain load of data. The same concept is being applied, with a longer time horizon, to integrated optical systems.
Integrated optical systems are currently having a great boom because they allow to optimally solve various existing bottlenecks in current information and communication systems. On the one hand, they offer the possibility of improving communication between processors in multicore CMOS systems. On the other hand, they are the preferred alternative for high-speed interconnection between the servers that make up a data center.
In this scenario, the mode multiplexers for integrated optical technology are a key component to allow increasing the density of information transmitted within photonic chips such as those used for the aforementioned applications.
The present invention solves several problems common to all the devices developed, consisting of an ultra-wideband mode (de) multiplexer, which is capable of operating in a much greater range of wavelengths than narrowband devices. Specifically, it is possible to increase the bandwidth above 300 nm compared to the 100 nm presented by (de) multiplexers in conventional modes. Another aspect to highlight is its compact design, with a device length shorter than that typically presented by other mode multiplexer (de) devices.
Advantages
Thanks to the ultra-wideband design, the (de) mode multiplexer reduces its overall length and manages to operate in the S, C, L and U bands, while other mode multiplexer devices typically operate in the C band.
Consequently, the invention has very low insertion and crosstalk losses for the entire range of wavelengths that comprise these bands (S, C, L and U).
The described mode (de) multiplexer offers to double the capacity by using the fundamental mode and the second mode to transmit information over a large bandwidth. In addition, it allows reducing the length of this type of device, resulting in a more compact design.
Uses and Applications
The present invention belongs to the field of integrated optics and may have applications in optical communication circuits, in the manufacture of lasers, spectrometers for various applications, and biosensors.
Keywords
Sectors
Areas
Patent Number
ES2708524B2 Expediente
Applicants
UNIVERSIDAD DE MÁLAGA, ESPAÑA. CSIC. CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTÍFICAS
Inventors
DAVID GONZÁLEZ ANDRADE, AITOR VILLAFRANCA VELASCO, PEDRO CORREDERA GUILLÉN, JUAN GONZALO WANGUEMERT PEREZ, ALEJANDRO ORTEGA MOÑUX, ROBERT HALIR ., IÑIGO MOLINA FERNANDEZ
Filing Date
29/09/2017
Protection Level: National (Spain) and international
Processing Status: Spanish patent and international patent
