The Governing Council of the University of Toronto

Purpose

The transmitters used in future fiber optic networks will require higher optical powers to sustain ever increasing bit rates and network flexibility. However, it is currently a technological challenge to implement an optical amplifier in the area of the transmitter for which its impact would be the largest. SCINTIL Photonics has developed a silicon photonics platform which allows the integration of amplifiers at this key point in the link. NRC has developed materials for amplifying optical signals which introduce little noise in the optical signal, a perfect fit for the transmitters SCINTIL is developing. This project will aim to build a prototype of an optical transmitter utilizing SCINTIL’s amplifier integration process, fabricated with NRC’s amplifier materials, for the next generation of high speed, energy-efficient optical communication systems, with research support from the University of Toronto.