University of Ottawa

Purpose

NRC’s mode-locked InP based quantum dot lasers are capable of data rates up to 20 Tbit/s from a single laser and over a single optical fiber, achieved through a combination of pulse amplitude modulation or quadrature amplitude modulation, and wavelength division multiplexing among >40 coherent optical channels. This technology has potential to dramatically increase the bandwidth and efficiency of optical networks, improving data and communications with remote regions across Canada.This project aims to further extend the technology with a focus on (1) expanding the laser bandwidth, enabling a larger number of channels to be multiplexed, and (2) leveraging the unique properties of quantum dots to enable stable and efficient operation over a range of 0 to 100 C. Efficient operation at high temperature is of particular importance for low-cost equipment that is deployed outside of data centers.