OPTICAL NETWORKS AND PHOTONIC SYSTEM

The Optical Access and Next-Generation Networks Area researches novel architectures and technologies for networks based on optical fibre (FTTH, fibre-to-the-home). These networks can provide high bitrates (exceeding tens of gigabit/s per user) in a wide geographic area in a highly cost effective manner (considering deployment, operation, maintenance, and energetic consumption costs). The area also performs research in hybrid radio-fibre optic architectures for providing high bitrates via radio-frequency with optical connectivity for mobile users – targeting access networks and in-building networks. These architectures employ the latest radio technologies: such as ultra-wideband (UWB), WiMAX, or LTE.

Techniques to increase the capacity of optical networks, such as sub-carrier multiplexing (SCM), dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM), or polarization-division multiplexing (PDM) are also being researched. Passive optical network (PON) architectures and amplified access networks are also under study, as well as novel signal generation and modulation schemes. Other research lines include: new techniques to mitigate the main factors limiting optical transmission, such as polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) in single-mode fibre, or multi-mode dispersion (MMD) in multi-mode fibres.