PLATFORM: PHOTONIC DEVICE AND SYSTEM RESEARCH
Lead Research Organisation:
Aston University
Department Name: Sch of Engineering and Applied Science
Abstract
This proposal is for Platform funding to provide career continuity for highly experienced research staff working in support of four key strands of the Photonics Research Group's strategy.Laser processing using fs pulses: the recent development of laser sources emitting very shot pulses with high peak power has created a wealth of material processing possibilities. The focussed laser beams can be used to create controllable modifications to the properties of any transparent material with a resolution of less than a micron and this enables the direct inscription of waveguides and other more complicated structures. Higher powers can be used to remove material from the substrate, allowing the machining of micron sized features. We plan to enhance and combine our expertise in micro-machining and laser modification to create a range of novel micro-miniaturised devices with unique properties, for applications in optical sensing and communications.Advanced grating sensors: fibre Bragg grating and long period grating sensors are periodic structures recorded in the core of a single mode silica fibre, usually with ultraviolet light. They diffract light of a well defined wavelength, which is influenced by the device's environment, and have been finding increasing application in optical communications and sensing systems. We plan to significantly enhance the capability of these kinds of devices by combining our ability to produce them using the more flexible fs laser inscription approach with novel fibre geometries and/or the use of other materials, e.g. polymers, which possess radically different physical properties to the silica used for conventional fibres.Systems and component modelling: theoretical and computational modelling will be carried out in three main areas in support of our experimental work. (i) We will undertake extensive direct statistical modelling of advanced modulation formats performance and error statistics in high-speed, spectrally efficient WDM transmission; (ii) we will design advanced photonic components for telecom and non-telecom applications, and (iii) we will develop models of high-power fibre lasers for fs inscription applications.Optical communications: much of our effort here is related to dispersion / the dependence of the velocity of light on its wavelength. Dispersion in optical fibres leads to a serious problem for today's ultra-high bandwidth systems, causing the very short pulses required to broaden as they travel down the fibre, eventually overlapping with their neighbours and rendering it impossible to recover the original data stream. Advanced techniques will be studied for mitigating the effects of dispersion in long haul transmission systems and entirely novel applications of a dispersive interferometric device / the Gires-Tournois etalon / will be sought in a range of fields. In addition, work will be carried out developing technology underpinning the realization of the all-optical communications network.
Organisations
Publications
Zhou K
(2011)
Refractometer based on fiber Bragg grating Fabry-Pérot cavity embedded with a narrow microchannel.
in Optics express
Yan Z
(2012)
Soliton mode locking fiber laser with an all-fiber polarization interference filter.
in Optics letters
Zhang Z
(2015)
Switchable dual-wavelength Q-switched and mode-locked fiber lasers using a large-angle tilted fiber grating.
in Optics express
Yan Z
(2011)
UV-Inscription, Polarization-Dependant Loss Characteristics and Applications of 45$^{\circ}$ Tilted Fiber Gratings
in Journal of Lightwave Technology
Description | The 4-year EPSRC Platform project of PHOTONIC DEVICE AND SYSTEM RESEARCH has successfully been completed, highlighted by 97 papers published in peer review journals and 134 papers presented at major international conferences, 6 patents filed and a total of over £4 millions follow-on support research funds awarded from various funding bodies. Significant parts of research activities within this project were carried out in close collaboration with industrial and international partners, developing new technologies and applications. The four proposed main research areas have all met the defined key objectives and the highlighted R&D outcomes may be summarised in the following. We have innovated the fabrication, measurement and devices employing the proposed Femtosecond (fs) Laser Processing technology. Particularly, we developed the fs point-by-point, line-by-line and phase-mask inscription and micro-machining techniques to produce basic components for integrated photonics devices in transparent dielectrics and fibre gratings of Bragg and long-period structures in near- and mid-IR fibres. For the first time, periods as short as 250nm were experimentally demonstrated at the depth of 170µm in pure silica samples, which is the shortest period produced by fs inscription. In addition, record-high induced refractive index contrast in a curvilinear track with curvature radius of 1cm and bend loss < 1dB/cm has been demonstrated in planar platform, representing significant advance in integrated photonics circuit. The project research in Optical Communications has met all of its objectives clarifying the scientific background underpinning the new approaches to Raman amplification based on the concept of ultra-long fibre lasers. In so doing, it has addressed properties of Raman-assisted communication with greatly suppressed power excursion and application of line coding for suppression of patterning effects. Novel theoretical method to compute BER has been developed. The project has also generated substantial new results on the nonlinear fibre-optic technologies including pulse shaping and generation of triangular optical pulses for signal processing, which was developed in cooperation with the AZEA Networks (UK). In particular, we have demonstrated the longest ever laser cavity, reaching 270km. Under the theme of Systems and Components, we have developed three novel tunable dispersion compensators (TDCs) based on Aston's advanced chirp and array fibre gratings, which significantly outperformed the previously reported devices, providing capability compensating normal and slop dispersion of larger operation range in both positive and negative direction. They offer promising advantages such as fast response time, remotely controllable operation, low power consumption and heat generation and have practical application in short pulse manipulation and high-speed transmission systems to correct signal distortion. In addition to TDCs, Aston has innovated in-fibre polarisers by exploring 45?-tilted grating structures, which were initially developed under EPSRC programme and further supported by the US Air Force and Boeing. These special fibre devices have shown polarisation extinction ratio (PER) in the range of 35-55dB and can stand optical power up to 20W, which are exceeding many commercial products on the market. In Advanced Grating Sensor area, partnered with Airbus UK, BAE SYSTEMS, Deutsch, Ultra Electronics SCS and CD, Insensys and QinetiQ, two smart sensor system projects were awarded to develop concept for advanced structural prognosis with damage and load monitoring and to develop optical sensor technologies capable of measuring physical properties (level, temperature, pressure and density) and chemical and biological properties (water in fuel, adulteration, etc) of fuels. Aston's fibre gratings were the key components for the systems and both projects were completed with significant technology outcomes. Another highlight in Advanced Grating Sensor is the EU funded PHOSFOS (Photonic Skins For Optical Sensing) project, aiming at developing flexible and stretchable skins that integrate optical sensing elements to structures/objects to allow quasi-distributed sensing of deformation, pressure and stress/strain. These photonic skins may find applications in continuously monitoring the integrity of different kinds of structures in civil engineering (buildings, dams, bridges, roads, tunnels and mines), aerospace (aircraft wings, helicopter blades) and energy production (windmill blades) and therefore provide the necessary means for remote early failure, anomaly or danger warning. |
Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Construction,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Electronics,Transport |
Description | Advantage West Midlands |
Amount | £20,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | REF |
Organisation | Advantage West Midlands |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | Advantage West Midlands |
Amount | £500 (GBP) |
Funding ID | SGTS297 |
Organisation | Advantage West Midlands |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | Advantage West Midlands |
Amount | £500 (GBP) |
Funding ID | SGTS297 |
Organisation | Advantage West Midlands |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | Advantage West Midlands |
Amount | £500 (GBP) |
Funding ID | SGTS278 |
Organisation | Advantage West Midlands |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | Advantage West Midlands |
Amount | £500 (GBP) |
Funding ID | SGTS278 |
Organisation | Advantage West Midlands |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | Advantage West Midlands |
Amount | £20,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | REF |
Organisation | Advantage West Midlands |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | Arden Photonics Ltd |
Amount | £18,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Arden Photonics |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | Arden Photonics Ltd |
Amount | £18,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Arden Photonics |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | Astasense Ltd |
Amount | £6,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | Unrestricted Research Donation |
Organisation | Astasense |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | Astasense Ltd |
Amount | £6,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | Unrestricted Research Donation |
Organisation | Astasense |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | British Council |
Amount | £2,500 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 10.002 |
Organisation | British Council |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | British Council |
Amount | £2,500 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 10.002 |
Organisation | British Council |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | British Council HQ |
Amount | £4,900 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 163/P/ENG |
Organisation | British Council |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | British Council HQ |
Amount | £4,900 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 163/P/ENG |
Organisation | British Council |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | EPSRC |
Amount | £261,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | EPSRC |
Amount | £103,583 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/F025564/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | EPSRC |
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Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
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Funding ID | 7001950 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | EPSRC |
Amount | £97,298 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 7001950 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | EPSRC |
Amount | £103,583 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/F025564/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | EPSRC |
Amount | £315,244 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/F02956X/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | European Office of Aerospace Research |
Amount | £66,600 (GBP) |
Funding ID | FA8655-08-1-3025 |
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Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | European Office of Aerospace Research |
Amount | £66,600 (GBP) |
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Organisation | European Office of Aerospace Research & Development (EOARD) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | European Regional Development Fund |
Amount | £600,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | XBG/IN9044 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Department | European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) |
Sector | Public |
Country | Belgium |
Start |
Description | European Regional Development Fund |
Amount | £600,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | XBG/IN9044 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Department | European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) |
Sector | Public |
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Start |
Description | European Union Framework 7 |
Amount | £171,610 (GBP) |
Funding ID | FP7-ICT-2007-224058 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Department | Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start |
Description | European Union Framework 7 |
Amount | £171,610 (GBP) |
Funding ID | FP7-ICT-2007-224058 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Department | Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start |
Description | European Union Framework 7 |
Amount | £205,548 (GBP) |
Funding ID | PIEF-GA-2009-253297 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Department | Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start |
Description | European Union Framework 7 |
Amount | £1,440,014 (GBP) |
Funding ID | ERC-2010-AdG-20100224 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Department | Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start |
Description | European Union Framework 7 |
Amount | £1,440,014 (GBP) |
Funding ID | ERC-2010-AdG-20100224 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Department | Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start |
Description | European Union Framework 7 |
Amount | £155,918 (GBP) |
Funding ID | PIRSES-GA-2010-269242 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Department | Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start |
Description | European Union Framework 7 |
Amount | £124,355 (GBP) |
Funding ID | PIRSES-GA-2010-269271 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Department | Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start |
Description | European Union Framework 7 |
Amount | £166,823 (GBP) |
Funding ID | PIEF-GA-2010-275703 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Department | Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start |
Description | European Union Framework 7 |
Amount | £205,548 (GBP) |
Funding ID | PIEF-GA-2009-253297 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Department | Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start |
Description | European Union Framework 7 |
Amount | £155,918 (GBP) |
Funding ID | PIRSES-GA-2010-269242 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Department | Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start |
Description | European Union Framework 7 |
Amount | £166,823 (GBP) |
Funding ID | PIEF-GA-2010-275703 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Department | Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start |
Description | European Union Framework 7 |
Amount | £124,355 (GBP) |
Funding ID | PIRSES-GA-2010-269271 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Department | Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start |
Description | Japan Society for Promotion of Science |
Amount | £2,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | FY2011 / FU ID No - FU027 |
Organisation | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) |
Sector | Public |
Country | Japan |
Start |
Description | Japan Society for Promotion of Science |
Amount | £2,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | FY2011 / FU ID No - FU027 |
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Sector | Public |
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Start |
Description | Leverhulme Trust |
Amount | £132,065 (GBP) |
Funding ID | F/00 250/J |
Organisation | The Leverhulme Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | Leverhulme Trust |
Amount | £132,065 (GBP) |
Funding ID | F/00 250/J |
Organisation | The Leverhulme Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
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Start |
Description | NATO |
Amount | £5,805 (GBP) |
Funding ID | CBP.NUKR.SFP984189 |
Organisation | North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) |
Sector | Public |
Country | Belgium |
Start |
Description | NATO |
Amount | £5,805 (GBP) |
Funding ID | CBP.NUKR.SFP984189 |
Organisation | North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) |
Sector | Public |
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Description | Royal Academy of Engineering |
Amount | £400 (GBP) |
Funding ID | IJB/KN/10-675 |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | Royal Society of London |
Amount | £286,578 (GBP) |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | Royal Society of London |
Amount | £3,500 (GBP) |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | Royal Society of London |
Amount | £9,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 501001.K515/ROG |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | Royal Society of London |
Amount | £3,500 (GBP) |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | Royal Society of London |
Amount | £9,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 501001.K515/ROG |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | Royal Society of London |
Amount | £286,578 (GBP) |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |