Superchannel Transponders for the Big Data Era
Lead Research Organisation:
Aston University
Department Name: College of Engineering and Physical Sci
Abstract
CREATE targets the capacity and energy efficiency challenges in optical communication networks by developing pioneering solutions to improve optical transponders' operational bandwidth and spectral efficiency. We propose pioneering solutions that combine photonic analogue signal processing and time-bandwidth engineering to enhance the performance of analogue-to-digital (ADC) and digital-to-analogue (DAC) converters by fundamental limitations in their bandwidth versus resolution (i.e. ENOB) trade-offs. Our radical approach is based on the anamorphic stretch transform (AST), which has recently been introduced in optical spectroscopy. In our case, we hope to serve as the primary building block of a new generation of coherent optical transponders and high capacity fibre transmission links. The AST does only enable the spectral manipulation of the optical signals for meeting the bandwidth requirements of the DACs/ADCs, but it can also exploit signal sparsity to compress the digital signal size, which can consequently bring a drastic reduction of the associated DSP complexity and power consumption.
To incorporate the AST functionality in the telecommunication infrastructure CREATE will need to re-invent the transceiver architecture and develop new designs that surpass current commercial standards. We will introduce a novel coherent version of the AST to deal with dual quadrature signals, and we will need to re-establish the transponder's digital signal processing (DSP) chain. This also includes the development of advanced adaptive non-linear equalisation schemes to deal with potential fibre transmission impairments. Finally, we will analyse the impact of transmission impairments on AST-warped signals and identify new fibre link design rules that maximise transmission reach.
If successful, CREATE will have a significant impact. It will provide a focus for international research by establishing a new thread in the research of optical transceivers to address the major capacity needs on a broader network application range.
To incorporate the AST functionality in the telecommunication infrastructure CREATE will need to re-invent the transceiver architecture and develop new designs that surpass current commercial standards. We will introduce a novel coherent version of the AST to deal with dual quadrature signals, and we will need to re-establish the transponder's digital signal processing (DSP) chain. This also includes the development of advanced adaptive non-linear equalisation schemes to deal with potential fibre transmission impairments. Finally, we will analyse the impact of transmission impairments on AST-warped signals and identify new fibre link design rules that maximise transmission reach.
If successful, CREATE will have a significant impact. It will provide a focus for international research by establishing a new thread in the research of optical transceivers to address the major capacity needs on a broader network application range.
Organisations
- Aston University (Lead Research Organisation)
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire Carnot de Bourgogne (Collaboration)
- University of Limoges (Collaboration)
- Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (Collaboration)
- Xtera Communications (Collaboration)
- East China Normal University (ECNU) (Collaboration)
- University of Patras (Collaboration)
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (Collaboration)
Publications
Boscolo S
(2023)
Machine learning control of complex nonlinear dynamics in fibre lasers - INVITED
in EPJ Web of Conferences
Castro N
(2023)
Learned Volterra Equalization for WDM Systems
Gordienko V
(2024)
Record bandwidth waveband-shift-free optical phase conjugation in nonlinear fiber optical loop mirror
in Optics Express
Kang H
(2024)
Observation of Optical Chaotic Solitons and Modulated Subharmonic Route to Chaos in Mode-Locked Laser
in Physical Review Letters
Masaad S
(2024)
Experimental Demonstration of 4-Port Photonic Reservoir Computing for Equalization of 4 and 16 QAM Signals
in Journal of Lightwave Technology
| Description | The EPSRC-funded project has resulted in several groundbreaking achievements, significantly advancing the field of optical communication systems. The key outcomes are as follows: 1. Development of a Machine Learning-Based Software Framework for Optical Communication Optimization A comprehensive end-to-end machine learning framework has been developed to optimize optical communication systems. This has been instrumental in equalizing transmission nonlinearities and mitigating transceiver impairments, leading to substantial improvements in link performance. Specifically: • The framework has facilitated the creation of novel learned DSP schemes utilizing Inverse Volterra Series for inter-channel nonlinearity equalization. This has enabled the design of up to 9×9 MIMO schemes, marking the largest implementation reported in the literature to date. • It has enabled the optimization of new optical DAC-based architectures, with performance evaluations demonstrating their effectiveness in data center interconnects. 2. Novel DSP Schemes Using Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces (RKHS) New DSP schemes leveraging RKHS have been developed and successfully demonstrated for optical transmission equalization. The RKHS-based schemes have shown exceptional capability in tracking and cancelling time-varying interference, such as that introduced by parametric amplification elements. 3. Design of Next-Generation Fibre-Based Laser Sources The project has led to the design and development of innovative fibre-based laser sources that provide ultra-stable performance. These are poised to serve as local oscillators in future high-energy-efficient transceivers for big-data transfer. Key achievements include: • Smart ultrafast fibre oscillators: These self-tuning lasers adapt to optimal operating regimes, eliminating the need for trial-and-error system alignment. This was achieved through the pioneering use of genetic algorithms to control and analyze highly dynamic, non-stationary laser operations, including repetitive patterns such as breathing solitons and multi-breather complexes, as well as non-repetitive rare events. • Mode-locked laser sources using breathing soliton laser systems: The newly designed laser sources generate dense RF combs with a line spacing that is not constrained by cavity length and can reach the sub-MHz range. These advancements hold great potential for future AST-assisted optical DAC/ADC systems. Overall, the project has delivered pioneering solutions in machine learning-based optimization, DSP development, and laser source design, paving the way for more advanced and energy-efficient optical communication systems in the future. |
| Exploitation Route | The findings from this project hold significant implications for the design of next-generation optical networks and future optical communication equipment. The insights gained can be leveraged in multiple sectors: • Industry and Telecommunications Companies: The advancements in machine learning-based DSP, optical DAC architectures, and ultrafast fibre laser sources can be directly applied by industry leaders involved in fiber-optic communication, data center interconnects, and high-speed broadband deployment. • Startups and Commercial Ventures: The Principal Investigator (PI) has actively contributed to the establishment of EMITERA, a new startup company focused on the development of next-generation optical transceivers for data center interconnection. EMITERA aims to translate the project's research findings into commercially viable optical communication technologies. • Academic and Research Institutions: The breakthroughs in reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces, machine learning-driven DSP, and mode-locked laser sources will serve as foundational knowledge for future academic research in optical networking and signal processing. |
| Sectors | Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software) Education |
| Description | Several collaborations have been strengthened or newly established, including University of Patras, Technion in the area of oDACs, Universite' de Bourgogne and East China Normal University in the area of laser sources, and Universite' de Limoges, Geo-Ocean, INFN-LNS, and Xtera in a directly related area of study. Numerous publications in high-impact journals, invited/keynote talks at prestigious international conferences and workshops, and new awards (journal editorial membership, international conference committee chairing/membership, etc.) are a direct outcome of the work done during this grant, which have contributed to the dissemination of the results and increased the international reputation of the research group. Further impact activities include the publication of two news articles in the magazines: Laser Focus World and Optics & Photonics News. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2025 |
| Sector | Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Education |
| Impact Types | Societal Economic |
| Description | Control of Laser Dynamics |
| Organisation | East China Normal University (ECNU) |
| Country | China |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Contribution of Dr. Sonia Boscolo, who is currently working under the CREATE project on the development of machine learning algorithms and fibre laser simulator for the control of complex nonlinear dynamics in fibre lasers, reserach supervision, and writing up of the publication. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Experimental verification of the software developed by Dr. Sonia Boscolo, and further theoretical studies on the subject. |
| Impact | The collaboration led to a research publication for Dr. Sonia Boscolo, who has been employed as a research fellow under the CREATE project: S. Boscolo, J. Peng, X. Wu, Y. Zhang, C. Finot, and H. Zeng, "Machine learning control of complex nonlinear dynamics in fibre lasers," EPJ Web of Conferences, vol. 287, B. Kibler, G. Millot and P. Segonds Eds., paper 06001, EOS Annual Meeting (EOSAM 2023), Dijon, France, September 2023 Xiuqi Wu, Junsong Peng, Sonia Boscolo, Christophe Finot, and Heping Zeng, "Synchronization, Desynchronization, and Intermediate Regime of Breathing Solitons and Soliton Molecules in a Laser Cavity", Phys. Rev. Lett. 131, 263802 - Published 29 December 2023 X. Wu, Y. Zhang, J. Peng, S. Boscolo, C. Finot, H. Zeng, Control of Spectral Extreme Events in Ultrafast Fiber Lasers by a Genetic Algorithm. Laser Photonics Rev 2023, 2200470. https://doi.org/10.1002/lpor.202200470 |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Control of Laser Dynamics |
| Organisation | Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire Carnot de Bourgogne |
| Country | France |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Contribution of Dr. Sonia Boscolo, who is currently working under the CREATE project on the development of machine learning algorithms and fibre laser simulator for the control of complex nonlinear dynamics in fibre lasers, reserach supervision, and writing up of the publication. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Experimental verification of the software developed by Dr. Sonia Boscolo, and further theoretical studies on the subject. |
| Impact | The collaboration led to a research publication for Dr. Sonia Boscolo, who has been employed as a research fellow under the CREATE project: S. Boscolo, J. Peng, X. Wu, Y. Zhang, C. Finot, and H. Zeng, "Machine learning control of complex nonlinear dynamics in fibre lasers," EPJ Web of Conferences, vol. 287, B. Kibler, G. Millot and P. Segonds Eds., paper 06001, EOS Annual Meeting (EOSAM 2023), Dijon, France, September 2023 Xiuqi Wu, Junsong Peng, Sonia Boscolo, Christophe Finot, and Heping Zeng, "Synchronization, Desynchronization, and Intermediate Regime of Breathing Solitons and Soliton Molecules in a Laser Cavity", Phys. Rev. Lett. 131, 263802 - Published 29 December 2023 X. Wu, Y. Zhang, J. Peng, S. Boscolo, C. Finot, H. Zeng, Control of Spectral Extreme Events in Ultrafast Fiber Lasers by a Genetic Algorithm. Laser Photonics Rev 2023, 2200470. https://doi.org/10.1002/lpor.202200470 |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Design of oDAC components |
| Organisation | Technion - Israel Institute of Technology |
| Country | Israel |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Joint research activity on the design and performance evaluation of novel optical DAC scheme for future energy efficient networks. I developed relevant code and performed evaluation studies. I joint the co-founding team of a new start up company, called EMITERA, that is focusing on the commercialization of the relevant technologies |
| Collaborator Contribution | Prof. M Nazarathy and Prof Ioannis Tomkos contributed with novel oDAC schemes |
| Impact | Three publications in international conferences, and 1 submitted journal. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Design of oDAC components |
| Organisation | University of Patras |
| Country | Greece |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Joint research activity on the design and performance evaluation of novel optical DAC scheme for future energy efficient networks. I developed relevant code and performed evaluation studies. I joint the co-founding team of a new start up company, called EMITERA, that is focusing on the commercialization of the relevant technologies |
| Collaborator Contribution | Prof. M Nazarathy and Prof Ioannis Tomkos contributed with novel oDAC schemes |
| Impact | Three publications in international conferences, and 1 submitted journal. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Novel fibre-optic sensing techniques |
| Organisation | National Institute for Nuclear Physics |
| Department | National Laboratories of the South |
| Country | Italy |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | S. Boscolo submitted an Open Fellowship proposal to the EPSRC about novel concepts in fibre-optic sensing relying on fibre resonators for applications in environmental monitoring. |
| Collaborator Contribution | These collaborators are partners in the Open Fellowship application by S. Boscolo. |
| Impact | EPSRC Open Fellowship proposal by S Boscolo |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Novel fibre-optic sensing techniques |
| Organisation | University of Limoges |
| Country | France |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | S. Boscolo submitted an Open Fellowship proposal to the EPSRC about novel concepts in fibre-optic sensing relying on fibre resonators for applications in environmental monitoring. |
| Collaborator Contribution | These collaborators are partners in the Open Fellowship application by S. Boscolo. |
| Impact | EPSRC Open Fellowship proposal by S Boscolo |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Novel fibre-optic sensing techniques |
| Organisation | Xtera Communications |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | S. Boscolo submitted an Open Fellowship proposal to the EPSRC about novel concepts in fibre-optic sensing relying on fibre resonators for applications in environmental monitoring. |
| Collaborator Contribution | These collaborators are partners in the Open Fellowship application by S. Boscolo. |
| Impact | EPSRC Open Fellowship proposal by S Boscolo |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Internet - The Royal Society |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Join us for a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Internet. The event will be opened by the co-inventor of the Internet Dr Vint Cerf and will feature a of series of panels with eminent speakers that will look back at what the Internet has achieved in the last 50 years and focus on the next generation of the Internet and AI. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/2024/07/celebrating-the-50th-anniversary-of-the... |
| Description | News article - Laser Focus World |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | A research output featured in the news article "Breathing soliton laser reveals synchronization dynamics" published in Laser Focus World (https://www.laserfocusworld.com/lasers-sources/article/14304727/breathing-soliton-laser-reveals-synchronization-dynamics, 6 February 2024). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.laserfocusworld.com/lasers-sources/article/14304727/breathing-soliton-laser-reveals-sync... |
| Description | News article - Optics & Photonics News |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | A research output featured in the news article "Machine learning tames monster waves" published in Optics & Photonics News (https://www.optica-opn.org/home/newsroom/2023/november/machine_learning_tames_monster_waves/, 29 November 2023). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.optica-opn.org/home/newsroom/2023/november/machine_learning_tames_monster_waves/ |