PIC-FAST

The number of internet-enabled users, devices and bandwidth-hungry applications is increasing constantly, and network operators are struggling to meet the demand for more bandwidth. The problem is most acutely felt by end users of fixed broadband connections, typically served by passive optical networks (PONs): speed throttling and connection drop-outs are the most-reported issues. Telecom operators are typically too margin-stressed to invest in entirely new infrastructure and have to maximise returns on existing PONs. Developments to deliver higher transfer rates currently focus on discrete optical components, which have reached their limits in terms of scalability, performance, footprint, power consumption, reliability and cost. The integration of optical components into Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) offers a new technology trajectory that will overcome these limitations, but the increasing component density this entails has challenges. Through a string of successful R&D projects conducted in world class facilities by an expert team, PICadvanced has laid the foundation for a novel PIC design serving as a platform for an entirely novel generation of optical transceivers, specifically Optical Network Units (ONUs) deployed at end user premises. This overcomes the current limit of 2.5Gbps and offers higher bandwidths with minimal upgrades of end user hardware while fulfilling the strict requirements of the telecom sector regarding footprint, power consumption and cost. Our demonstrator will achieve 10Gbps, open a technology roadmap towards 25Gbps/50Gbps and enable the telecom sector to achieve a better quality of service, higher customer satisfaction and more efficient utilisation of existing fibreoptic network assets. We will also demonstrate how this new generation of fast broadband technology can be delivered to end users with a lower environmental footprint by reducing raw material input, 40% lower hardware costs and 20% lower energy consumption.