The Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI) is working on the further development of passive optical networks (PON) in the PONTROSA project to promote fiber optic expansion and explore new applications for the technology. The institute, together with project partners, will develop new electronic and optical subsystems to significantly increase the transmission capacity of future PONs. The project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research with 3.8 million euros, will run for three years until September 2027.

Passive optical networks (PON) have become prevalent over active optical networks (AON) for their cost-effectiveness and simplicity. However, to meet future demands and new application areas, such as connecting data centers and distributed mobile stations, the achievable data rates need to be significantly expanded.

The project team will design, fabricate, and integrate optimized electronic and photonic integrated circuits into a complete system. The researchers will also analyze the requirements for digital signal processing and develop appropriate methods.

➀ ETH Zürich researchers have developed an ultra-wideband MHz to THz plasmonic EO modulator that achieves terahertz data transmission;

➁ The modulator can convert data signals with frequencies above 1 Terahertz efficiently into optical signals for transmission through fiber optic networks;

➂ The technology could have applications in 6G mobile networks, medical imaging, material analysis, and high-performance measurement technology.

➀ Fraunhofer researchers have optimized data transmission in fiber optic networks with applications like self-driving vehicles and 6G communications.

➁ WESORAM and Multi-Cap projects enhance network capacity with innovative technologies.

➂ LCoS mirrors and spectrometer gratings enable advanced signal handling and multiplexing.

Fraunhofer researchers, in collaboration with partners, have optimized data transmission in fiber optic networks using smart techniques. Optical switches with liquid crystal mirrors reduce data packets, allowing more data to pass through the network. Additionally, splitting signals across various fiber strands creates more flexibility.

The project WESORAM has developed a technology that allows signals from eight input channels to be sent to 16 output channels, increasing network capacity and flexibility. The research also includes the development of signal amplifiers for multi-core fibers, enhancing data transmission capabilities.

Both projects are supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the VDI (Association of German Engineers).

➀ The exponential growth of data traffic in cloud computing, high-definition video streaming, 5G connectivity, and AI computing requires innovative solutions to handle increasing data volumes with low latency and high reliability.

➁ VCSEL transceivers based on MMF are favored for short-distance transmission due to their low cost and power consumption. However, MMF dispersion limits data rates over 100G.

➂ Eindhoven has achieved 56 Gbps transmission over 500m MMF using 980 nm VCSELs, optimizing modal bandwidth to 14.2 GHz·km.

➃ The research also focuses on wafer-scale heterogeneous integration for high-speed interconnects, improving thermal management for laser diodes.

➄ InP membrane DMLs with PPR characteristics show potential for short-range communication systems, offering small footprint, high energy efficiency, and high modulation bandwidth.

➅ The analysis of laser performance reveals the importance of phase optimization for achieving smooth response and expanded bandwidth.