Optical Communications

Optical fiber is the dominant medium for long distance high-capacity transmission systems. Our major thrust in lightwave network research is to identify system/ network architectures and the supporting technologies that allow the sharing of the enormous bandwidth available in the optical fiber.

Research Projects

1. Network Architectures of High-Speed Optical Metro/Access Networks

We design the network topology and the structure of each network node to achieve channel add-drop, high-speed data multi-access, and optical multiplexing and protection in high-speed (Gbit/s) optical metro/access networks. Examples are: All-Optical TDM/WDM Tunable Channel Multi-Access Optical Networks, Multi-wavelength (WDM) Passive Optical Networks with Low-Cost Data Remodulation and with Protection Capability, etc.

2. High-Speed Lightwave Technologies for Optical Signal Processing

We study the characteristics of some novel optical devices that are the enabling technologies for high-speed optical signal processing . We also utilize them to perform some networking functions. Examples are: Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter; Optical Burst- Mode Receivers, 2R Regeneration and Ultrafast Optical Signal Processing with Semiconductor Optical Amplifier, Study of Polarization-Mode Dispersion, etc.

3. Performance Surveillance of Optical Systems/Networks

We design novel optical techniques to monitor the working status of some major network elements where any performance degradation or component failure can be detected and reported. Examples are: Fiber Break Identification in Branched Optical Access Networks, Optical Path Supervision in Optical Cross Connects, etc.

4. Optical Networking

We study network layer issues in optical networking so as to optimize network functionalities and resources. Examples are: Protection and Restoration in Optical Networks, Multi-Access Protocols in Optical Networks, Study of Broadband Multimedia Services on Optical Networks, etc.

5. Photonic Packaging Laboratory

To help Hong Kong develop strategic high technology industry, a photonic packaging development laboratory is established with a $17.2M support from ITF, local industry, and CUHK. The facility aims at (1) developing processes for packaging photonic components, (2) talent pool build up through training and recruiting overseas packaging experts, and (3) support of local industry in photonics. The proposed infrastructure allows individual high-risk, high pay-off disruptive technologies to develop.





	Research
	Research Research AreasOptical Communications Optical Communications Optical fiber is the dominant medium for long distance high-capacity transmission systems. Our major thrust in lightwave network research is to identify system/ network architectures and the supporting technologies that allow the sharing of the enormous bandwidth available in the optical fiber. Research Projects 1. Network Architectures of High-Speed Optical Metro/Access Networks We design the network topology and the structure of each network node to achieve channel add-drop, high-speed data multi-access, and optical multiplexing and protection in high-speed (Gbit/s) optical metro/access networks. Examples are: All-Optical TDM/WDM Tunable Channel Multi-Access Optical Networks, Multi-wavelength (WDM) Passive Optical Networks with Low-Cost Data Remodulation and with Protection Capability, etc. 2. High-Speed Lightwave Technologies for Optical Signal Processing We study the characteristics of some novel optical devices that are the enabling technologies for high-speed optical signal processing . We also utilize them to perform some networking functions. Examples are: Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter; Optical Burst- Mode Receivers, 2R Regeneration and Ultrafast Optical Signal Processing with Semiconductor Optical Amplifier, Study of Polarization-Mode Dispersion, etc. 3. Performance Surveillance of Optical Systems/Networks We design novel optical techniques to monitor the working status of some major network elements where any performance degradation or component failure can be detected and reported. Examples are: Fiber Break Identification in Branched Optical Access Networks, Optical Path Supervision in Optical Cross Connects, etc. 4. Optical Networking We study network layer issues in optical networking so as to optimize network functionalities and resources. Examples are: Protection and Restoration in Optical Networks, Multi-Access Protocols in Optical Networks, Study of Broadband Multimedia Services on Optical Networks, etc. 5. Photonic Packaging Laboratory To help Hong Kong develop strategic high technology industry, a photonic packaging development laboratory is established with a $17.2M support from ITF, local industry, and CUHK. The facility aims at (1) developing processes for packaging photonic components, (2) talent pool build up through training and recruiting overseas packaging experts, and (3) support of local industry in photonics. The proposed infrastructure allows individual high-risk, high pay-off disruptive technologies to develop.