Unique Optical Signal to Noise Ratio Measurement Device

Basic overview
This novel method for measuring the Optical signal to noise ratio (OSNR) in optical networks does not require any prior knowledge of the signal or the noise. Our dual interferometer, fiberized scheme overcomes limitations of previous single interferometer-based systems in which the noise must be turned off to determine the signal value, something that is very difficult to do in a functioning network.

Trinity College Dublin

Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices

Applications
OSNR is a key measure of the health of optical networks; particularly those used for optical telecommunications, and is a key parameter for future high speed and transparent optical networks.
MM Our dual interferometer OSNR scheme will

be useful for monitoring optical signals in telecommunications systems operating at 10 G, 40 G and 100 G. modulated formats.

MM It can be used to both monitor amplitude and phase

What problem does it solve/advantages?

Optical noise from erbium-doped fiber amplifiers is a major impairment to optical network functioning in telecommunications. When the network becomes more complex with more complicated signal routes and more densely spaced communication channels, in-band OSNR monitoring becomes an absolute necessity. Globally, there are various methods being proposed to address the in-band OSNR monitoring issue. They generally involve complex and expensive polarization controller units or optical spectrum analyzer devices.

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contact

Further information: Brendan Ring Commercialisation Manager E: Brendan.Ring@tcd.ie T: +353 (0)1 896 3088
Trinity College Dublin 2010. All rights reserved.

Unique Optical Signal to Noise Ratio Measurement Device Our dual interferometer OSNR provides a cost-effective and robust solution to the in-band OSNR monitoring problem. Any impairments to the signal incurred from the network such as chromatic dispersion, polarization mode dispersion, additional filtering, etc, will not influence the function of the module. In particular, the polarization of the noise will not influence the module function compared to competing modules whereas in current fault testing equipment single interferometer based schemes the noise must be turned off to determine the signal autocorrelation. Our dual interferometer OSNR scheme overcomes limitations of its competitors:
MM The fiberized scheme uses dual interferometers to

Schematic of the OSNR dual fiber interferometer

measure OSNR without the need to turn off the noise. signals, 5G and 2G with no change in performance at the lower modulation rates. This can be easily extended to 40 G and 100 G through simple changes to the delays in the two interferometers. polarization, noise polarization and signal dispersion. accuracy of +/- 0.5dB.
Picture of the prototype OSNR monitor built in TCD

MM Measurements have been made on 10G NRZ OOK

MM Scheme has been shown to be immune to signal MM Measurement range from below 10 to 30 dB and

MM Initial studies show that the scheme can work for phase

modulated signals. However the range is less than for amplitude modulation and further studies are now required.

Schematic of the OSNR monitoring system for operation with high speed signals

This is a fast expanding area in a growing, high value market. Our prototype monitor is available for testing under network conditions. The technology is available for licence to telecommunications equipment suppliers or is also available as a standalone device suitable for tech start up. More detailed description of the technology and Patent Status
Following the patenting, a publication has appeared in the journal Optics Express. The article can be downloaded free of charge at http://www.opticsinfobase.org/

The opportunity

Principal Inventor Prof. John F Donegan

Prof. John F Donegan is a Princpal Investigator in CRANN and Head of the School of Physics at Trinity College. His research deals with the interaction of light with matter. He has a diverse range of interests from widely tunable semiconductor lasers, twophoton absorption photodetectors, fluorescent nanowire formation, photonic molecules to quantum dots interactions with human cells. Across all these areas, the goal is the control and understanding of physical processes through coupling of light to photonic structures. He has published more than 200 papers on research into optical condensed matter research and is co-author of 12 patent applications.

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Our OSNR technology was filed with the European patent office in Oct. 09, the filing number is WG01-194-01.

www.crann.tcd.ie

CRANN located in Trinity College Dublin is Irelands flagship nano research institute. We are focused on producing and commercialising world-class research and are deeply integrated with industry. We have ongoing collaborations with large multinationals and small to medium local enterprise. The 250 strong research team is involved right across the spectrum from materials, magnetics, energy and drug development right thorough to product development of medical devices, sensors and integrated circuits. This is facilitated by our state of the art Advanced Microscopy Laboratory www.crann.tcd.ie/index/Facilities/AdvancedMicroscopyLaboratory in conjunction with our cleanroom, optics labs and business incubation facilities.