Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	EP/M009092/1
Title:	Towards Manufacturing of "Massive WDM" Metro (ToM3)
Principal Investigator:	Forysiak, Professor W
Other Investigators:	Harper, Dr P Phillips, Dr I D Doran, Professor NJ Zhang, Professor L
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	II-VI Photonics (UK) Lumentum
Department:	College of Engineering and Physical Sci
Organisation:	Aston University
Scheme:	EPSRC Fellowship
Starts:	01 April 2015	Ends:	31 March 2021	Value (£):	1,544,199
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Manufact. Enterprise Ops& Mgmt Optical Devices & Subsystems
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Manufacturing
Related Grants:
Panel History:	Panel Date Panel Name Outcome 04 Nov 2014 Manufacturing Fellowships Interview Panel Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
The aim of this manufacturing fellowship is to address the technology, architecture, performance and manufacturing needs of next generation optical communications systems for metro networks. Optical metro networks are undergoing tremendous growth as an unprecedented change in the distribution of network traffic, driven by requirements to ensure a superior quality of service to the end-user, leads to the concentration and localisation of traffic. The programme targets two specific network functions: compact, scalable and power-efficient multi-carrier "super-channel" transceivers at baud rates of 28-32Gbaud and above, and scalable, wide-band (120nm), segmented discrete Raman optical fibre amplifiers. Innovative product processes enabled by digital coherent technology and DSP-based monitoring of key transceiver parameters will be explored to address manufacturing yield and extended test times for arrayed transceivers. Novel designs will be developed to minimise bend losses, manual interventions, and to take advantage of robotic assembly, thereby introducing the required consistency in critical assembly processes for segmented amplifier manufacture. New equipment architectures and software-enabled re-purposing will be explored, focussed on energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, longevity, and manufacturability. System performance will be evaluated in detailed numerical models of target networks serving great metropolises like Greater London, and compared with extensive laboratory tests in recirculating loop and extended optical fibre test beds.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Impacts
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher
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Project URL:
Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.aston.ac.uk