| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/R40388/01 |
| Title: |
Terabit Holographic Optical Routing Network Switches (THORNS) |
| Principal Investigator: |
Crossland, Professor WA |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Engineering |
| Organisation: |
University of Cambridge |
| Scheme: |
LINK |
| Starts: |
01 August 2001 |
Ends: |
31 July 2003 |
Value (£): |
242,704
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Optoelect. Devices & Circuits |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Communications |
Electronics |
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| Related Grants: |
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| Panel History: |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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This project concerns the development of new low-loss beam-steering elements using liquid crystal over silicon Spatial Light Modulators (SLMs) for use in optical routing switches. An experimental testbed SLM is to be designed and built, the beam-steering functionality is to be optimised and tested, and the improvements in switch performance, due to the new type of SLM, will be demonstrated using hardware from a previous LINK project, ROSES. Further work is to use the results to produce a design for an optimised 2-D SLM for future switch products, and to develop and refine the characterisation techniques for the new type of SLM that will be required in production. The new SLM has the potential to become a highly reliable low-cost alternative to MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) devices when used in a switch already designed by CPL. It is believed that such a switch will meet the rigorous specification required by the telecommunications system vendors such as Nortel. The intention of CPL and Thomas Swan group of companies is to build preproduction models of a large photonic switch for testing by system vendors on a 3 year time scale and then, on completion of successful trials, to move to UK production of SLMs and switches. The benefits to the UK will lie not only in the potential exports (to a $multi-billion market) and jobs but also in having a key role in this pivotal technology.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.cam.ac.uk |