EPSRC logo

Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/J14974/01
Title: PHOTOPARAMETRIC AMPLIFIER/CONVERTER IN LIGHTWAVE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
Principal Investigator: Green, Professor RJ
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Electronic & Electrical Engineering
Organisation: University of Bradford
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 May 1993 Ends: 30 April 1995 Value (£): 57,908
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Optical Communications
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Communications
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
1. To develop a novel type of low noise receiver for optical communications.2. To optimise the configuration for subcarrier-multiplexed applications.3. To investigate noise performance under different operational modes, eg. up conversion.Progress:The project began promptly with a literature survey into the background fields of device fabrication with the III-V materials domain, and also the possible configuration of parametric amplifiers involving optical detection. A postdoctoral research assistant, Dr. N.T. Ali, was appointed for the task. After a years intensive computer modelling of the device structure proposed for the combined purposes of photo detection and amplification, instructions were given for its fabrication to the staff at the Sheffield III-V facility. The device structure agreed was as a result of collaboration with Dr Ahmad Khanifar at University College London, who was provided with support in order to investigate the radio frequency configuration in conjunction with device characteristics being considered.After device structures were investigated, a new form evolved in which the original idea of the P-I-N device has been replaced by both a Schottky-diode structure and also a modified form of P-N structure. The work has shown that it is now possible to obtain high performance photodiode operation in conjunction with parametric amplification. The performance of the device is such that practically a signal to noise improvement of up to 20 dBs is possible compared to a standard, straight, photo detector configuration. Consequently we feel strongly that another application to EPSRC should be forthcoming in order to, in effect, create a device especially for the improved 'air-interface' needed in the emerging communications infrastructure as proposed within several ACTs work programmes. The extension of the work will allow the possibility of better inter-satellite free-space optical links on the one hand, improved point-to-point optical communications through the atmosphere on the other, and also very sensitive normal optical sensing methodologies to be implemented. The final report of the project will be submitted well within the six months allowed.
Key Findings
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Potential use in non-academic contexts
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Impacts
Description This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Summary
Date Materialised
Sectors submitted by the Researcher
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Project URL:  
Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.brad.ac.uk