Photonic-Electronic Platform for Next Generation Optical Transport Network

The introduction of advanced optical modulation formats for coherent data transmission and multilevel signalling enlarges the transmission capacities but also requires more complex opto-electronic components. The need for cost efficient compact solutions is the main driver for photonic-electronic integration technologies. In the framework of the European Project GALACTICO a new mixed technology platform for advanced transceivers is being developed. The technology relies on the cost efficient Germanium-on-Silicon technology, and SiGe BiCMOS technology together with GaAs technology [1]. A selection of the best suited materials and solutions ready to deploy is made to provide the performance required for transmitter and receiver of next generation networks operated at capacities beyond Terabit/s.