Under a recently signed partnership, Pirelli and researchers from GEDC develop new generations of optical systems.

GEDC researchers and visiting researchers from Pirelli Labs will combine their expertise in photonics research and electronic design to develop new generations of agile photonic networks and opto-electronic devices. Research results from the joint research between GEDC and Pirelli Labs will influence domestic and international standards on optical communications.

As consumer demand increases bandwidth requirements, a new generation of fiberoptic networks is being designed. In contrast to current optic networks, future networks will be able to detect and reconfigure according to networks demands. Such networks will be adaptable and self-healing. Key building blocks of such networks will make heavy use of tunable components including tunable lasers, tunable filters and tunable multiplexers.

In practice this will require close integration of electronic and optical. Electronic components and optical devices will have to interface at a level that is impossible to achieve with current technologies. Not only does this require a new class of ICs and devices, but also new test and characterization strategies and revolutionary improvements in design and simulation tools.