Chip-Scale Optical Frequency Combs for Communications and Sensing: A Toolkit for System Integrationbroad
CombTools · Horizon Europe grant · 2024-01-01–2026-12-31
EC contribution
Total cost
Beneficiaries
About the data
Source: CORDIS (official EU open data), Horizon Europe. Framework HORIZON · call HORIZON-EIC-2023-TRANSITION-01 · scheme HORIZON-EIC · topic HORIZON-EIC-2023-TRANSITIONCHALLENGES-03. CORDIS record →
Objective
Chip-scale Kerr comb generators have emerged as a novel class of light sources with disruptive potential for a variety of applications such as hyper-scale optical communications, LiDAR, high-resolution spectroscopy, or ultra-broadband signal processing. Still, Kerr combs have not yet found their way into commercially relevant applications. This is mainly caused by the fact that high-performance comb generators are currently not available as commercial products. Another obstacle is the lack of additional tools that are needed for comb-based signal processing. CombTools aims at overcoming these obstacles by establishing a powerful technology base and a corresponding ecosystem for leveraging the full potential of Kerr combs in highly relevant application fields. On the technology level, we will develop copper-contamination-free silicon-nitride photonic integrated circuit with record-low propagation loss. Based on this, CombTools will offer low-barrier “democratized” access to comb generators with unprecedented performance, thereby preparing the ground for many follow-up innovations. We will further establish dedicated tools for comb-based signal processing, comprising comb-line processors, arrays of advanced electro-optic modulators, and control modules for comb synchronization. The performance of the developed technology will be shown in a series of ground-breaking demonstrations. CombTools brings together a carefully selected consortium that covers proven competences in technology, product engineering, and business development. The project can rely on a strong technology base developed by the group of Tobias Kippenberg at EPFL. This technology has been licensed to the high-tech start-up Deeplight, bringing Kerr-comb technology to the market through its German subsidiary Deeplight GmbH. The consortium further comprises Nokia as a leading international player, thereby offering an ideal framework for industrial innovation and entrepreneurial activities in the EU.
Beneficiaries (5)
| Organisation | Country | Role | EC contribution | SME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KARLSRUHER INSTITUT FUER TECHNOLOGIE | DE | coordinator | €988,915 | |
| DEEPLIGHT | DE | participant | €631,250 | Yes |
| TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT EINDHOVEN | NL | participant | €499,920 | |
| NOKIA NETWORKS FRANCE | FR | participant | €403,500 | |
| ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE | CH | associatedPartner | — |
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