As part of the ALLEGRO project, we are pushing the frontiers of photonic integration with an advanced waveguide mesh—a versatile platform designed for high-performance optical processing, switching, and signal manipulation.
🔹 Programmable Photonic Waveguide Mesh
The waveguide mesh consists of 1020 programmable unit cells (PUCs) based on Mach-Zehnder Interferometers (MZIs) and 3-dB couplers, arranged in a hexagonal topology to enable diverse optical functionalities.
🔹 Key Features & Functionalities
✅ Programmable Phase Shifters – Enabling precise lightpath (LP) control within each PUC
✅ Multi-Function Optical Processing – Acts as an optical switch, splitter/combiner, and photonic processor
✅ DSP Offloading – Optical processing capabilities reduce digital signal processing (DSP) load
✅ Advanced Integration – Incorporates dispersion compensation & a high-resolution fibre interrogator
✅ Optimized PIC Design – Final Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) measures 18.5 × 14.9 mm, built to function as a smart, sliceable transceiver
🔹 From Design to Manufacturing
After extensive feasibility studies and topology optimization, we successfully transitioned the waveguide mesh PIC to manufacturing with a Tier-1 commercial foundry, ensuring full compliance with design rules.
This breakthrough in photonic integration is paving the way for scalable, high-performance optical networks that will redefine next-generation telecom infrastructure. Excited to see what’s next!
#ALLEGRO #PhotonicIntegration #WaveguideMesh #PIC #OpticalNetworking #Telecom #HorizonEurope #Innovation
