As part of the ALLEGRO project, we are excited to present our novel coherent transceiver architecture that enables both high-speed data transmission and optical identification (OI) in a point-to-point classical fibre link between Alice and Bob.
🔹 Key Capability: This innovative design supports conventional transmission (data transfer + post-processing for QKD) and user authentication using simple devices — enhancing both security and versatility.
🔹 Architecture Highlights:
Our proposed Coherent Transceiver (C-TRX) integrates a circulator, coupler, and switch into a standard design.
- Transmission Mode:
- Alice (C-TRX A) sends/receives data via its output/input ports.
- The modulator (MOD) encodes data conventionally, while the switch (SW) routes the local oscillator (LO) to enable coherent detection.
- OI Mode:
- Alice sends a frequency sweep (via laser + MOD) to Bob (C-TRX B).
- The back-reflected light from Bob’s pigtail passes through the circulator to the coherent receiver (C-RX), allowing detection of the Reflected Back Pattern (RBP) for authentication.
This approach offers cost-effective authentication without compromising high-performance optical transmission — a step towards integrated, secure optical communication system
#OpticalCommunications #CoherentTransceiver #ALLEGROProject #Photonics #QKD #Cybersecurity #Innovation #R&D
