Optical Communications Laboratory (OCL)

Université Laval, Québec, Québec
What the facility does

Optical communications technology that provides the physical backbone for global networking and is widely used in Internet service delivery globally

Areas of expertise

Our laboratory features state-of-the-art equipment for optical communications technology that provides the physical backbone for global networking and is widely used in Internet service delivery globally (local, metropolitan and long-haul), within data centres and within cloud computing centres.

We explore innovation in both theory and experiment to push the boundaries of next-generation optical communications. Our research involves ultra-high-capacity coherent optical transmissions, specialty fibers and fiber amplifiers, smart radio-over-fiber systems, integrated photonic systems, space division multiplexing, silicon photonics, multidimensional lasers and amplifiers. Our research portfolio is a mix of experimental and theoretical investigations, leveraging advanced design methodology, leading-edge fabrication processes, and state-of-the art test equipment. Exciting applications of our research include big data transfer, cloud computing, super computers, portable medical sensors, and ubiquitous sensing networks for human and environment.

Research services
  • Nano-photonics design and fabrication
  • CMOS-photonics co-design
  • Optical fiber design; Optical amplifier design
  • High-speed optical transmission and detection
Sectors of application
  • Automotive
  • Defence and security industries
  • Information and communication technologies and media
  • Manufacturing and processing
EquipmentFunction

DSOZ634A Infiniium Oscilloscope by Keysight Technologies

(Real Time Oscilloscope (RTO) – 63 GHz)

  • Analog to digital converter for reception side
  • 63GHz, 160 GSa/s, 4 channels

DSO93004L Infiniium Oscilloscope by Keysight Technologies

(Real Time Oscilloscope (RTO) – 32 GHz)

  • Analog to digital converter for reception side
  • 32GHz, 80/40 GS/s, 4 channels
VEGA DAC4 by Micram Microelectronic (Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG))
  • Digital to analog converter (DAC) for transmitter side
  • 4 channels, 120 GS/s.
W/28n OOLA-DK-C07 by Fujitsu (Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG))
  • Digital to analog converter (DAC) for transmitter side
  • 4 channel, 84 GSa/s DAC (BW: 21 GHz)

High Speed Signal Generator

Bit Error Rate Module

Multifunctional SHF MainFrame

  • Generate advanced modulation formats for data transmission
  • SHF 78210A Synthesized Signal Generator
  • SHF 46213 D QAM Transmitter
  • SHF 12103A Bit Pattern Generator
  • SHF 11100 B Error Analyzer
  • SHF 41211C Clock recovery
SHF 46213 D by SHF Communication (Optical transmitter for QAM and DQPSK data transmission format)
  • Generate advanced modulation formats. Pulse carver.
  • 32 Gbps, aka 32 Gsymbols/s
OVA 5000 by Luna Innovations (Optical Vector Analyzer (OVA))
  • Allow a complete characterization of single-mode optical components
  • 1525nm - 1610nm (C+L Bands)
N5227A-201 by Keysight Technologies (PNA Network Analyzer)Perform measurement and analysis of device-under-test (DUT) frequency response. [10 MHz to 67 GHz]
AP2043B by Apex Technologies (Optical Spectrum Analyzer (OSA))
  • Ultra-high resolution optical spectrum measurements
  • 2 settings: 1) 0,8pm; 2) 0,04pm (5MHz)
  • 1520nm-1630nm