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

The Optical Communications Laboratory (OCL) 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.

The team explores innovation in both theory and experiment to push the boundaries of next-generation optical communications. Their 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. Their 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 their research includes 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
Keysight Technologies DSOZ634A Infiniium Oscilloscope
  • Real Time Oscilloscope (RTO)
  • Analog to digital converter for reception side
  • 63GHz, 160 GSa/s, 4 channels
Keysight Technologies DSO93004L Infiniium Oscilloscope
  • Real Time Oscilloscope (RTO)
  • Analog to digital converter for reception side
  • 32GHz, 80/40 GS/s, 4 channels
Micram Microelectronic VEGA DAC4 Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG)
  • Digital to analog converter (DAC) for transmitter side
  • 4 channels, 120 GS/s
Fujitsu W/28n OOLA-DK-C07 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 with Bit Error Rate Module and 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 Communication SHF 46213 D Optical transmitter for QAM and DQPSK data transmission format
  • Generate advanced modulation formats. Pulse carver.
  • 32 Gbps, aka 32 Gsymbols/s
Luna Innovations OVA 5000 Optical Vector Analyzer (OVA)
  • Complete characterization of single-mode optical components
  • 1525nm - 1610nm (C+L Bands)
Keysight Technologies N5227A-201 PNA Network Analyzer
  • Perform measurement and analysis of device-under-test (DUT) frequency response. [10 MHz to 67 GHz]
Apex Technologies AP2043B Optical Spectrum Analyzer (OSA)
  • Ultra-high resolution optical spectrum measurements
  • 2 settings: 1) 0,8pm; 2) 0,04pm (5MHz)
  • 1520nm-1630nm