Research axes

Biophotonics Optical fibers and devices Lasers-matter interaction Photonic Materials Quantum Photonics Photonic systems and microsystems Optical Communications

Infrastructures and laboratories

COPL researchers have at their disposal an impressive array of optics-photonics equipment, in addition to a state-of-the-art research infrastructure that is in many ways unique in the world and allows them to work in synergy.

Our installations

Achievements

COPL's teams are responsible for achievements that have redefined the boundaries of scientific knowledge, led to the development of new technologies and even to the creation of companies or the development of innovative methods. Discover some of them here.

Success profiles Collaborations

Optical Communications

Optical communication systems and networks power our connected world. They enable the high-bandwidth connectivity required by individuals and businesses for cloud-based data storage and services. Social media, 8K video streaming and other machine-to-machine applications continue to drive demand for increased connectivity.

The fluidity of communications requires systems and networks operating over distances ranging from a few thousand kilometers for transoceanic systems to interconnections of a few meters or even a few kilometers, for data centers. Significant efforts are being made to develop innovative solutions to increase capacity and throughput, improve energy efficiency, and simplify network design, deployment and operation.

Silicon photonic chip
by Hao Sun

The optical communications axis proposes three research themes which address the following four questions:

  1. How to best use different transmission approaches to increase capacity and throughput, while improving security and reducing latency? For example, can we exploit spatial multiplexing, multimode versus multi-core fibers, or hollow-core fibers?
  2. How to interface the different data transmission channels to offer very high capacity access links with optimal efficiency and minimal latency? For example, what is the best way to combine wireless optical communications, radio-over-fiber communications, and visible light communications?
  3. How can we leverage machine learning to improve transmission performance at the physical layer and ensure better network utilization and management?
  4. What is the best way to integrate solutions using photonic technologies? For example, how to combine and condition photonic devices for signal processing in different telecommunication subsystems and network architectures?

The goals are aligned with those of sustainable development of the United Nations and aim to contribute positively to the health and well-being of populations; quality education; the right to decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure, and the development of sustainable cities and communities.

Head of research

Lawrence R. Chen

Full Professor, McGill

Members

Rhys Adams

Jose Azana

Lawrence R. Chen

Raman Kashyap

Sophie LaRochelle

Odile Liboiron-Ladouceur

Michaël Ménard

Leslie Ann Rusch

Wei Shi

Christine Tremblay

Ming Zeng

Ming Zeng

(John) Xiupu Zhang

Research Themes

THÈME 1

Optical communications without limits

Increase the spectral range used by covering from 1,2 μm to 2 μm
Spatial multiplexing over some modes
Interfacing broadband fiber links to RF and THz systems

THÈME 2

Digital and optical signal processing

Signal processing taking into account photonic-electronic integration
Fast and energy efficient all-optical signal processing

THÈME 3

Resilient, Efficient and Secure Networks

Deep Learning Model for Network Monitoring and Management
Optical Data Encoding to Improve Security

Professor-researchers
COPL members

The COPL brings together talented scientists who are distinguished by the excellence of their research and by their dedication to the training of the next generation of highly qualified personnel in optics-photonics. 

Our members