MODE-GAP, the European collaborative R&D project, part of the European Commission’s 7th Framework Programme, which aims to provide Europe with a lead in the development of the next generation telecommunication networks, is to present its latest developments at this month’s ECOC event in London. 15 papers will be presented during the main conference session describing advances in all aspects of component and system design for Few Mode Fibre (FMF) transmission.

The project researches next generation transmission targeted at combating the potential capacity crunch using Spatial Division Multiplexing (SDM). Two options are available for SDM multi-core fibres or multimode fibres and MODE-GAP is focussed on investigating the multimode approach. This involves research into all aspects of the system, from basic fibre and components development through to subsystems and full system validation.

In addition to exploring SDM over few mode solid core silica fibre, MODE-GAP has already achieved record transmission results over Hollow Core - PBGF fibres for transmission and in the 2000nm region, offering increased bandwidth opportunities.

With MODE-GAP presenting its latest results in transmission and contributing components, ECOC will be an ideal opportunity to witness how the project has contributed to the global research into potential SDM solutions.

Dr Ian Giles, Project Manager of MODE-GAP, said: “The research carried out by the project over the past three years has helped progress the field and increase our understanding of the implications for using few mode fibres to assist in increasing transmission capacity. The work is continuing for another year and we anticipate further progress towards demonstrating the feasibility of a multi-mode fibre based approach for future networks.”

As part of the research team, Dr Maxim Kuschnerov, Senior Expert DSP and high speed optics at Coriant R&D GmbH, will participate in the Market Focus at the ECOC exhibition on Wednesday 25 September between 14.00-14.30. Dr Kuschnerov will discuss SDM over multi-mode fibres, showing the state of technology, its system cost benefit verses legacy systems, as well as the possible upgrade scenario and compatibility with installed single-mode systems.

Dr Ian Giles will be available for interviews at booth 511 in the ECOC exhibition from 23- 25 September, London UK.

For further information visit http://modegap.eu/. If you would like to arrange an interview with Dr. Ian Giles, please contact Claire McAdam or Brian Dolby on +44(0)1636 812152 or by email to [email protected] or [email protected].