Photonic Integrated Circuits for Coherent Communication Networks

Coherent communication networks have been in use for several decades now, enabling highspeed data transmission over long distances with enhanced spectral efficiency. Their evolution is driven by advancements in modulation formats, digital signal processing, and error correction techniques. Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) play a crucial role in this development by miniaturizing optical components, reducing power consumption, and increasing reliability. PICs integrate multiple photonic functions onto a single chip, facilitating the deployment of scalable and cost-effective coherent communication systems, even for applications that are so far dominated by IM/DD technology.