Title: High capacity SDM transmission and multi-granular optical switching network technologies

Abstract: We describe Pb/s scale space-division-multiplexed (SDM) transmission technologies proposed to increase the capacity of wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical networks and satisfy the ever-increasing traffic demand. We also present a range of optical integrated network technologies capable of providing multi-granular switching capacity and network node flexibility. Such technologies allow data service diversification and can tolerate rapid traffic fluctuations in WDM and/or SDM networks. Finally, we report the demonstration of a world-record 53.3 Tb/s optical packet switching system using multi-core fibers (MCFs) and a newly developed high-speed spatial optical switch system that enables full packet-granularity.

Biodata: Naoya Wada  received the B.E., M.E., and Dr.Eng. degrees in electronics from Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan, in 1991, 1993, and 1996, respectively. In 1996, he joined the Communications Research Laboratory, Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Tokyo, Japan, where he conducted research on optical switching system, optical processing system, burst-mode optical communication technologies, huge capacity optical transmission based on multi-core fiber. He is currently Director General of Network System Research Institute, NICT. He is a member of the IEEE Communications Society, IEEE Photonics Society, IEICE, the Japan Society of Applied Physics, and the Optical Society of Japan.

Title: Towards a Quantum Cloud

Abstract: Quantum science and technology promises realization of powerful computers and secure internet that together could lead to the development of unprecedented distributed quantum computational resource – a quantum cloud. While the exact implementation of quantum processing nodes and qubits to be used to achieve this are still the topic of intense research and debate, the information between the distant nodes will surely be carried by photons. For this reason, developing a reliable quantum interface between photons and different types of qubits is important. Interfacing superconducting qubits at microwave frequencies with photons at telecommunication wavelengths is a good example. Among different conversion approaches considered (optomechanics, magnons, piezo-mechanics), the electro-optics (EO) approach is attractive since it is broadband, low noise, mechanically and thermally stable, scalable, and tunable. With its large EO coefficient (> 30 pm/V) and low microwave and optical loss, lithium-niobate (LN) is ideally suited for this task. I will summarize our work on ultra-low loss LN nanophotonic platform (waveguide losses < 0.03 dB/cm, optical quality factors ~ 10 million), and discuss how this integrated platform can be used to realize efficient microwave-to-optical photon conversion. Atomic-scale luminescent defects in diamond, including negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) and silicon-vacancy (SiV) color centers, have emerged as another promising solid-state platform for realization of integrated and distributed quantum networks. However, the performance of these atomic-like systems is affected by their interactions with the solid-state environment that they are embedded within. In my talk, I will review the advances in nanotechnology that allow for properties of diamond color centers to be engineered, as well as for realization of efficient photonic and phononic interfaces for diamond spin qubits.

Biodata: Marko Loncar is Tiantsai Lin Professor of Electrical Engineering at Harvard's John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), as well as Harvard College Professor. Loncar received his Diploma from University of Belgrade (R. Serbia) in 1997, and his PhD from Caltech in 2003 (with Axel Scherer), both in Electrical Engineering. After completing his postdoctoral studies at Harvard (with Federico Capasso), he joined SEAS faculty in 2006. Loncar is expert in nanophotonics and nanofabrication, and his current research interests include quantum and nonlinear nanophotonics, quantum optomechanics, high-power optics, and nanofabrication. He has received NSF CAREER Award in 2009 and Sloan Fellowship in 2010. In recognition of his teaching activities, Loncar has been awarded Levenson Prize for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2012), and has been named Harvard College Professor in 2017. Loncar is fellow of Optical Society of America, and Senior Member of IEEE and SPIE.

Title: National Photonics Top Down Project 2000 – 2002: The first collaborative photonic R & D activities in Malaysia.

Abstract: This project was initiated to undertake focussed research and development activities on photonics in Malaysia during 2000 – 2002 through a collaborative framework.  It comprises of UKM, UPM, UM, UTM and SIRIM Berhad to develop a network system components such as passive and active devices, opto-electronic components, optical switches and network design.  The components and devices were focused on the WDM-FTTH technology related and also on simple optical networks. With each collaborative partner undertook a specific topic, an approach was formulated whereby rapid knowledge acquiring process is an important ingredient for the success of this project. Certain know how has to be imported and transferred immediately such as the making of specialized optical fibre preforms and the fabrication of waveguides. There were some fast track way, ie by using on the shelve components, went parallel with the development of the devices. With the budget of RM23 millions, this top-down project became a major foot step for the development of photonic research activities in the country.

Biodata:  Prof. Sahbudin joined UKM in 1978. Until 2003, he was with the Department of Electrical, Electronics and System Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) as an academic staff, who was appointed as full professor in microelectronics and photonics in 2002. He is the founder of Photonics and Optical Fiber Communications Laboratory in 1984 and co-founder of Semiconductor and Microelectronics Laboratory in 1992. In 2003, he joined the Institute of Micro-Engineering and Nanoelectronics (IMEN, UKM) as Professor and Principal Research Fellow, and as the Head of Photonics and Nanophotonics Research Group. He has published more than 160 journal papers, 170 proceeding papers and more than 20 other conference papers, chapter in books, and other publications since 2004. With his research group members, a total of 6 filed patents and 10 patent pendings have been achieved. He also has supervised 15 PhD and 25 MSc research graduates. Currently, he also holds outside posts as consultant for HBE Grating (M) Sdn Bhd, advisor to MNA Research Sdn Bhd and advisor to NXPhotonic Sdn Bhd (an MTDC-UKM start-up company).

Title: Integrated SMART-SENSING using Fibre Optics Technology for SMARTGRID

Abstract: Today’s power cable monitoring solutions are limited in their ability to rapidly detect and accurately locate faults. Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) which has revolutionised the protection of Oil & Gas assets provides a real time monitoring profile of the buried cable accurate to 10m.  This technology allows the operator to optimise the usage and reduce repair downtime in the cables, whilst maximising the network lifetime and minimising cost. This paper discusses the application of OptaSense^® DAS within the power network to monitor issues such as short-circuit detection and localisation and compares DAS with traditional methods to have a smarter grid.

Biodata: Kuljit SINGH, MIET (UK), kuljit.singh@optasense.com, has more than 10 years of experience in providing fibre optics asset management solutions (using DTS) in the Power Transmission and Distribution Networks. He continues to be involved actively in development of new application including for the Offshore Wind Farm application. His first 20 years of work experience has been involved in developing market solutions using Power Semiconductors.