ProDelSys · Processing Systems with Optical Delay

Processing Systems with Optical Delay

The primary goal of my project “ProDelSys - Processing systems with optical delay” was to enhance my professional skills in laser physics, fibre optics and general nonlinear-wave theory. This had to be done via a research programme focused on developing of all-optical processing systems based on ultra-short pulse fibre lasers with optical delay or feedback. Ultra-short pulse fibre lasers are highly desirable and are deployed as light sources due to their flexibility, simplicity and cost-efficiency. They can be used as light sources for spectroscopy including chemical, and biochemical analysis, sensing, instrument calibration, optical clocking, and medicine. The ultra-short pulse fibre lasers were proposed to be realised by mode-locking using an optical delay line (thus the title of the project). However, science is a living thing and constantly develops depending on the achieved results and the application requirements. So, the plans slightly changed and I was involved in the development and analysis of nonlinear dynamics of two types of ultra-short fibre lasers mode-locked by a saturable absorber instead of a delay line. The first laser was a Bismuth fibre laser to be used in medicine. The other one was an Erbium fibre laser. It was used to better understand laser behaviour and to use this knowledge by engineers and scientists for laser development and applications. Two schemes for photonic fibre-based neural networks were proposed. Once fully implemented and their dynamics understood, these schemes can be used in telecommunication for signal detection and restoration as well as for signal classification. This will enable faster and more stable optical information transmission which will be profitable for the whole society. The society will also profit from the fibre-based sensors on which I worked during my Fellowship. The first sensor is to be used for various spectroscopic applications, the second one for low-invasive real-time diagnostics of cancer. The fibre-based scheme that I proposed to generate broad optical spectra in the mid-infrared range can enhance the progress of spectroscopic applications. The results of this project that were achieved in collaboration with scientists and engineers from 7 European countries enhance the European leadership in photonics and produce a new generation of photonic systems and devices supporting the European vision for a high-technology economy to promote European social and economic cohesion and prosperity. -technology economy to promote European social and economic cohesion and prosperity.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union