The three-year research program aims to combine just three of the most established integration materials—indium phosphide (INP), gallium arsenide (GaAs), and silicon (Si)—into a common silicon-based platform to meet the high-performance, high-volume, and low-cost requirements of next-generation optical transponders for GbE and Terabit. The GALACTICO consortium comprises nine partners* spanning university research centers and leading companies from several European countries.

“Currently, system vendors require their own photonic integration technology to deliver a practical and cost-effective 100 GbE system solution,” said Lars Zimmermann, GALACTICO project coordinator. “Our project aims to develop low-cost, small-size 100 GbE interfaces and provide integrated transmitters and receivers that deliver a large amount of total bandwidth.”

“We have been at the forefront of the transition from 10 to 40 gigabits per second (Gbps) to 100G networks and beyond,” said Uwe Fischer, head of optical network product management at Nokia Siemens Networks. “It is no surprise that when the GALACTICO project began, we were quick to lend our expertise. With our experience in the field of optical transport, we can provide the specifications for the components to be developed, as well as participate in laboratory demonstrations and subsequent field trials.”