The Institute of Microelectronics has signed a research collaboration agreement with Bell Labs, Alcatel-Lucent's research arm, to develop advanced silicon photonics for next generation cost-effective high data-rate communication networks.

The need for service providers to meet the explosion in demand for new multi-media consumer content services and governments across the Asia Pacific region to provide citizens with access to broadband networks makes the development of low cost, high data-rate communications particularly urgent. Optical communications is well suited to meet this exponential demand because it supports data rates that exceed 10 Gbit/s which copper wire line networks have certain limitations. Despite the benefits that optical communications offers, the improved performance comes at a cost. This collaborative research programme will address the challenge of delivering increased performance of optical communications at reduced cost.

Professor Dim-Lee Kwong, Executive Director of IME (left) and Dr Rod Alferness, Chief Scientist of Alcatel-Lucent Bell Labs (right) after the research collaboration agreement signing

Professor Dim-Lee Kwong, Executive Director of IME, said "We are very pleased to collaborate with Bell Labs in developing core technology for next generation high data-rate communications. Our collaboration will build upon developed modules with new generation of low cost integrated silicon-based photonic devices and improved processes. This partnership demonstrates our commitment in bringing impactful research to the industry."

Said Dr Rod Alferness, Chief Scientist at Alcatel-Lucent Bell Labs, "This collaborative agreement with IME is important because it represents the next step in a series of programmes we have undertaken over the years with customers, government agencies, and academic institutions in Singapore. It is a prime example of the value Bell Labs brings to partners around the world."

For more information, please click here for the press release