I will perform experimental and theoretical studies of optical communication systems and of related supporting technologies. Topics to be addressed in this program will include, but will not be limited to, the following representative areas: (a) Coherent Optical Communications: this work will explore the limits of receiver sensitivity and of electrical and optical bandwidth efficiency that can be achieved through advanced coherent detection techniques. Initial studies will attempt to demonstrate homodyne detection using monolithic semiconductor lasers, as well as heterodyne detection of quadriphase-shift- keyed optical signals. (b) Free-Space Infrared Communications for Wireless Local-Area Networks: this research will seek to develop technologies for high-speed digital communication using free-space infrared propagation. Initial studies will include measurement of infrared multipath indoor propagation and analysis and simulation of the performance of various modulation and demodulation techniques. In following studies, I hope to demonstrate a working high-speed local-area network that provides wireless access using this technique. (c) High-Performance Optical-Fiber Networks: this work will investigate how advanced optical communication technology can be used to construct networks having capacities up to three orders of magnitude larger than the emerging networks of today. One initial study will address a hybrid approach to multimedia networking, combining lumped electronic ATM switching with distributed circuit switching based on subcarrier or optical-frequency-division multiplexing. (d) Optical Interconnects in High-Performance Digital Systems: This work will explore the application of optical interconnects to high- performance digital systems such as computers. Initial research topics will include clock distribution within multi-chip modules and data communication at the back-plane level.
