UCY project with RIF funding to create photonic circuits for 6G networks

A research project entitled the Photonic Integrated Circuit Self-Oscillating Comb for 6G (PICSOC) has been launched at the University of Cyprus (UCY) with the aim of developing cutting-edge technologies for future sixth-generation (6G) networks.

The project has a duration of two years and has been funded with €200,000 by the Research and Innovation Foundation, within the framework of the 'Islands of Excellence' programme.

The coordinator of the programme is Postdoctoral Researcher Dimitrios Kastritsis (EMPHASIS). The academic director of the programme is Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Stavros Iezekiel (ECE).

This project will be implemented at UCY's Microwave Photonics Research Laboratory and will utilise activities that have already been funded in this laboratory by the European Space Agency (ESA) with the aim of applying them to new areas, specifically in the production of high-frequency RF signals for terrestrial 6G systems.

PICSOC will develop photonic integrated circuits (PICs) based on indium phosphide (InP), using available manufacturing services for the production of the PICs.

The main roles of the PC will be the design and simulation of the PIC and the subsequent characterisation of the PIC, as well as the overall proposed system.

The goal is to produce signals at extremely high frequencies, such as those required for future 6G networks – with an emphasis on stability and transmission accuracy.

This will be achieved through the implementation of a self-oscillating optical frequency comb in an optoelectronic oscillator topology.

It is anticipated that the application of photonic millimeter wave (mmW) signal generation to PICs will lead to reliable and compact units with low power consumption compared to current alternative implementations.

Aiming to create an Island of Excellence for the development of photonic integrated circuits for 6G networks, the PICSOC project strengthens Cyprus' position on the map of international innovation and creates the conditions for the development of advanced solutions in critical areas of technology, such as machine interconnection (Internet of Things) and the next generation of communications.

Visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/picsoc-project for more information.