A WDM Coherent System for High-Speed Photonic Neural Processing and Imaging
Abstract
We propose to establish a high-speed wavelength-division multiplexed coherent optical signal generation and characterization platform, consisting of an optical frequency comb source and a wideband streaming data acquisition and processing system, to enable research and education in photonic information processing and imaging at CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics. Coherent photonic information processing and imaging are pervasive technologies that play important roles in several Department of Defense (DoD)-funded research programs at University of Central Florida (UCF). Optics and photonics technologies have played a significant role in collecting, transmitting, and processing information, and have the potential to achieve unprecedented levels of power efficiency and speed. This capability will become a key part of the Photonics Science and Engineering degree program at UCF, co-administered by CREOL and the College of Engineering. We will offer this proposed capability to other colleges within UCF and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI) for collaborative research to enhance the technical competitiveness of our nation and to educate world-class students. The requested equipment will be utilized in both research and education programs. Research programs involving optical computing and imaging will greatly benefit from the multi-channel, wideband streaming capabilities, which will bridge the transfer speed gap between digital electronics and analog photonics. From an educational perspective, due to the significant advancements in data science and AI/machine learning in recent years, many talented students are attracted to disciplines that place more emphasis on software. However, the infrastructure for next-generation information acquisition and processing plays an equally important role in computing. Our educational programs aim to enhance the pedagogy of hardware development for the next generation of information technologies. In addition, Orange County, Florida, home of the UCF, is the ninth-largest school district in the nation, with one of the most diverse student bodies. With the help of this equipment grant, we will further improve the quality of our outreach programs and attract students, particularly from minorities and under-represented groups, to STEM-related fields.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 02, 2022
- Source ID
- W911NF2210176
Entities
People
- Sean Pang
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Central Florida