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News Octoberber Events

October 2024

VPIphotonics at events in October


PIC Summit Europe 2024

15 - 15 October 2024, Eindhoven (Netherland)

PIC Summit Europe attracts the leading lights from across the photonic chip industry – two whole days dedicated to discussion, collaboration, and innovation with key international opinion leaders from across our thriving industry. The conference offers a rich programme – featuring keynotes from semicon executives, users of photonic chip technology, EU policymakers, and the wider photonic chip community to discuss the future of the global industry.

International Conference on Space Optics 2024

21 - 25 October 2024, Antibes Juan-les-Pins (France)

Visit us at booth 21! See our latest simulation solutions for free space optical communications in action!


»Contribution to conference program - Poster, presented by Li Shi (Tue 22 Oct, 17:10 CEST):

"Optical Satellite Communication: System Simulation and Design Framework (262)n"


IEEE Military Communications Conference 2024

28 October - 1 November 2024, Washington, DC (USA)

Visit us at the conference to learn more about our free space optics satcom simulation solutions.

The updated FSO channel models in our simulation solutions offer faster performance and new features like calculating isoplanatic angle and Strehl ratio. Our demonstrations will showcase the improved performance of FSO links using importance sampling for rare scintillation events and FEC for GEO satellite-to-ground links.

News ECOC 2024

September 2024

VPIphotonics at ECOC

European Conference on Optical Communication

22 - 26 September 2024, Frankfurt (Germany)

The European Conference on Optical Communication (ECOC) is Europe's leading conference on optical communications, and one of the largest and most prestigious events in the field worldwide. The conference brings together experts and leaders from academia, research and industry across the globe to share their latest breakthroughs and visions for the future.


You can find the VPIphotonics team at Stand C60, part of the Berlin-Brandenburg Pavilion. We will be demonstrating the latest updates to VPIphotonics Design Suite, VPItoolkit Machine Learning Framework, and VPIdeviceDesigner. Stop by and chat with our team of experts to see a demo of what's new in the software.


VPIphotonics Design Suite™ embeds expert knowledge from our component and transmission design tools in one shared, flexible software environment to support requirements in design, analysis, and optimization providing you with the most powerful numerical algorithms tailored for your applications. The latest release of VPIphotonics Design Suite v11.5 features new simulation capabilities for IMDD & coherent transmission systems, SDM, FSO links, PICs, and more.


The VPItoolkit™ ML Framework is a versatile addition to the simulation tools within the VPIphotonics Design Suite, enabling the implementation and design of deep neural networks (DNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), and machine learning (ML) clustering techniques for a wide range of applications. Version 2.0 now enables additional ML algorithms and includes new examples demonstrating ML techniques for applications such as equalization and nonlinearity mitigation in optical transmission systems.


VPIdeviceDesigner™ is a versatile simulation framework for analyzing and optimizing optical devices, waveguides, and fibers, emphasizing integrated photonics applications. Version 2.7 offers new functionalities to streamline material definition, 3D design workflows, and light propagation simulations.


Stop by and connect with our team of experts to learn what's new in our software, see a demonstration, or inquire about evaluating our software solutions.


Contributions to the conference program:


»Talk: "W3D.2: Advanced Equalization in 112 Gb/s Upstream PON Using a Novel Fourier Convolution-based Network" (W3D: Ultra-Highspeed PON) – 14:15-14:30 Wednesday, 25 Sep 2024


»Special event: "Hack Your Research - Tools and Tricks for Today's Telecommunications Techies" (formerly Lab Automation Hackathon) – 18:00-20:00 Wednesday, 25 Sep 2024


Meet us and talk to our experts at the Booth C60!

News September Events

September 2024

VPIphotonics at events in September

We're looking forward to participating in the EPIC Online Technology Meeting on hybrid integration technologies for photonic integrated circuits!

»Contribution to conference program, presented by Andrzej Polatynski (16 Sep, 15:40-15:55 CEST):

"PDK Framework: Combining Multiple Foundry Platforms in One Design"


CIOE 2024

11 - 13 September 2024, Shenzhen World (China)

LUSTER, the VPIphotonics distributor in China, will be exhibiting at CIOE. Visit their booth 12B23 in Hall 12 to explore VPIphotonics Design Suite and all the new advancements in the software.

News PR DeviceDesigner

June 2024

Announcing VPIphotonics VPIdeviceDesigner Version 2.7

Simplifies Material Definition, Enhances 3D Design and Simulation Capabilities

VPIphotonics is proud to announce the release of VPIdeviceDesigner version 2.7, a versatile simulation framework for analyzing and optimizing optical devices, waveguides, and fibers, emphasizing integrated photonics applications.

»Click here for the Press Release!

New version 11.5

May 2024

VPIphotonics announces new version of its industry-leading simulation and design environment for optical components and transmission systems.

»Click here for for more details!

News LFW Webinar 2024

May 2024

Webinar: " Simulating Datacom/Telecom Scenarios in Compliance with 800G and 1.6T Standards"

Date: 16 May 2024

Time: 11:00 AM EDT / 8:00 AM PDT / 3:00 PM GMT / 5:00 PM CEST

Duration: 1 hour

Organizers: Laser Focus World & VPIphotonics

In this tutorial, you will gain insights in conceptualizing and analyzing optical transmission systems for short-reach applications. We will demonstrate how to utilize professional simulation software while adhering to recommendations from standardization committees and multi-source agreements (MSAs). We will explore the design and performance of 800G-FR4 systems, incorporating forward error correction (FEC) with intensity modulation and direct-detection (IMDD).


Additionally, we will examine the transmission characteristics considering the 400GBASE SR4.2 standard which utilize multimode vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) and multimode fibers. Lastly, you will acquire knowledge on designing and evaluating both 400G and 1.6T ZR transmission by leveraging advanced digital signal processing (DSP) techniques for coherent technology. The tutorial will demonstrate how to efficiently automate the design and analysis processes for new standards recommendations. You will also gain insights into examining the impact of performance-limiting effects.


»Watch the recording here!

News Spring Conferences

April/May 2024

VPIphotonics at conferences in spring

PIC International 2024

16 - 17 April 2024, Brussels (Belgium)

»Contribution to conference program, presented by Andrzej Polatynski (17 Apr, 10:15 AM):

PIC Size and Simulation: "Efficient design techniques for custom PDKs protecting your IP"

Abstract: In this talk, we present the integration of foundry-specific photonic Process Design Kits (PDKs) with advanced simulation modules, highlighting their role in streamlining Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) design. Our focus is on a custom PDK framework that provides flexible PDK libraries and enables the protection of the users' and foundries' IP. We demonstrate how advanced simulation modules enable flexibility and acceleration of the design workflow. Additionally, we'll explore powerful visualization methods helping to control the simulation and visualization of the results.


OPIE 2024

24 - 26 April 2024, Pacifico Yokohama (Japan)

At our exhibit, see our comprehensive software design tools for optical devices, optoelectronics and integrated photonics addressing applications in optical sensing and processing, datacom and telecom.


CLEO 2024

5 - 10 May 2024, Charlotte (NC - USA)

Come and meet us on Booth: 209!


»Contribution to conference program, presented by Chris Maloney (7 May, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM):

Market Focus: "Space Optics"

The optical panel discussion for Space Optics brings together leaders in the field to discuss the state of the industry, key open-science questions to be addressed with optics in space and to share career-development perspectives with the CLEO community.

News OFC

March 2024

VPIphotonics at OFC 2024

24 - 28 March 2024, San Diego (USA)

VPIphotonics will be back in-person exhibiting at OFC, the largest global conference and exhibition for optical communications and networking professionals! See details about our contributions and visit us at Booth 3611!

News February Conferences

February 2024

VPIphotonics at MWC Barcelona 2024

26 - 29 February 2024, Barcelona (Spain)

Come and meet us on the European Quantum Space Booth: Hall 6 - Stand 6A8!


VPIphotonics enables the quantum community to design and develop new QKD technologies and systems efficiently by offering a powerful simulation environment (VPIphotonics Design Suite™) that includes various tools and add-ons for photonic component modeling up to optical system level simulation. The VPItoolkit™ QKD provides CV- and DV-QKD modules based on weak-coherent prepare-and-measure protocols, including the corresponding transmitter and receiver modules, parameter estimation, and secret key rate calculation. As an add-on to our VPItransmissionMaker Optical Systems (part of the VPIphotonics Design Suite), co-existence scenarios with classical channels can be evaluated. Moreover, utilizing the powerful module libraries included in VPItransmissionMaker Optical Systems, deteriorating effects such as Raman scattering and different component imperfections like thermal noise, ADC quantization noise, RIN, and phase noise can be investigated. VPIphotonics Design Suite and VPItoolkit QKD can serve as a test bed for fiber- and free-space-based QKD system implementations. Build-in automation features and a robust API enable the user to optimize simulation and design parameters efficiently, thus reducing the R&D phase considerably.


For the event, VPIphotonics experts plan to showcase the (simulation) capabilities of the VPIphotonics Design Suite and its tools using various QKD use cases.
 

News TOP Conference 2024

February 2024

»Contribution to conference program, presented by Andre Richter (22 Feb, 3:45 PM - 4:15 PM):

Network Planning: "Versatile Optical Network Planning"


Abstract: Planning today's and future optical networks requires versatile, powerful, and flexible network planning tools, which capture network infrastructure and equipment information, support and automatize design tasks, and compare and archive found solutions. They should support a vendor- and technology-agnostic approach to equipment modeling and performance assessment, which permits fast and efficient configuration of scalable networks, accounts for traffic demands, and optimizes spectrum utilization and equipment cost.
We present the general concept of such a tool and highlight its operation by addressing several planning scenarios. We discuss a multi-band, multi-span DWDM network accounting for impairments such as ISRS and showcase metro network topologies. In addition, we present a planning approach for incorporating optical satellite networks into existing terrestrial network designs and show how interoperability with numerical system simulations can further enhance the capabilities of such a tool.

News Photonics West

January/February 2024

VPIphotonics at SPIE Photonics West 2024

27 January - 1 February 2024, San Francisco (USA)

Come and meet us on Booth: 5201!


»Contribution to conference program (30 Jan, 3:15 PM - 5:00 PM PST, Moscone Center Room 155):

Quantum West Business Summit: "PICs for Quantum 2.0"


Much has been contemplated and stated about the potential and complexity of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) to be viable at scale for Quantum 2.0. We will take a full-circle approach by covering leading-edge work around the various passive components, active components, and material systems. We will discuss how fabless, fabs, and software simulators and multiple leading highly funded quantum computing companies ultimately need PICs to scale their technologies. We will explore where the state of the art is today and where it will need to be in the future. Ultimately, PICs are essential to quantum, but quantum technology will disrupt classic photonics via higher levels of integration.

New version 4.4

January 2024

VPIphotonics announces new release of VPIlinkDesigner, a software tool for optical link engineering including equipment placement and configuration and a thorough system wide performance assessment.

»Click here for more details!

News PolyPhotonics 2023

November 2023

VPIphotonics at Workshop PolyChrome Berlin

Photonics for Sensing

2 November 2023, Berlin (Germany)

Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of photonics and its applications in sensing, medical tech, and quantum technology?
Join us on 2nd November 2023, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute, located at Einsteinufer 37, 10587 Berlin, for the PolyChrome Berlin Workshop.


Contribution to the workshop program:


»"Design and Simulation of Hybrid-Integrated Photonic Circuits" presented by Dr. Andre Richter – 16:00


Meet us and talk to our experts there!

News ECOC 2023

October 2023

VPIphotonics at ECOC

European Conference on Optical Communication

1 - 5 October 2023, Glasgow (Scotland)

ECOC is one of the leading conferences on optical communication, and attracts scientists and researchers from across the world.
Taking place in the historic and vibrant city of Glasgow, ECOC will showcase the latest cutting-edge developments in optical communication, as well as an exciting social programme that will allow delegates to network and share ideas whilst experiencing the best of Scottish culture.
When you attend, you can look forward to hearing about new innovations, initiatives and results from some of the world's top researchers in both industry and academia. ECOC is the key meeting place to share knowledge, exchange ideas, foster innovation and start collaborations on a global level.
Parallel to the scientific conference, the ECOC exhibition covers a wide range of optical communication products and services.


Contributions to the conference program:


»Talk: "AI-Based OTDR Event Detection, Classification and Assignment to ODN Branches in Passive Optical Networks" (We.C.5.2, System Considerations for Optical Networks) – 14:00-14:15 Wednesday, 4 Oct 2023


»Special event: "Hack Your Research! Tools and Tricks for Today's Telecommunications Techies" (formerly Lab Automation Hackathon) – 18:00-20:00 Sunday, 1 Oct 2023


Meet us and talk to our experts at the Booth 524!

News IEEE RAPiD 2023

September 2023

VPIphotonics at IEEE RAPiD

Research and Applications of Photonics in Defence

11 - 13 September 2023, Miramar Beach (USA)

The IEEE RAPID conference aims to bring together government, academia and industry in a global forum to present new fundamental basic research, innovative technologies and build collaborations to solve critical security and defense challenges. This international conference will be broad in scope covering such areas as electromagnetics, device physics, optics and photonics, algorithms, and test and evaluation to name a few. With the breadth of topics covered, this conference seeks to attract diverse participation and collaboration from academia, industry, defense and government agencies that will promote security interests with opportunities to increase technical depth and breadth as well as networking with peers. In a world where technology is rapidly changing, collaborations and multidisciplinary work is the only way to solve research challenges and foster the next generation of scientific discovery.


Meet our experts at the Booth!

News LFW Webinar 2023

July 2023

Webinar: "How to model and simulate Fiber Amplifiers and Fiber Lasers"

Date: 19 July 2023

Time: 11:00 AM EDT / 8:00 AM PDT / 3:00 PM GMT / 5:00 PM CEST

Duration: 1 hour

Organizers: Laser Focus World & VPIphotonics

Fiber amplifiers and fiber lasers are integral components in modern optical communication systems and, furthermore, find applications in various fields such as medical devices, defense systems, and industrial processes.


Designing and optimizing these devices require a deep understanding of their underlying physical principles, as well as the ability to simulate their performance accurately.


VPIphotonics Design Suite offers advanced means for simulation of fiber amplifiers and fiber lasers. During the webinar, we will introduce the fiber models used for simulations and briefly discuss the rate equation model used to simulate rare-earth-doped fibers and the simulation model of Raman amplification in a transmission fiber. Also, we will show a few live demos of application examples utilizing these models to simulate a fiber laser and fiber amplifiers. Finally, we will discuss the simulation results and showcase how simulation can be leveraged to optimize system parameters.


»Watch the recording here!

News CLEO

May 2023

VPIphotonics at CLEO 2023

7 - 12 May 2023, San Jose (USA)

With a distinguished history as the industry's leading event on laser science, the Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO) is the premier international forum for scientific and technical optics, uniting the fields of lasers and opto-electronics by bringing together all aspects of laser technology, from basic research to industry applications.

Come and meet our experts on Booth 238C! Please contact us to set up an individual appointment, so we can assure the availability of the appropriate specialist.

News PIC Workshop 2023

May 2023

Photonic Integrated Circuits – Design and Simulation Training

Date: 7 May 2023

Time: 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm PDT

Location:: Room 114, San Jose McEnery Convention Center

Organizers: Optica Foundation & VPIphotonics

This training teaches how to use professional simulation software VPIphotonics Design Suite and VPIdeviceDesigner to simulate and design photonic devices and integrated circuits. The program covers different techniques for simulating silicon and III-V devices and shows how to identify and address performance-limiting effects from a circuit-level design perspective.


Topics include:

•    Passive device simulation techniques
•    Active device simulation techniques
•    Designing a photonic integrated circuit


This training is of special interest to students and early-career professionals who want to learn how to utilize a professional simulation and design environment for their engineering and research tasks in Photonic Integrated Circuits. Basic knowledge of technologies, concepts and methodologies of integrated photonics is helpful.


This training includes a 4-hour session of lectures, guided labs and independent work with 1-on-1 support. Attendees, using their own laptops, will be provided access to the software in a cloud-based environment.


Registration is limited to 35 seats to provide attendees with direct access to our team of experts, so reserve your seat today!


»Register now!

New version 11.4

April 2023

VPIphotonics announces new version of its industry-leading simulation and design environment for optical components and transmission systems.

»Click here for for more details!

News OPIE Conference

April 2023

OPIE – LASER EXPO is one of the largest exhibitions in Japan specialized for the photonics industrial sector. We will present our software solutions for photonic design and analysis in cooperation with our Japanese distributor AISAY Corporation, a technology trading company based in Yokohama, Japan, dealing with state-of-the-art industrial products such as optical and electronic components and software.

We cordially invite you to visit us for drinks and snacks on 20 April 2023 at 3:00 pm at the Berlin Pavilion G-02! Come and meet our experts to discuss your application and learn more about our products and services. Please contact us for an individual appointment.

News ECIO Conference

April 2023

VPIphotonics is pleased to be exhibitor at the ECIO 2023. Visit our booth on 19 - 21 April 2023. The conference focuses on leading edge research on integrated optics, optoelectronics and nano-photonics and gathers experts from academia and industry to show their latest technical results, and showcase their products and services. The application scope is broad and it ranges from tele/datacom communications, optical interconnects, and (bio) optical sensing applications to more disruptive areas as quantum computing and mid-IR photonics.

News PIC Conference

April 2023

VPIphotonics at PIC International 2023

18 - 19 April 2023, Brussels (Belgium)

As a sponsor of PIC International 2023 we are giving away 9 free tickets to attend the conference in Brussels.
Request one here now – first come, first served!


»Contribution to conference program, presented by Andrzej Polatynski (19 Apr, 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM):

Scaling PICs in volume using foundries: "Application-specific PIC design – Acceleration and adaptation to custom processes"


Abstract: We present a custom integration framework of foundry-specific photonic PDKs into a versatile, general-purpose simulation environment addressing integrated photonics and optoelectronics applications. Our concept comprises the user-driven development of custom building block libraries based on standard data exchange formats and automated fitting of characteristics for parameterized compact simulation models. We demonstrate its beneficial application for the layout-aware schematic-driven design of PICs for various technologies and applications.

News SiPhotonics Conference

April 2023

VPIphotonics at IEEE Silicon Photonics Conference 2023

4 - 7 April 2023, Arlington (USA)

IEEE Silicon Photonics Conference – formerly known as IEEE Group IV Photonics (GFP) Conference – delivers insights on current and future innovations in photonic devices, materials, and applications, as well as novel monolithic and heterogeneous integration and fabrication technologies on silicon platform.
Come and meet our experts to discuss your application and learn more about our products and services. Please contact us for an individual appointment.

News OFC

March 2023

VPIphotonics at OFC 2023

5 - 9 March, San Diego (USA)

VPIphotonics will be back in-person exhibiting at OFC, the largest global conference and exhibition for optical communications and networking professionals! See details about our contributions and visit us at Booth 4039!

News OTS Workshop 2023

March 2023

Optical Transmission Systems – Design and Simulation Workshop

Date: 5 March 2023

Time: 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm PDT

Location:: San Diego Convention Center, Room 31A

Organizers: Optica Foundation & VPIphotonics

This workshop is being held in conjunction with the OFC Conference and will show you how to conceptualize and evaluate optical transmission systems from a communication engineer's perspective by using professional simulation software. You will learn how to efficiently simulate optical transmission systems and automate the design and analysis of new technologies using VPIphotonics Design Suite. We will investigate transmission systems scenarios for applications ranging from data center interconnects to high-capacity core network links to optical satellite communication links. We will explore general system design concepts, demonstrate how to investigate the impact of performance-limiting effects, and assess how to mitigate or compensate for them.


Topics include:

•    Professional simulation software design environment
•    Intensity-modulated direct detection systems
•    Digital coherent systems
•    Free-space optical systems


This workshop targets students and early-career professionals who want to learn how to utilize a professional simulation and design environment for their engineering and research tasks in optical transmission systems. Basic knowledge of technologies, concepts, and methodologies of the various transmission systems is helpful.


This workshop includes a 4-hour session of lectures, guided labs, and independent work with 1-on-1 support. Attendees will be provided access to the software in a cloud-based environment using their own private laptops.


Registration is limited to 35 seats to provide attendees with direct access to our team of experts, so reserve your seat today!


»Register now!

News TOP Conference

February 2023

»Contribution to conference program, presented by Braulio Gomez Saveedra (14 Feb, 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM):

Photonics for RAN: "Fiber-optic link extensions by embedded THz wireless connections"


Abstract: THz wireless links with carrier frequencies beyond the W band represent an attractive way to extend existing fiber-optic network infrastructure. Such system configurations are advantageous for broadband access networks in dense urban areas, ad hoc networks of large events, or applications where fiber cable deployment is impractical. The design of these hybrid networks requires special attention, as the THz wireless propagation characteristics are affected by weather and atmospheric effects influencing the signal performance dynamically.
We investigate within the collaborative project AI-NET-PROTECT alternatives for link architectures and analog interfaces to enable seamless interconnection between the optical fiber and the THz wireless extender of the hybrid links. We present statistical information about weather conditions to derive channel models for wireless transmission and analyze its impact on system performance. Additionally, we demonstrate the applicability of variable rate and spectral efficient modulation formats and the robustness of conventional DSP algorithms exclusively developed for optical fiber transmission when deployed to the combined fiber-optical/THz-wireless link.

News Photonics West

January/February 2023

VPIphotonics at SPIE Photonics West 2023

28 January - 2 February 2023, San Francisco (USA)

Come and meet us on Booth: 5201!


»Contribution to conference program (31 Jan 2023, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM PST):

Paper 12413-60: "Simulation Framework for Classical and Quantum Communications over the Free-Space Optical Channel"


Abstract: We present a versatile simulation framework for modeling, designing, and analyzing classical and quantum communication systems over terrestrial and satellite free-space optical links. It addresses different FSO use-cases in terrestrial, ground-to-satellite, satellite-to-ground, and inter-satellite links using direct- and coherent detection schemes. For the FSO channel modeling, we discuss two methods: an intensity-based method and a method that captures the wavefront of the optical beam using the phase screens technique. Additionally, we provide essential details about system-level simulations to analyze and optimize the entire link performance using mitigation techniques, DSP, and error correction methods.

New version 4.4

January 2023

VPIphotonics announces the release of VPIlinkConfigurator Version 4.4, a versatile software tool for optical network engineering including automatic equipment placement and configuration and a thorough system-wide performance assessment.

»Click here for more details!

News VPItoolkit ML Framework

November 2022

VPIphotonics announces new machine learning framework to design and implement deep neural networks for optical communication systems and photonic devices.


VPItoolkit ML Framework is a versatile add-on to any of the simulation tools of VPIphotonics Design Suite, enabling the implementation and design of deep neural networks (DNN) for various applications, such as equalization and nonlinearity mitigation for optical systems, device characterization, evaluation and inverse design of photonic devices.


This powerful framework provides an open-source Python-based DNN with an intuitive easy-to-use interface to manipulate model parameters and convergence constraints. Additionally, it allows for easy deployment of custom-made machine learning (ML) algorithms by the user.

News IPC 2022

November 2022

VPIphotonics at IPC

IEEE Photonics Conference

13 - 17 November 2022, Vancouver (Canada)

As the IEEE Photonics Society's flagship meeting from 13-17 November 2022 in Vancouver, Canada, the IEEE Photonics Conference's topics cover vast technical areas within the photonics community and the interests of our members. Attendees will be able to participate in Plenary Sessions, Invited Talks, Panel Discussions, Tutorial Sessions, Workshops, Special Symposia and the Industry Day programming, across the conference's topical areas.


It is our pleasure to meet you personally and to discuss your simulation requirements!

New Version of VPItoolkit DSP Library

November 2022

VPIphotonics announces the release of version 5.2 of the VPItoolkit DSP Library, a powerful set of digital signal processing algorithms developed by the Photonic Networks and Systems department at Fraunhofer HHI.


New Features:

• The function "Longitudinal Power Estimation" has been added to estimate the signal power profile in a distance-wise manner after propagating through a multi-span optical link. This in-situ monitor estimates the power profile along the link-longitudinal axis from its incoming signal by employing digital post-processing of coherent receiver data.


• The function "Nonlinear Predistortion Filter" has been updated to enable hyperparameter tuning via Bayesian optimization (BO). This allows us to autonomously optimize the memory tap distribution of Volterra series and adapt parameters used in the generation of a digital pre-distortion filter for optical transmitters.

News PIC Design Course 2022

October/November 2022

JePPIX PIC Design Course

Dates: 31 October - 11 November 2022

Location: Academisch Genootschap - Parklaan 93, 5613 BC, Eindhoven, Netherlands

The Deep-Dive PIC Design Course is a technology training scheduled for two weeks starting from Monday 31st October 2022. The course covers the theory and practice of integrated photonic components and circuit design using the powerful JePPIX building blocks. Layout and simulation methods are explored with JePPIX software partners and professional designers in hands-on sessions. This course is particularly suitable for engineers who wish to create their first MPW chips and for new Ph.D. students in the field of photonics. Click here to read a first hand account of what it's like to participate in the PIC Design Course.


The course provides both the underlying know-how to enable an understanding of the design space, and the practical skills to implement designs. Participants with specific circuit specifications in mind may also benefit by being able to think through their designs with on-site experts.


»Click here for more details and to register now!

News PIC Workshop 2022

October 2022

PIC Design and Optical System Simulation Workshop

Date: 20 October 2022

Time: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm EDT

Location: Sibley Square - Floor 6 - NextCorps, 260 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14604, USA

Attend this workshop to gain knowledge and experience in the photonic design workflow from devices to systems. You will learn how to automate the design of photonic integrated circuits and simulate high-speed optical transmission systems using VPIphotonics Design Suite.


This workshop includes a 4-hour in-person session of lectures, guided labs, and independent work with 1-on-1 support. Attendees will have access to the software in a cloud-based environment.


Pre-registration is required and it is limited to 30 seats to provide attendees with direct access to our team of experts, so reserve your seat today!


»Register now!

News FioLS 2022

October 2022

VPIphotonics at FiO LS

Frontiers in Optics + Laser Science

17 - 20 October 2022, Rochester (USA)

Frontiers in Optics + Laser Science is your opportunity to meet with and learn from the trailblazers and discoverers that are pushing the boundaries of science and technology. Over five content-rich days, more than 50 technical sessions will be presented, featuring invited speakers, contributed oral talks and poster presentations.


Come to our Booth 1602 and learn more about our products and services!

News PDBB 2022

October 2022

VPIphotonics at Photonics Days Berlin Brandenburg

5 - 6 October 2022, Berlin (Germany)

Berlin Brandenburg is one of the innovation hotspots in very diverse fields of Photonics, optics, microsystems technologies and quantum technologies. Berlin Brandenburg is also a start-up hotspot in digital and also photonics based technologies.


During this year's Photonics Days Berlin Brandenburg we want to discuss the latest tech developments, manufacturing and testing challenges and market opportunities.


Come and meet us there!

News ICSO 2022

October 2022

VPIphotonics at ICSO

International Conference on Space Optics

3 - 7 October 2022, Dubrovnik (Croatia)

ICSO 2022 is the 14th edition of the largest meeting worldwide of experts working in all disciplines of Optical, Optoelectronic and Photonic Technologies for Space Applications.


Meet our experts at the ICSO 2022 Exhibition which will take place during the conference.
Discuss your application at our booth and learn more about our products and services!

News ECOC 2022

September 2022

VPIphotonics at ECOC

European Conference on Optical Communication

18 - 22 September 2022, Basel (Switzerland)

The European Conference on Optical Communication (ECOC) is the continent's largest event in the field and one of the most prestigious and traditional events on optical communications worldwide.
ECOC as one of the leading conferences on optical communication attracts scientists and researchers from across the world. Not only top universities, but also the world's biggest and most influential companies present their astonishing breakthroughs from materials and devices to systems and networks, and their insightful visions for the future. ECOC is the key meeting place to share knowledge, exchange ideas, foster innovation and start collaborations on a global level.


Contributions to the conference program:


»Title: "Challenges in modeling wideband transmission systems" (SC7 - Core & Metro Networks) – presented by Andre Richter, VPIphotonics


»Title: "The QAMeleon ecosystem: SDN-enabled high-speed transceivers and photonic switches for the next generation of DCI and Metro networks" (SC7 - Core & Metro Networks) – presented by Harry Zervos, National Technical University of Athens


Hear us speak and talk to our experts at the Booth 311!

News IEEE RAPiD 2022

September 2022

VPIphotonics at IEEE RAPiD

Research and Applications of Photonics in Defence

12 - 14 September 2022, Miramar Beach (USA)

The IEEE RAPID conference aims to bring together government, academia and industry in a global forum to present new fundamental basic research, innovative technologies and build collaborations to solve critical security and defense challenges. This international conference will be broad in scope covering such areas as electromagnetics, device physics, optics and photonics, algorithms, and test and evaluation to name a few. With the breadth of topics covered, this conference seeks to attract diverse participation and collaboration from academia, industry, defense and government agencies that will promote security interests with opportunities to increase technical depth and breadth as well as networking with peers. In a world where technology is rapidly changing, collaborations and multidisciplinary work is the only way to solve research challenges and foster the next generation of scientific discovery.


Meet our experts at the Booth!

OPTICA Tutorial July 2022

July 2022

OPTICA Industry Tutorial:

Simulation of Classical & Quantum Communications over FSO Satellite Links


Free space optical (FSO) communication technology based on the optical signal transmission through a free-space channel has gained significant interest in recent years. FSO satellite links have the potential to establish a global all-optical communication network that could cope with the increasing demands for high data rates and communication capacity. Moreover, satellite-based quantum key distribution (QKD) could provide secure and private communication between distant users.

VPIphotonics Design Suite™ offers advanced means for simulation of both classical and quantum optical communication systems for terrestrial and satellite FSO links. In this webinar, we focus on modeling aspects of FSO signal transmission in ground-to-satellite, satellite-to-ground, and intersatellite links. We will also work through a few live demos of application examples and investigate the FSO system performance in presence of such adverse effects as atmospheric scintillation, attenuation, beam diffraction, and pointing errors. In addition, we discuss the satellite-based quantum key distribution and demonstrate how the performance of the QKD link depends on a satellite's position and other link parameters.

To watch the recording click here!

News AngelTech PIC International 2022

June 2022

VPIphotonics at 6th PIC International Conference

28 - 29 June 2022, Brussels (Belgium)

»Contribution to the conference program, presented by Andre Richter:

Title: "Interoperable Software Tools for the Photonic Design Workflow"


Abstract: Photonic engineers face the challenge of effectively utilizing the various software tools needed to accomplish specific design and simulation studies. We demonstrate the application of photonic foundry PDK building blocks to model specific components within an entire optical system. We show how to realize a complete optical system simulation as a functional block to electronic design automation tools for full end-to-end link simulation. We discuss a comprehensive workflow that integrates design and simulation techniques ranging from optical waveguides and fibers to complete optical communication systems and offers interoperation with 3rd party software solutions.


Hear us speak and talk to our experts at the Booth!

New version 11.3

May 2022

VPIphotonics announces new version of its industry-leading simulation and design environment for optical components and transmission systems.

»Click here for for more details and download our Press Release!

News CLEO

May 2022

VPIphotonics at CLEO 2022

17 - 19 May 2022, San Jose (USA)

CLEO (Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics) serves as the premier international forum for scientific and technical optics, uniting the fields of lasers and opto-electronics by bringing together all aspects of laser technology, from basic research to industry applications.

Come and meet our experts on Booth 212! Please contact us to set up an individual appointment, so we can assure the availability of the appropriate specialist.

News ECIO 2022

May 2022

VPIphotonics at ECIO 2022

4 - 6 May 2022, Milan (Italy)

VPIphotonics is pleased to be exhibitor at the ECIO 2022. Visit our booth on 4 - 6 May 2022. The European Conference on Integrated Optics has now reached its 23rd edition. Photonic integration is an exciting and rapidly developing field, with growing activity at all technology levels, from high impact scientific research, through industrialization up to commercial products.

The 2022 edition will take place in Milan, Italy. Set up an appointment with one of our experts to discuss your application and learn more about our products and services.

News OPIE 2022

April 2022

VPIphotonics at OPIE 2022

20 - 22 April 2022, Pacifico Yokohama (Japan)

OPIE – LASER EXPO is one of the largest exhibitions in Japan specialized for the photonics industrial sector. We will present our software solutions for photonic design and analysis in cooperation with our Japanese distributor AISAY Corporation, a technology trading company based in Yokohama, Japan, dealing with state-of-the-art industrial products such as optical and electronic components and software.

We cordially invite you to visit us for drinks and snacks on 21 April 2022 at 3:30 pm at the Germany Pavilion G-02! Come and meet our experts to discuss your application and learn more about our products and services. Please contact us for an individual appointment.

News OPTICA Technology Showcase

April 2022

»"The Photonic Design Workflow" presented by Chris Maloney, 13th April 2022 at 10am ET


Abstract: One of the biggest challenges faced by photonic design and systems engineers is effectively utilizing the variety of software design tools needed to accomplish specific design or modelling studies. Depending on the scope of the design task, it is important to distinguish between levels of abstraction and provide more or less detail to sections of the simulation as needed. This could be accomplished by using photonic foundry PDK building blocks to model specific components within a full optical system or by providing a full optical system simulation as a building block to electronic design automation tools for full end-to-end link simulation. We will discuss a comprehensive photonic design workflow that integrates design and simulation techniques ranging from optical waveguides and fibers to full optical communication systems that is interoperable with a wide variety of 3rd party software solutions.

To watch the recording click here!

News OFC

March 2022

VPIphotonics at OFC 2022

06 - 10 March, San Diego (USA)

VPIphotonics will be back in-person exhibiting at OFC, the largest global conference and exhibition for optical communications and networking professionals! Come and visit us at Booth 4239!


Contributions to the conference program:


»Lab Automation Hackathon (6 Mar 2022, 8:00pm to 10:00pm PST, Room 17AB):

Come network with students and professional wizards of lab automation and programming! Food and drinks provided to facilitate discussion!


»7 Pennies Workshop on Photonic Integrated Circuits (9 Mar 2022, 5:15pm to 8:30pm PST, Room 29ABCD):

A free Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Workshop is being held in conjunction with the OFC Conference hosted by 7 Pennies Consulting. This is one of the only in-person workshop for those interested in PICs available in the US. Take this great opportunity to learn and connect with us and others in the field! The OFC PIC Workshop is free of charge for regular attendees, but does require advance registration.

News PR ELENA

February 2022

VPIphotonics contributes to ELENA

First European Lithium Niobate on Insulator PIC Platform

The ELENA project promises to benefit the entire photonics sector by developing the first European lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI)-based platform for photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and establishing the first open-access foundry service for novel LNOI technology. ELENA is a collaborative Research and Innovation Action funded by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 programme.

»Click here for the Press Release!

News TOP Conference

February 2022

»Contribution to conference program, presented by Elias Giacoumidis (14 Feb 2022, 12:15 PM - 12:30 PM):

Data Centres / PONs: "AI-enabled fibre-optic access networks for smart cities"


Abstract: The collaborative R&D project KIGLIS envisions artificial intelligence (AI) enabled fiber-optic communications for smart cities. It targets a considerable increase in data rates with almost identical hardware costs using AI methods. Dynamic bandwidth allocation and specific latency requirements will enable multiple access to passive optical networks (PON).
We present the performance limitations of different PON solutions based on direct-detection and coherent reception for up to 100 Gb/s and 31.5 dB power budget. We demonstrate effective electro-optical converted signal processing optimization using machine learning (ML) techniques. We show that sufficient receiver sensitivity and dispersion tolerance can be achieved by combining a low-chirp optical transmitter in the O-band and simplified receiver-side feed-forward equalization (EQ) in a PAM4 configuration. In C-band, ML-based-assisted EQ can reach the stringent power budget PON requirements when both coherent and direct-detected systems are employed.

OPTICA Webinar February 2022

February 2022

OIDA Sponsored Webinar:

Optical Link Design Automation from Access to Core Networks


Recent growth in the deployment of xHaul networks including metro and core networks triggers the application of very different technologies to support the increase in link distances and traffic. Critical network design constraints include dense wavelength division multiplexing (D)WDM of channels operating at different data rates, and the deployment of optical amplifiers and dispersion compensation modules (DCMs) to meet power and dispersion budget requirements. Cost-optimized planning of such networks is a challenging task considering the diverse equipment constraints. In this webinar we demonstrate an automated network design that efficiently addresses the challenges and requirements for various types of networks.

»Webinar: 9 February 2022, 8AM PT/11AM ET/5PM CET

To watch the recording click here!

News Photonics West

January 2022

VPIphotonics at SPIE Photonics West 2022

22 - 27 January 2022, San Francisco (USA)

Come and meet us on Booth: 5300!


»Contribution to conference program, presented by Andre Richter (26 Jan 2022, 2:35 PM - 2:50 PM PST):

Paper 12027-5: "Transmission-aware multiple lightpath reconfiguration in flexgrid optical networks"


Abstract: We present an algorithmic approach that offers an efficient way of multiple lightpaths reconfiguration, either for increased traffic requests, or lightpath restoration. It permits the building of a feasible optical network design considering the available spectrum, traffic demand characteristics, network topology, equipment configurations, and engineering constraints. We show the employment of methods for calculating and provisioning multiple lightpaths. Our approach is flexible enough to accommodate optical network topologies of different types and sizes. The result is a lightpath configuration that is optimized for spectrum utilization and GSNR degradation.

To to watch the recording click here!

News VPItoolkit PDK GPIC 2.2

November 2021

Together with Siemens EDA, we continue improving the interface between VPIphotonics Design Suite, L-Edit, and S-Edit tools to provide a streamlined environment for optoelectronic and photonic integrated circuits and systems design.

News AngelTech PIC International 2021

November 2021

VPIphotonics at 5th PIC International Conference

9 - 10 November 2021, Brussels (Belgium)

»Contribution to the conference program, presented by Andre Richter:

Title: "Coping with the diversity of technologies and applications in CAD environments"


Abstract: Versatile design tools for integrated photonics and optoelectronics need to support a diversity of technologies addressing very different types of applications. This imposes stringent requirements on software environments, especially on circuit simulators emulating the characteristics of the components to be developed. We present an easily extensible simulation platform that allows in particular to integrate third-party tool capabilities and lab characterization information into a seamless simulation workflow. We illustrate its value for nonlinear photonics and quantum communication applications, the virtual testing of photonic chip characteristics, and the electrical and optical codesign of component and system solutions.


Hear us speak and talk to our experts at the Booth!

ECOC Virtual Catch Up 2021

November 2021

ECOC Exhibition Virtual Catch Up

European Conference on Optical Communication

1 - 3 November 2021, online

Following on from the return to the exhibition halls in Bordeaux, France in September the virtual catch-up is the perfect place to connect with exhibitors, customers and colleagues not able to attend the physical event and to attend sessions from Market Focus and Product Focus.


The virtual event will run in the same format as ECOC Live 2020, delivering 3 days of industry developments and insights, discussion from leading companies and networking.


The unique virtual exhibition hall enables you to browse virtual booths, download information, watch product videos and request meetings at time that suits your schedule and timezone.


Come and meet us there!

OSA Webinar October 2021

October 2021

OIDA Sponsored Webinar:

A simulation environment for QKD systems and co-existing classical channels


Recently VPIphotonics developed a new simulation tool, VPItoolkit QKD. When used together with VPItransmissionMaker Optical Systems, a simulation environment for classical transmission systems, they represent a powerful R&D environment for the development of QKD systems based on weak-coherent prepare-and-measure protocols, including co-existence scenarios with classical channels. The design environment can serve as a test bed for the development and evaluation of various implementation options of QKD systems and sub-systems, such as pulse shaping, signal recovery and filtering, and others.

»Webinar: 6 October 2021, 8AM PT/11AM ET/5PM CET

To to watch the recording click here!

Photonic Days 2021 BB

October 2021

Photonics Days 2021 Berlin Brandenburg

4 - 7 October, 2021

Photonics – enabling technologies, still and now more than ever!


Our team will attend and also contributes to the PolyPhotonics Berlin Workshop ⇒ 5 Oct, 15:00 - 18:00:

"Simulate and characterize your hybrid PIC design" presented by André Richter (15:42)

»Come and meet our experts there!

ECOC 2021

September 2021

ECOC Conference & Exhibition

European Conference on Optical Communication

13 - 16 September 2021

the largest conference on optical communications in Europe

Come and meet us on Stand: 800!


Contribution to conference program:

»Technical Session SC5 - Optical Transmission systems – High capacity transmission (We3C1.6, Wed 15:15 - 15:30):
"Impact of Wavelength-Dependent I/Q Imbalances of Standard C-Band Transceivers in Rate-Adaptive Multiband Systems"
presented by Gabriele Di Rosa

Abstract: We experimentally characterize wavelength-dependent I/Q imbalances when operating standard C-band IQ-modulator and coherent receiver in S-C-L-band systems. We evaluate their impact on the achievable entropy rate for probabilistically shaped PDM-256/64-QAM and show no penalty up to 150 nm bandwidth based on a single calibration.


»Workshop SC4 - Techniques for digitally enhancing optical communication – How machine learning can revolutionize optical fiber communications? (Mo1B-WS/Mo2B-WS, Mon 9:00 - 12:30):
"Unsupervised machine learning for modern transmission systems"
presented by Elias Giacoumidis


»Workshop SC6 - Theory of Optical Communications and Quantum Communications – Optical communications beyond 2020: Are we ready for the quantum age? (Mo3D-WS/Mo4D-WS, Mon 13:30 - 17:00):
"Modelling Weak-Coherent CV/DV QKD Systems using a Classical Simulation Framework"
presented by André Richter


»Special Event - Wideband Optical Networks (WON) (Mo3A-SE/Mo4A-SE, Mon 13:30 - 17:00):
"Wavelength-Dependency of Standard C-Band Transceivers Performance in Multiband Systems"
presented by Gabriele Di Rosa

New version 4.3

August 2021

VPIphotonics announces new release of VPIlinkDesigner, a software tool for optical link engineering including equipment placement and configuration and a thorough system wide performance assessment.

»Click here for more details!

New version 11.2

July 2021

VPIphotonics announces new version of its industry-leading simulation and design environment for optical components and transmission systems.

»Click here for for more details and the Press Release!

News OSA APC

July 2021

VPIphotonics will participate in the OSA Advanced Photonics Congress. Come and join our talk "Multi-dimensional Short Blocklength Probabilistic Shaping for Digital Subcarrier Multiplexing Systems" which will be held virtually by Abdelkerim Amari.

News IEEE PSST

July 2021

VPIphotonics participates in the IEEE Photonics Society Summer Topicals. Don't miss our invited presentation on "Modeling aspects when designing wideband transmission systems", part of the conference topic "Ultra-wideband Optical Fiber Communication Systems". It will be presented virtually by André Richter, who will be online for Q&A on 20. July 2021 during the allocated streaming time.

News OPIE

June 2021

VPIphotonics at OPIE 2021

OPTICS & PHOTONICS International Exhibition

30 June - 2 July 2021, Pacifico Yokohama, Japan

OPIE - LASER EXPO is one of the largest exhibitions in Japan specialized for the photonics industrial sector. We will present our software solutions for photonic design and analysis in cooperation with our Japanese distributor AISAY Corporation, a technology trading company based in Yokohama, Japan, dealing with state-of-the-art industrial products such as optical and electronic components and software. Come and meet our experts to discuss your application and learn more about our products and services.

News Photonics+

June 2021

VPIphotonics at Photonics+ 2021

29 - 30 June 2021, online

PHOTONICS+ Virtual Exhibition and Conference, in partnership with EPIC, is a new efficient networking event for the photonics industry due to take place from 29 - 30 June 2021. Watch us at this exciting event! We will be contributing a forward-looking talk about "Design of Integrated Photonic Waveguides & Optical Fibers with VPIdeviceDesigner", presented by Chris Maloney, Director of Business Development.

News ONDM

June 2021

VPIphotonics at ONDM 2021

28 June - 1 July 2021, online

VPIphotonics will participate in 25th International Conference on Optical Network Design and Modelling from 28 June - 1 July 2021. Don't miss our talk "Transmission-Aware Bandwidth Variable Transceiver Allocation in DWDM Optical Networks" presented by Dmitry Khomchenko on 1 July 2021 at 11:25 AM (CET).

To to watch the recording click here!

News PR DeviceDesigner

May 2021

Releasing a new interoperable software platform for the design of photonic devices, empowering researchers to explore new designs for photonic integrated circuit (PIC) passive components and optical fibers. This new platform streamlines the migration of device-level simulation data into a circuit-level simulator for the design and optimization of PICs.

»Click here for the Press Release!

News CLEO

May 2021

VPIphotonics will participate in the CLEO Technical Conference. Visit us at the Technology Showcase and in the Virtual Booth Exhibition.


»Don't miss our talk at the CLEO Technology Showcase,
"New Interoperable Software Platform for the Design of Photonic Devices"
will be held virtually on Tuesday May 11th at 16:40 CET.
»Click here for the Press Release and for the recording!


For free attendance, register for a CLEO Exhibits Plus Pass.

New version 4.3

April 2021

VPIphotonics announces the release of VPIlinkConfigurator Version 4.3, a versatile software tool for optical network engineering including automatic equipment placement and configuration and a thorough system-wide performance assessment.

»Click here for more details!

News AngelTech Virtual Live III

April 2021

VPIphotonics at AngelTech Virtual Live III

12 April, 2021 Online Only

»Contribution to the 3rd virtual AngelTech Online Summit, presented by Andre Richter:

Title: "Fabrication tolerance-aware schematic-driven PIC design"


Abstract: PIC fabrication tolerances are inevitable and strongly degrade device yield, unless their impact on overall performance characteristics is considered during the design process. We present a general-purpose schematic-driven design framework that provides easy access to statistical performance techniques. By introducing a novel method that allows for the identification of critical light paths and applying automated phase compensation inside the models, the analysis of fabrication tolerances on-wafer and between wafers is significantly simplified. We demonstrate its application in several PIC designs including complex photonics-based neural networks.

To to watch the recording click here!

News Photonics West

March 2021

VPIphotonics at SPIE Photonics West 2021

6-11 March, 2021 Online Only

»Contribution to conference program, presented by Andre Richter (On-demand starting 6 March):

Paper 11690-2: "Schematic-driven PIC design process considering manufacturing tolerances"


Abstract: Inevitable manufacturing tolerances strongly degrade the fabrication yield of photonic integrated circuits (PICs), unless their effect on overall performance characteristics is considered and mitigated during the design process. We present a general purpose schematic-driven design framework that provides easy access to statistical performance techniques such as sensitivity, corner and yield analysis. It supports the analysis of statistical parameter variations due to manufacturing tolerances on-waver and between wavers, and delivers valuable insights into the dependency of structural parameters on the overall PIC performance. We demonstrate its application on complex PIC designs comprising up to hundreds of photonic building blocks.

OSA Webinar February 2021

February 2021

OIDA Sponsored Webinar:

Automated PIC Modelling: A Photonic Neural Network Use Case


As the complexity of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) continues to grow, testing environments become more complicated. In this webinar, we will present several simulation testbenches prepared for visualizing typical measurement characteristics. The examples we will discuss include methods for group index verification, simulation of passive circuit transfer functions, characterization of SOAs, and evaluating the transfer characteristic of an Activation Unit for a Photonic Neural Network. These examples will all be demonstrated live using the photonic design automation (PDA) software VPIcomponentMaker Photonic Circuits.

»Webinar: 25 February, 8am PST, 11am EST, 5pm CET

To watch the recording click here!

PHOTONICS+

February 2021

PHOTONICS+ Virtual Exhibition and Conference, in partnership with EPIC, is a new, efficient networking event for the photonics industry due to take place for the first time on 17 + 18 February 2021. The innovative live, digital event brings stakeholders in the photonics industry together with relevant user areas.


»Watch us at this exciting event! We will be contributing to the programme a forward looking talk:
The future is bright: A glimpse into the crystal ball of Photonic Design Automation.