Coherent Everywhere

Project Overview

The Coherent Everywhere project focuses on developing a complete coherent optical communication platform for datacom and telecom applications. The project is executed by EFFECT Photonics in Eindhoven and runs for 36 months. The programme aligns with the National Growth Fund Photonics initiative and addresses the increasing global demand for high-capacity, energy-efficient data transmission.

Rapid growth in digital communication—driven by cloud computing, 5G, IoT and AI—continues to increase the need for coherent optical technologies that support higher data rates while reducing energy consumption. The project aims to strengthen the European position in coherent telecommunication technologies and to support a more sustainable data infrastructure.

Project Goal

The central goal is the development of a fully functioning, coherent communication platform ready for use in datacom/telecom systems. This includes:

• A new digital signal processor (DSP) optimised for coherent optical transmission
• A set of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and modules enabling coherent transceivers
• A test and validation laboratory capable of supporting RF, optical and reliability testing at telecom-grade requirements

These components form the foundation for scalable coherent modules for short- and long-reach fibre communication networks.

Scope of Work

The work is divided into three major work packages:

1. DSP Development

The project develops a 100G coherent DSP, including algorithms, architecture, layout and production. The DSP corrects fibre impairments such as dispersion and converts optical signals into digital data. The development consists of system simulation, low-level design, verification and fabrication steps. All associated intellectual property is held in the Netherlands.

2. Coherent PICs and Transceivers

This work package realises several building blocks:

• Integrable Tunable Laser Assembly (ITLA) with narrow linewidth and high wavelength stability
• First-generation coherent transceiver combining the ITLA, a purchased coherent optical subassembly, and the DSP
• Second-generation coherent transceiver based on a monolithic InP PIC developed jointly with Smart Photonics
• Coherent PIC prototypes based on a new PDK for coherent applications

These developments support future high-volume manufacturing and enable short-reach and long-reach communication links.

3. Test & Validation Infrastructure

A dedicated cleanroom-based validation laboratory is established to perform:

• RF performance measurements
• Optical power and wavelength stability tests
• Linewidth and spectral purity verification
• Long-duration reliability testing (including 5000-hour tests)

The lab supports both internal development and collaboration with Smart Photonics and other ecosystem partners.

Summary

Coherent Everywhere develops the core technologies needed for next-generation coherent optical communication:

• A European DSP platform
• High-performance coherent PICs and transceivers
• A shared validation infrastructure

The project supports the growing demand for faster, more energy-efficient data networks and reinforces the Netherlands’ strategic position in optical communication technologies.

Main result achieved

EFFECT Photonics taped out the DSP with Broadcom, with the first samples for bring-up and evaluation expected in 2025. Meanwhile, the ITLA has shown promising performance on alpha samples, approximating target product specifications and showing technical failures observed in testing. Preparatory works for commercialisation in 2025 are underway.