Polariton Technologies, in collaboration with ETH Zurich and Lightwave Logic, has achieved data rates exceeding 400 Gbps per lane using commercial off-the-shelf ring resonator modulators (RRM). This milestone positions Polariton for next-generation optical transceivers, such as 1.6T and 3.2T products. The breakthrough builds on previous work by ETH Zurich, which demonstrated similar data rates using Mach-Zehnder modulators (MZM). However, the new RRM design offers significantly lower losses, improving overall efficiency.
Polariton was founded in 2019 as a spin-off of ETH Zurich.
Testing conducted earlier in 2024 showed a flat electro-optic response up to 110 GHz and an 11.2 dB extinction ratio, with devices optimized for 1550 nm operation. Polariton is now extending these results, with measurements at 145 GHz and developing devices for 1310 nm wavelengths. The company intends to offer early customer access to the new 1310 and 1550 nm devices starting in October 2024.
Polariton aims to solve the challenges of current parallel transmission systems, which are less reliable, more costly, and power-hungry compared to single-lane approaches.
• Achieved 400 Gbps per lane with ring resonator modulators (RRM).
• Devices feature 1.2 dB loss and 11.2 dB extinction ratio.
• Flat electro-optic response up to 110 GHz, with ongoing testing up to 145 GHz.
• Optimized for 1550 nm, with 1310 nm versions under development.
• Polariton will offer early access to the devices in October 2024.
• Announcement follows a showcase at ECOC 2024 in Frankfurt.
“The 400G per lane RRM products position Polariton well for the 1.6T and 3.2T transceiver market,” said Claudia Hoessbacher, CEO of Polariton.
