Software for simulation and improved design of high data rate optical fibres components 

Argotech is a Czech research and development company specializing in optics, electronics, and mechanics. To improve services in the field of Photonics Integrated Circuits (PIC), the company sought cooperation with ESA Technology Broker. The company specialize on bidirectional optical components (BIDI) for high-speed communication on a single optical fibre.

To ensure the BIDI technology resistance, the company conducts simulations to test an electron flow and high-frequency signals and electromagnetic interference. However, these tests were very time demanding. The modelling could last up to 8 days. The company contacted ESA Technology Brokers in TC Prague who then brought Argotech into contact with the German company CST specializing in analytical software for electromagnetic components and systems.

Originally developed software was used for simulation and design optimalization of Photonics Integrated Circuits (PIC) which were used for duplex high data rate communication over a single optical fibre. By using this software optimized for space application design, the time to test a PIC design was reduced from days to hours, with more accurate calculations.