Global Sensing Network enabled by Passive Noiseless Amplification

forthcoming

SENSE aims at developing an innovative fibre-optic distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) architecture completely compatible with contemporary telecom infrastructure worldwide. Our planet is interlaced with a vast network of optical fibres, forming the backbone of modern telecommunications. Leveraging that massive infrastructure as a global sensing network may be truly transformational, leading to unprecedented means for advanced link surveillance, geophysical and climate exploration and public safety enhancement with minimal investment. While the potential of DAS is breathtaking due to its high sensitivity, excellent localization capabilities and linearity, the compatibility between data transmission and distributed sensing remains a fundamental, unsolved problem. Current approaches for increasing the limited range of DAS (~100 km) induce crosstalk on data channels, while the need for ultra-narrow linewidth lasers critically elevates their cost, preventing their massive deployment. I plan to solve this compatibility challenge by incorporating a disruptive signal processing methodology derived from the Fourier optics discipline in DAS systems. This methodology involves a passive amplification arrangement with denoising capabilities based on temporal Talbot array illuminators (T-TAI). T-TAI processing will allow reduce additive and phase noise in 30 dB, with unparalleled impact on operation range and relaxation of laser linewidth requirements. In long-haul links, a smart WDM architecture and specific T-TAI-based optical repeaters will be designed, ensuring the co-existence of DAS and data traffic on the same fibre along transoceanic links (>1000 of km) with minimal infrastructure modifications. In short-haul links, the cost of DAS interrogators will be reduced by a factor of 100, in line with the cost of current transceivers. The new DAS architecture will enable a live global sensing network with outstanding impact on economy, climate and wellbeing of society.