Dr./Ph.D in Optical Communications, Networking, Optical Signal Processing, Non-linear devices, 2009
University of Essex
MSc in Telecommunications and Information Systems, 2002
University of Essex
BEng in Electronic Systems Engineering, 2001
University of Essex
Dr Chigo Okonkwo is currently an Assistant Professor at the Institute for Photonics Integration (Formerly COBRA), Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in The Netherlands. He currently works on High capacity short and long haul systems employing single/multi-carrier signals.
As a Senior Researcher (2009-2012) he worked on schemes and architectures for High Capacity In-Building and Dynamic Optical Access Networks within the EU ICT projects (ALPHA, POF-PLUS and EURO-FOS) and a joint research framework project with ETRI.
He graduated in 2001 with a B.Eng. Honours degree in Electronic Engineering with a project on the characterisation of Hot electron light emitting and lasing semiconductor hetero-structures. The following year, he obtained a Masters degree (M.Sc) in Telecommunications and Information systems.
The Ph.D research at the University of Essex focused on “Exploiting Parametric Wavelength Converters for Optical Signal Processing” which demonstrated all-optical wavelength conversion and demultiplexing functions at 320Gb/s employing periodically-poled Lithium Niobate devices.
Since 2010, he has contributed to the MODEGAP project, his research focuses on Ultra-high capacity space division multiplexed transmission systems. From advanced modulation (2D and 4D) formats to the optical and digital signal processing schemes required for such systems.
Currently, his work is focused on scaling the number of transmitted modes (>3) as well as the development of few-mode and/or multi-core fibers and amplifiers leading to a provisional patent (“Time-Domain multiplexed (TDM) - Spatial Division multiplexed (SDM) Multi-mode/single-mode converter for optical systems”) and several key publications in Nature Photonics, JLT and Optics Express.
As a member of the professional organisations IET, IEEE and OSA, he serves as a reviewer and has (co)authored more than 170 publications in conferences and journals.