November 10, 2003

EEEL’s Dr. Sarah Gilbert named a Fellow of the Optical Society of America

Sarah Gilbert of EEEL's Optoelectronics Division has been elected a Fellow of the Optical Society of America for “the development of practical wavelength standards for optical communications systems.”

Wavelength standards developed by Dr. Gilbert and William Swann played a key role in the rapid growth of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology in optical fiber communications. WDM allows carriers to greatly increase the transmission capacity of optical fiber by transmitting data over multiple wavelengths that are then separated for detection. This method, however, puts significant demands on the wavelength accuracy and stability requirements for lasers and multiplexing/demultiplexing components used in these systems.

Gilbert and Swann responded to this measurement challenge by developing a family of wavelength reference cells based on molecular absorption lines. These cells, available as NIST Standard Reference Materials, or SRMs, act as a wavelength "rulers" that cover the full range of wavelengths used in fiber optic communication systems. Over 180 SRMs have been sold since their introduction in 1997. The SRMs improved the accuracy of measurements needed to manufacture critical WDM components while also reducing measurement cost by reducing the reliance on more expensive instrumentation.

Dr. Gilbert will formally receive this honor at the Optical Fiber Communications Conference in February 2004.

Contact:

Kent B. Rochford, 303-497-5285