MIT has pioneered the use of nanotechnology in realizing optical integrated circuits (ICs) capable of high-level functionality. In addition to research creating the building blocks of optical ICs, MIT researchers have for the first time demonstrated that such building blocks -- waveguides, bends and splitters -- can be integrated with active structures such as lasers, amplifiers and modulators.

Pirelli and MIT scientists will study a new generation of integrated optical systems based on nanotechnologies. Pirelli's goal is to utilize all of the wavelengths available in a fiber-optic cable to maximize the amount of data transmitted on each fiber and create a breakthrough in the field of broadband telecommunications. Under the agreement, visiting scientists from both organizations will work in MIT laboratories and the new clean rooms of Pirelli Labs near Milan. The latter are advanced laboratories devoted to research and production of optical components for telecommunications based on nanotechnologies and will occupy about 5000 square meters in the new Pirelli Labs building.

The results of this joint research will be developed by Pirelli. Pirelli expects to make it available to the optical communication systems market by the beginning of 2004.

The goal is to provide very high quality services over an ultra-broadband to the residential subscriber. Pirelli has invested since the end of the '80s in the field of optical telecommunications. For this field to be profitable, it requires nanotechnology to lower the costs.

The Pirelli-MIT Research Alliance for Microphotonic Circuits will be managed by a joint Board of Governors consisting of three representatives each from Pirelli and MIT.

January.2002