We investigate novel technologies for the physical layer of optical networks. Important research topics include: 
    - Increasing optical transmission capacity by exploiting the space, frequency and time domain  while reducing the cost per transmitted bit/km 
 
    - Monitoring the properties of transmission systems and optical signals, paving the way for new solutions such as spectrum services, as well as using the fiber infrastructure as a sensor network 
 
    - Controlling the optical components and sub-systems to ensure stable operations and best network performance