KM3NeT Broadcast Optical Data Transport System

TL;DR

The KM3NeT neutrino telescope employs a sophisticated optical data transport system using Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing to connect over 6000 modules to onshore control stations, ensuring high data rates and reliable deep-sea communication.

Contribution

This paper presents the design, implementation, and performance evaluation of the first large-scale deep-sea optical data transport system for neutrino detection.

Findings

Achieved maximum data rate of 200 Mbps per optical module

Demonstrated low bit error rates and robust optical performance

Successfully integrated Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing in deep-sea environment

Abstract

The optical data transport system of the KM3NeT neutrino telescope at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea will provide each of the more than 6000 optical modules in the detector arrays with a point-to-point optical connection to the control stations onshore. The ARCA and ORCA detectors of KM3NeT are being installed at a depth of about 3500 m and 2500 m, respectively; their distance to the control stations is about 100 kilometers and 40 kilometers. The expected maximum data rate is 200 Mbps per optical module. The implemented optical data transport system matches the layouts of the networks of electro-optical cables and junction boxes in the deep sea. For efficient use of the fibres in the system the technology of Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing is applied. The performance of the optical system in terms of measured bit error rates, optical budget and the next steps in the implementation of the system are presented.