Finishing the euchromatic sequence of the human genome

The sequence of the human genome encodes the genetic instructions for human physiology, as well as rich information about human evolution. In 2001, the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium reported a draft sequence of the euchromatic portion of the human genome. Since then, the international collaboration has worked to convert this draft into a genome sequence with high accuracy and nearly complete coverage. Here, we report the result of this finishing process. The current genome sequence (Build 35) contains 2.85 billion nucleotides interrupted by only 341 gaps. It covers ∼99% of the euchromatic genome and is accurate to an error rate of ∼1 event per 100,000 bases. Many of the remaining euchromatic gaps are associated with segmental duplications and will require focused work with new methods. The near-complete sequence, the first for a vertebrate, greatly improves the precision of biological analyses of the human genome including studies of gene number, birth and death. Notably, the human enome seems to encode only 20,000-25,000 protein-coding genes. The genome sequence reported here should serve as a firm foundation for biomedical research in the decades ahead

Photonic integration technologies for indoor optical wireless communications

\u3cp\u3eIndoor optical wireless communication (OWC) using steerable infrared beams is regarded as an important component in future 5G network. Photonic integration technologies can meet the criteria of such application, and provide low-cost, high-performance and very compact chips. In this paper, we review the recent development of photonic integration technologies suitable for indoor OWC application, and discuss in detail the current status and future opportunities of several key devices, such as the chip to free space couplers, integrated receivers and transmitters.\u3c/p\u3

Development of plasmonic slot waveguide on InP membrane

In this paper, we demonstrate a plasmonic slot waveguide on the InP membranes on silicon (IMOS) platform. Simulation and experimental results show this component features low insertion loss, low propagation loss and small footprint

Fabrication technology of a slot waveguide modulator in InP Membranes on Silicon (IMOS)

For the InP Membranes On Silicon (IMOS) platform [1], we developed an electrooptic modulator based on a slot-waveguide with a high nonlinear polymer. A variety of fabrication techniques are used, including electron beam lithography (EBL), optical lithography (OL), dry etching and metallization. The fabrication of such modulator requires a complex fabrication process. In this work we present and discuss the most important fabrication steps

Continuous wave integrated DBR laser in an InP membrane platform

\u3cp\u3eWe present the first demonstration of a continuous wave DBR laser for the Indium Phosphide Membrane On Silicon (IMOS) platform. The laser with 500 µm long cavity has a threshold current density of 2.5 kA/cm\u3csup\u3e2\u3c/sup\u3e and total output power in a waveguide of 0.6 mW.\u3c/p\u3

Low-cost and high-speed nanophotonic integrated circuits for access networks

\u3cp\u3eEver-increasing data traffic demands higher-speed and lower-cost PICs for the access network. Nanophotonic ICs on a thin membrane is a promising solution providing high density, enhanced speed and reduced assembly cost through electronics co-integration. We present our recent developments on an InP nanophotonic membrane. (TuB4.2)\u3c/p\u3