SBIR-STTR Award

This phase I SBIR proposal comprises a feasibility study of an advanced new class of optical devices that promise to provide a dramatic expansion of practical optical function in areas such spectral filtering and optical processing. Many areas of optical data transport will benefit from robust, low-cost, yet high performance devices delivering building-block functionality in these areas. The new devices are fabricated using the powerful method of lithographic holography and are based on Holographic Bragg Reflectors (HBR's) as the primary functional element. In the present proposal, we focus on those aspects of HBR's performance key to their potential role as enabling elements in optical systems employing optical code-division multiple access (OCDMA). OCDMA offers important advantages for multiplexed optical data links including flexible bandwidth provisioning, all-optical channel discrimination, and multi-channel function with a single generic optical source. Lithographically scribed HBR's are broadly enabling to OCDMA function and may comprise the key to reducing such systems to widespread use. Commercial and military activity is increasingly focused on the distribution of data. Optical data transport networks provide the key enabling element to such activity once high bandwidth and/or appreciable distances are involved. Optical Code Division Multiple Access Communications, an analog to microwave CDMA, offers powerful optical data transport function if suitable devices can be developed to render its deployment practical. The present proposal relates to the design, simulation, and system integration of a new class of optical coding devices which are based on holographic Bragg reflectors and fabricated via lithographic holography. These devices may finally open the door to deployment of OCDMA systems

A phase II SBIR program encompassing the development of advanced multiplexers for custom coarse WDM communication systems based on holographic Bragg reflectors (HBRs), a building block component of integrated holographics, is proposed. Integrated holographics harnesses the nanofabrication capability of state-of-the-art DUV photolithographic tools and planar waveguides to provide high performance and low cost devices for communications, optical signal processing, and spectral filtering/spectral target recognition. Integrated holographics forms a powerful basis for uniquely photonic integrated circuits wherein signal streams freely overlap and intersect as they are transported and processed. Coarse multiplexer devices may prove disruptive to the commercial multiplexer market and uniquely provide upgrade paths of existing DoD avionics platforms through hybrid integration with lasers and detectors. HBR multiplexers, optimized for DoD avionics solutions, may be configured to operate in single or multimode environments with the latter configuration supporting existing fiber infrastructure. HBR multiplexers offer pathways to low cost replication which is vital in meeting emerging communication needs in data communications and access networks as well as in DoD networks.

Keywords:
Integrated Holographics; Holographic Bragg Reflector; Cwdm; Multiplexer; Planar Waveguide; Integrated Optics; Communications; Nanophotonics