SBIR-STTR Award

Recent research has demonstrated a number of new optical processes based on the interaction of temporally structured light beams with spectrally-selective recording materials. One of these all-optical processes provides for the ultrahigh speed, temporal-waveform-controlled, spatial routing of optical beams (time-to-space conversion). Propagation of an optical data stream through an entirely passive time-to-space-optical-converter device leads to the generation of spatially distinct optical signals marking the passage of specific temporal data segments. Triggering data segments are defined in device preprogramming. A variety of functions vital to the realization of ultrahigh bandwidth communications systems (operating at single-channel rates of up to 1 Tbit/sec) can be provided by devices based on time-to-space conversion. Templex Technology Corp. proposes a Phase I SBIR effort intended to evaluate performance levels achievable with time-to-space conversion devices implemented on short time scales with currently available support technologies and materials. As part of this plan, two prototype devices will be designed and expected performance characteristics analyzed. This Phase I effort lays the groundwork for a dynamic Phase II effort involving a cycle of device fabrication, characterization, and redisign aimed a the development of an entirely new class of commercial devices useful in the implementation of ultrahigh bandwidth communication systems.

Templex Technology Corporation has recently demonstrated the feasibility of passive, all-optical, switching and routing devices that are based on an innovative new approach to the control and manipulation of high-speed (Terabit/sec) optical data streams. Templex Technology refers to the new approach as Temporally Accessed Spectral Multiplexing (TASM). The advantages of TASM compared to other multi-plexing schemes include all-optical, single carrier, asynchronous operation, relative insensitivity to packet collisions within and between channels, relative insensitivity to protocol, optical phase and amplitude encryption, simplicity, robustness, and cost. TASM devices map optical packets having distinguishable temporal waveforms within a single spatial channel into distinct output channels and vice versa. These functionalities support devices performing the following functions: event detection, serial-to-parallel conversion, decoding and decryption, pattern recognition, header decoding, demultiplexing, parallel-to-serial conversion, optical encoding and encryption, multiplexing, etc. A matched multiplexer/ demultiplexer pair can be used as a high bandwidth communication link, a TASM link. In this Phase II program, we propose to continue our Phase I efforts by fabricating several prototype devices, including a prototype TASM link. Templex Technology's Phase II program is aimed at bringing a powerful new class of optical devices to the threshold of commercialization.