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Non-Linear Optical Devices for High Performance Networking, Computing and Telecommunication Routing and Modulating--Ionic Systems, Inc., 1430 Tully Road, Unit 417, San Jose, CA  95122; 408-885-0800

Dr. Ronald Kubacki, Principal Investigator

Ms. Constance Eve Teague, Business Official

DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-00ER83028

Amount:  $100,000

 

As highly dense optical-based metropolitan telecommunication networks grow, better performing lower cost switching/modulating  devices, where high-speed data packet switching is required, must be found.  High volume cost efficiencies, from the IC industry, do not exist in photonics industry due to the material/processing differences between photonic and IC type devices.  A $32 random access module with 32 Mb has 250 million transistors vs. a $7,000 optical modulator containing merely two devices.  New materials/process will make entirely new device structures possible with better performance and far less expense to match to demand of fast growing optical communication as it pushes closer to the user in metropolitan area networks.  We will combine vertically coupled ring resonator structures with unique non linear poled polymer materials to fabricate optical switching/modulating devices on the order of 10 to 25 micrometers in diameter providing an extremely compact, fast, low cost solution in a high density form(10 4 to 10-5 devices per cm2).  We will use a fully contained room temperature plasma polymerization process to create a highly stable non linear materials optical polymer providing far greater long term stability and performance than achieved with conventional NLO polymers.  The process is fully integratable with IC manufacturing processes and provides the same economies and improved yields.  We will fabricate a robust device capable of generating high bandwidth data streams as a modulator as well as performing complex routing functions in high traffic, metropolitan mesh type networks.  Phase I establishes the feasibility of producing a polmeric material exhibiting second order electro-optical non-linear effects through a unique, stability enhancing process.  This permits the synthesis of non linear devices (used for all optical switching devices) for photonics applications.  An in-house reactor will be modified, reactants for screening experiments will be selected, candidate processing conditions will be tested.  A sample device will be constructed which will be the building block for high density, high speed, all optical switching devices to be produced in Phase II.  The resulting devices will be tested for performance and materials characterization in preparation for Phase II.

 

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:  Switching light beams used in telecommunication, whether for routing or generating the actual data stream, is based on conservative, expensive, and limited performance materials in current networks.  Size and volume efficiencies must match that of the IC industry to assure the swift and continued bandwidth expansion of the net particularly in addressing  metropolitan areas where usage is anticipated to be greatest in the near future.  New materials and processes will enable device architectures of higher performance at lower cost.  The photonic market is anticipated to be $687 million in 2004 with similar market development in Europe and eventually Asia.  We will fabricate next generation devices which will be able to not only secure a significant market share but increase the total market by increasing network performance and lowering costs.  The technology will maintain new industries borne by the net, while continuing the social connectivity and economic productivity that we as a nation enjoy and are just beginning to tap.