Reconfigurable Cellular Photonic Crystal Arrays (RCPA).

摘要

This AFOSR-supported research was started in July 2009 and is directed toward the development of a new technology platform for optical and microwave signal processing based on reconfigurable integrated optics devices. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the design circle of optical and high frequency RF systems by providing a common platform for a diverse range of applications. We expect that the impact of the proposed platform in the related fields to be similar to that of field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) on digital signal processing and digital IC design. The main idea behind RCPA's design is to implement a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) optical processing block that can be adjusted to realize any desired transfer function matrix that lies within the limits defined by the system specifications. The proposed architecture for the RCPA is based on tunable cross-connected element matrices at the input and output and an array of processing unit cells. The proposed architecture will be realized on silicon-on-isolator (SOI) platforms by using coupled micro-resonator and waveguide structures as primary building elements. The basic tunability in the device will be implemented using tunable phase-shifter and couplers based on the thermo-optic effect and free carrier injection. To achieve this goal, in what follows, different steps (including theoretical and modeling tools development, microcavity fabrication and characterization techniques, and methods to develop chip-scale devices) will be presented in detail, with the idea being to address the several challenges before the realization of RCPA chips in both the architecture and device level. Our research in this field has already resulted in a number of scientific publications and technical presentations. A complete list of journal papers and conference presentations is included at the end of this report. AFOSR support has been acknowledged in all these publications and presentations.