Lithographically-Scribed Planar Holographic Optical CDMA Devices and Systems

摘要

Recent advances in photo lithographic fabrication and planar waveguides have created a powerful opportunity. For the First time it is possible to generate arbitrary computer-designed. waveguide volume holograms and to do so robustly and at low cost. Holographic Bragg Reflectors (HBRs) comprise an exemplary lithographically scribed fully integrated holographic device useful for multiplexing of wavelength differentiated optical signals and general purpose spectral filtering. HBRs provide both a flexible spectral filtering function and a signal routing/imaging function in the slab waveguide environment. The present Phase II effort has harnessed new fabrication tools to perfect disruptive HBR-based multiplexer products for DoD avionics, optical communications systems computer data communications and local area networks. The devices can address both single and multimode systems providing high levels of functionality and reliability at low cost. In multi-mode configuration, the devices may be used to enhance and retrofit the existing optical communication systems in aircraft and ships as well as empower powerful new cost effective solutions in both commercial and military data transport systems. HBR-based multiplexing is empowering to WDM-on-a-chip hybrid integration enabling compact, low-cost, high capacity optical transport specialized to small network environments. As a result of the present effort, the first fully integrated Course Wavelength Division Multiplexer compatible with single-mode systems and competitive with multiplexers constructed from discrete thin film filters has been developed and demonstrated. The silica-on- silicon format was employed. A multitude of methods for providing precisely tailored, that pass bands were successfully demonstrated. Design tools necessary to implement aspheric diffractive contours and thereby minimize imagining aberrations were developed. Fabrication yields were examined and factors limiting same identified.