Ultra Long Compact Polymer-Based Waveguide Circuit for Multi-link Optical True-Time-Delay Lines Using WDM Technique. Phase 1

摘要

In this research program, we have developed an integrated optical true-time-delay module based on ultra low-loss polymeric waveguides that have many advantages over existing approaches. The photolithography defined polymeric waveguides enable us to fabricate a 10-meter long optical channel waveguide circuit with sub-micron accuracy in a five-inch silicon wafer, providing optical true-time-delays over tens of nanoseconds with sub-picosecond time resolution. The unique detector-switched operation achieves a nanosecond switching time over 60 GHz bandwidth. Optical heterodyne technique is developed to generate optical RF signal in the range from 0-60 GHz. The demonstrated optical waveguide true-time-delay module employs wavelength- division-multiplexing technique for multi-beam operation. The monolithic integration of the polymeric channel waveguides, waveguide grating couplers, and high-speed photodetectors drastically reduces the system payload and the packaging complexity while improving the system reliability. Through the Phase I research, we have successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed concept by realizing an integrated optical true-time-delay module based on ultra low-loss polymeric waveguide circuits.