GOALI: University-Industrial Collaborative Research on LiNbOIntegrated Optical Laser/Modulator Arrays for WDM Systems

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9521228 McCaughan Wavelength division multiplex/switching networks have the potential for greatly augmenting the flexibility and information carrying capacity of present fiber optic systems. Channel number and channel density are currently limited by the center-frequency stability of diode lasers. Processing variations and carrier-induced index changes can produce up to +7 nm wavelength variations among devices. As an system composed of an array of Er: LiNbO3 waveguide distributed feedback lasers integrated with traveling-wave modulators. This material system possesses none of the processing or electronic variabilities of semiconductor lasers. Lasing frequencies should, therefore, be determined solely by the reproducibility of the grating lithography. We propose a joint effort between the University of Wisconsin (UW) and United Technologies Photonics (UTP) to produce the device. We expect to demonstrate fully functional and packaged devices. The results of this program will be a greatly enhanced understanding of these active waveguide devices, and the in-depth knowledge and experience to develop commercial LiNbO3 products. ***