SBIR Phase II: Microsphere-Based Optical Spectrum Analyzer

这个小企业创新研究（SBIR）第二阶段项目将建立在第一阶段的令人兴奋的结果，这表明，微球的回音壁模式（WGM）共振可以通过扫描微球的温度在一个显着的范围内调谐。 它的目的是利用这种效应，以产生一个温度可调的光学滤波器适合于下一代光谱分析仪（OSA）的发展，用于远程监控密集波分复用（DWDM）网络。这种装置通过提供嵌入式实时监测系统操作和信号质量的手段，将极大地有益于电信行业。这种能力有可能几乎消除代价高昂的系统故障。实现项目目标的计划是开发第一代原型，并使用该原型来演示下一代OSA的预期功能。该技术的最初应用是作为电信光纤网络的嵌入式测试和监控系统。主要客户是光网络安装商和服务提供商。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will build upon the exciting results of Phase I, which demonstrated that whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonances of a microsphere can be tuned over a significant range by sweeping the microsphere's temperature. It is intended to employ this effect to produce a temperature-tunable optical filter suitable for development of a next-generation optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) for remotely monitoring dense wavelength division multiplexed (DWDM) networks. Such a device will greatly benefit the telecommunications industry by providing a means of embedded real-time monitoring of system operation and signal quality. This capability has the potential to virtually eliminate costly system failures. The plan for reaching the project goal is to develop a first-generation prototype and use this prototype to demonstrate the expected capabilities of a next-generation OSA. The initial application for the technology is as an embedded test and monitoring system for telecommunications fiber networks. The major customers are optical network installers and service providers.