Organics: Application of Organic Materials to 3D Optical Circuitry

将开发一种基于有机材料的三维(3D)可重构光电路的新方法。耦合通道波导的二维阵列将被光写入掺入分子工程分子的聚合物块中。将使用最先进的有机材料，它们既具有所需的灵活性，又具有强大的非线性光学性能。信号和控制光束将通过全光(使用新发现的离散孤子)或电光改变局部折射率在不同的波导中局部化和切换。总的来说，该计划将包括采用CREOL为玻璃开发的激光写入技术，以在掺杂聚合物样品中形成紧密间隔的波导阵列。Christodoulides提出的初步的基于孤子的路由/交换网络方案将被“充实”，并设计成一个用于电光控制和定位的版本。激光引发的填充液态金属的小通道的研究将以这些设计为基础。将对阵列内的基本路由功能进行测试、表征和实施。最终目标是在3D中演示可控的信号路由。智能价值：这项研究将解决与新型3D解决方案相关的基本问题和技术问题，以解决平面制造技术对光网络造成的当前限制。应该会有许多智力和技术方面的影响。更广泛的影响：该计划满足了迅速发展的信息时代对更复杂的手段的需求，以便在光学领域逐步处理更多的信息。此外，受过适当培训的学生将充实技术队伍。

0437614StegemanA novel approach to three-dimensional (3D) reconfigurable optical circuitry based on organic materials will be developed. Two-dimensional arrays of coupled channel waveguides will be photo-written into bulk polymer blocks doped with molecularly engineered molecules. State-of-the-art organic materials, which exhibit both the required flexibility and large nonlinear optical properties, will be used. Signal and control beams will be localized in and switched between different waveguides by changing the local refractive index either all-optically (using newly discovered discrete solitons) or electro-optically.In general terms, this program will include adapting laser writing techniques developed for glasses at CREOL to the formation of arrays of closely spaced waveguides in doped polymer samples. The preliminary soliton-based routing/switching network scheme proposed by Christodoulides will be "fleshed out" and a version designed for electro-optic control and localization. Research into laser-initiated formation of small channels to be filled with liquid metals will be based on these designs. The basic routing functions within the arrays will be tested, characterized and implemented. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate controllable signal routing in 3D. Intellectual Merit: This research will address fundamental questions and technological problems associated with novel 3D solutions to current limitations imposed on optical networks by planar fabrication technologies. There should be many intellectual and technological fall-outs. Broader Impact: This program addresses the needs of the rapidly expanding information age for more sophisticated means for manipulating progressively more information in the optical domain. In addition, the technical workforce will be enriched by appropriately trained students.