NER/SNB: Investigation of Nonlinear Nanophotonics in Low-Threshold Nanomaterial Optical Interconnect Switches

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The objective of this research is to investigate active nanoscale optical interconnects,based on nonlinear photonic crystal nanocavity switches. Active optical interconnectsform the basis of a reconfigurable flow of information on CMOS microelectronic chips,with ultralow latency, ultrahigh bandwidth, low power dissipation, and high-densityintegration feasibilities. The approach is based on silicon nanocavities for immediateCMOS compatibility, with insertion of nonlinear nanomaterials or nanopatternedmaterials to achieve ultralow switching thresholds and high-speed operations. The cavitydesigns will take advantage of photonic crystal nanolattices for strong field enhancementsand material interactions. All-optical switching through Kerr nonlinearities will also beexplored. Theoretical designs and concepts will be investigated via full three-dimensionalfinite-difference time-domain simulations, and devices will be fabricated andcharacterized at Columbia.In terms of broader impact, this exploratory program addresses several of the core issuesfor continued CMOS VLSI scaling. It is thus of general interest for engineers andscientists active in optical data communication and silicon microelectronics. The program,in addition, will support the interdisciplinary training of students in nanophotonics forthese industries. Moreover, the program will participate in the Columbia UndergraduateResearch Opportunities Program (UROP) and will partner with the NSF/Columbia NSECNanoelectronics and MRSEC Nanomaterial programs with the support of one summerundergraduate research experience. A university-wide seminar series on Nanophotonicswill be developed for the Fall 2005 semester, targeted at first-year graduate students andundergraduate seniors, and a series of follow-on activities involving local K-12 studentswill be developed.