Organics: Application of Organic Materials to 3D Optical Circuitry

0437614 Stegeman将开发一种基于有机材料的三维（3D）可重构光学电路的新方法。耦合通道波导的二维阵列将被光写入掺杂有分子工程分子的块状聚合物块中。将使用最先进的有机材料，其表现出所需的灵活性和大的非线性光学特性。信号和控制光束将本地化和不同的波导之间切换，通过改变当地的折射率无论是全光（使用新发现的离散孤子）或电光。一般而言，该计划将包括适应激光写入技术开发的玻璃在CREOL的掺杂聚合物样品中形成密集的波导阵列。Christodoulides提出的初步的基于孤子的路由/交换网络方案将被“充实”，并设计用于电光控制和定位的版本。对激光引发形成填充液态金属的小通道的研究将基于这些设计。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中演示可控信号路由。智力优势： 这项研究将解决基本问题和技术问题，与新的3D解决方案，以目前的限制强加在光网络的平面制造技术。应该会有很多知识和技术上的分歧。更广泛的影响： 该计划解决了快速发展的信息时代的需要，为越来越多的信息在光域中操纵更复杂的手段。此外，经过适当培训的学生将充实技术人员队伍。

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.