Organics: Wavelength Selective NxN Optical Switches Based on Electro-Optic Polymer and Soft Lithography

0437920陈未来用于信息技术和国防的光网络要求每个网络节点的信号交换不仅在光纤级，而且作为波长的函数。提出了一种基于微环谐振器和电光聚合物的新型波长选择NxN开关来解决这些挑战。提出的研究的目的是展示一类新的快速和紧凑的波长选择开关，使性能和集成到一个新的水平。智能优势：紧凑的尺寸可以实现大规模集成，并在给定的芯片尺寸下实现大开关阵列。 更重要的是，它们的小尺寸与IC芯片尺寸相匹配，并首次使快速NxN光开关可集成在硅CMOS芯片上。此外，将波长选择性添加到NxN开关阵列开辟了光开关的另一个维度，并且可以革新光组件技术。更广泛的影响：新的交换机可以实现高带宽数据路由、网络管理、系统故障保护和恢复。该技术还可以实现强大，可靠和安全的网络操作，这对国家的通信系统至关重要，提高了支持公众和国防的关键国家基础设施的安全性。研究成果可以产生有价值的知识产权，有助于国家的技术领导地位。 此外，该项目为研究生和本科生创造研究机会和财政支持，并培养不同层次和不同种族背景的学生对科学和工程事业的兴趣。

0437920ChenFuture optic networks for information technology and defense require signal switching at each network node not only at the fiber level, but also as a function of wavelength. A new class of wavelength selective NxN switches based on micro-ring resonators and electro-optic polymers is proposed to address these challenges. The objective of the proposed research is to demonstrate a new class of fast and compact wavelength selective switches that bring the performance and integration to the next level. Intellectual Merit: The compact size enables large-scale integration and a large switch array for a given chip size. More importantly, their small size matches IC chip size and makes fast NxN optical switches integratable on silicon CMOS chips for the first time. In addition, adding the wavelength selectivity to NxN switch arrays opens up another dimension of optical switching and may revolutionize optical component technology. Broader impacts: The new switches may enable high bandwidth data routing, network management, system failure protection and recovery. The technology may also enable robust, reliable and secured network operation, which is vital to the nation's communication system, advancing the security of the critical national infrastructures that support both general public and defense. The outcome of the research can produce valuable intellectual property that contributes to the technological leadership of the nation. In addition, the project creates research opportunities and financial support for graduate and undergraduate students, and cultivates the interest of students of different levels and of diverse ethnic backgrounds in science and engineering career.