SBIR Phase I: Micro-resonator Tunable Optical Filter

这项小型企业创新研究第一阶段提案旨在开发一种基于回音廊模式微谐振器的快速调谐MEMS光学滤光器。随着互联网流量的持续增长和宽带应用的日益广泛，对高效密集光网络的需求变得更加迫切。建议的滤波技术提供了快速接入密集光网络中使用的众多频谱信道的潜力，同时最小化了信道之间的串扰。随着视频通信和点播服务继续快速增长，这项技术将有助于满足带宽需求。第一阶段的研究将模拟可调谐微谐振器滤光器的关键特性，解决带宽限制、调谐率、耦合效率和信号完整性等关键问题，同时使用微制造设备进行初步测量。近年来宽带应用的快速增长将很快给高效和快速传播信息的能力带来压力，而增加更多的带宽可以弥补这一点。拟议的可调光滤光器技术采用了一种独特的手段来提高光网络中接入信道的能力，从而有助于缓解国家的信息瓶颈。拟议的核心技术在商业场所有大量应用，并对国家光网络骨干网产生广泛影响。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I proposal seeks to develop a fast tuning, MEMS optical filter based on whispering gallery mode micro-resonators. As internet traffic continues to grow and broadband applications become more widespread, the need for efficient dense optical networks becomes greater. The proposed filter technology offers the potential for rapid access to the numerous spectral channels employed in dense optical networks while minimizing the cross-talk between channels. This technology will aid in meeting the bandwidth needs as video communications and on-demand services continue their rapid growth. The Phase I research will model key characteristics of the tunable micro-resonator optical filter, addressing key concerns of bandwidth limitations, tuning rate, coupling efficiency, and signal integrity, while performing preliminary measurements using micro-fabricated devices. The rapid growth of broadband applications in recent years will soon strain the ability to efficiently and rapidly disseminate information, which can be remedied by the addition of more bandwidth. The proposed tunable optical filter technology employs a unique means for improving the ability to access channels in optical networks, thereby facilitating an ease in the nation's information bottleneck. The proposed core technology has numerous applications in commercial venues, and widespread implications for the nation's optical network backbone.