Polarization insensitve, microsystem integrated, mono-order grating based, either discretely or continuously tunable wavelength, platform for communication network components

在过去的几十年中，光网络上的数据流量已经呈指数级增长。互联网的发展已经成为主要贡献者，并且未来的用途，例如超高清电视、云计算、基于数据的服务、光纤到户（FTTH）等，给数据需求带来更大压力。因此，现在需要新的解决方案来支持像AEPONYX这样处理大量数据的公司，同时避免同时增加成本。同时，还期望更高的灵活性以提高光网络的效率。这些需求可以通过减小网络核心的光子器件的尺寸和提高其性能来满足，例如通过与微系统技术集成的多路复用器和可调谐激光器。这些将允许按需生成、混合、分离或路由不同波长的光信号，以最大化通信网络中的数据传输。因此，该授权提出了一种高风险高价值的概念的微系统集成平面波导为基础的可调谐激光器，通过集成单阶和相对无损的衍射光栅与MEMS（微机电系统）为基础的微机械调谐机构与梳状致动器。这将需要对微光子学和微机械设计、微加工和微机械加工以及测试进行研究。通过能够以更小的占地面积处理更多的波长，可以使用更高效、更灵活、更可靠且在生产层面制造成本更低的可调谐激光器传输更多的数据。这些特性是光网络设备制造商在国际市场上取得领先优势的关键。因此，这将极大地影响加拿大的公司，如AEPONYX、北电和JDSU，使他们能够生产更便宜的组件，并通过增加数据流量和效率来利用现有网络。这些公司的成功将有利于加拿大的经济增长，创造就业机会，风险发展。该项目还将培训许多研究人员和学生，以获得微系统，微光子学以及MEMS和微光子学集成等专业领域的专业知识。

Over the last decades, data traffic over optical networks has seen an exponential increase. The development of internet has been a major contributor, and future usages such as ultra HD TV, cloud computing, data based services, fiber to the home (FTTH), etc., are putting more pressure on data demand. As a result, new solutions are now required to support companies like AEPONYX that work with the high volume of data, while avoiding a simultaneous scaling of cost. At the same time, higher flexibility is also desired to increase the efficiency of optical networks. These needs can be answered by reducing the size and increasing the performances of photonic components at the core of networks, such as multiplexers and tunable lasers by integrating with microsystems technologies. These would allow to generate-on-demand, mix, separate or route optical signals of different wavelengths to maximize data transfer in communication networks. Hence, this grant proposes a high-risk-high-value concept of microsystem integrated planar waveguide based tunable lasers by integrating a mono-order and relatively lossless diffraction grating with MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) based micromechanical tuning mechanism with comb actuators. This will require research on microphotonics and micromechanical designs, microfabrication and micromachining, and testing. By being able to handle more wavelengths with a smaller foot print, more data can be transmitted with tunable laser that are more efficient, more agile, more reliable, and cheaper to manufacture at production level. These characteristics are key to success for optical networks equipment manufacturers in providing them with cutting-edge advantage in the international market. Therefore it will greatly impact on companies in Canada such as AEPONYX, Nortel and JDSU so that they will be able to produce cheaper components and leverage existing networks by increasing their data traffic and efficiency. The success of these companies will benefit Canada in terms economic growth job creation, venture development. The project will also train many researchers and students to gain expertise in the specialized areas of microsystems, microphotonics and integration of MEMS and microphotonics.