Femtosecond Laser Fabrication: R/G/B/IR Wavelength Combining Optical Circuits

Thalmic Labs Inc.在人机界面（HCI）领域，将“真实的”和“数字”世界与针对健康、安全和娱乐领域市场的产品相结合，生产可穿戴技术。例如，肌电产品，如“Myo Armband”，通过感知肌肉活动，在手术中对实时信息进行无接触控制，以及舞台表演中肌肉运动的照明/灯光控制。未来的HCI技术正在拥抱光学信号处理，但由于当今的集总元件光学技术，当前的原型作为可穿戴设备过于庞大和昂贵。该Engage项目解决了在三维（3D）集成光路平台上实现“光学”HCI技术的关键要求。该方法旨在提供一种简单、小型化、低损耗和可扩展的方法，用于控制多个波长的光信号。多伦多大学的研究小组将利用超快激光在薄玻璃晶片内写入“三维”光学电路。如果该项目成功，将给加拿大带来巨大的利益：（1）在三维光学处理电路领域的学术领导地位;（2）知识产权的产生;（3）新的制造工艺和产品概念;（4）培训具有独特技能和专业知识的研发人员，使其能够从大学环境转化为加拿大的工业环境;（5）为制造、销售和研发人员创造长期就业机会。

Thalmic Labs Inc. produces wearable technologies in the field of human computer interface (HCI) that blendsthe 'real' and 'digital' worlds with products aimed at markets in the health, security, and entertainment sectors.For example, electromyographic products such as 'Myo Armband' are used in prosthetic arm control throughsensing of muscle activity, touch-free control over real-time information in surgery, and illumination/lightcontrol of muscular movement in stage performances. Future HCI technologies are embracing optical signalprocessing, but where current prototypes are too bulky and costly as a wearable device due to today's currentlumped-element optical technology. This Engage project addresses a key requirement for enabling 'optical' HCItechnology on a platform of three-dimensional (3D) integrated optical circuits. The approach aims for a simple,miniaturized, low loss, and scalable method for controlling optical signals at multiple wavelengths. TheUniversity of Toronto team will apply ultrafast lasers to exploit their expertise in writing 'three-dimensional'optical circuits inside of thin glass wafers. There are substantial benefits to Canada if this project is successful:(1) academic leadership in 3D optical processing circuits; (2) generation of intellectual property; (3) newmanufacturing processes and product concepts; (4) training of R&D personnel with unique skills and knowhowfor translation from a university to a Canadian industrial environment; and (5) long-term job creation formanufacturing, sales and R&D personnel.