The Tunable and Reconfigurable Integrated Platform (TRIP) for OAM Generation, Multiplexing, Demultiplexing and Detection

R-DEX Systems proposes to team with the University of Southern California to develop the Tunable and Reconfigurable Integrated Platform (TRIP) for enabling tunable and efficient generation, multiplexing, demultiplexing, and detection of multiple orbital-angular-momentum (OAM) beams. The proposed TRIP device will build on a grating coupler structure on a silicon-on-insulator platform and will consist of multiple tunable dielectric PN-junction units with refractive indices that can be tuned by changing the free carrier concentrations. The Phase I project will demonstrate the scientific, technical and commercial potential of TRIP. Specific areas the team will address include: (i) tunable OAM generation and detection, (ii) high OAM mode purity, (iii) efficient OAM multiplexing and demultiplexing, (iv) integration of TRIP array, and (v) OAM beam steering using TRIP. In addition, the team will develop Phase II/III plans for fabricating and testing TRIP. In Phase II, the team will build on the initial Phase I design to build and test TRIP and evaluate its performance versus current state of the art transmission links and secure communication channels. In the Phase III, R-DEX will work with its academic and industrial partners to further develop TRIP for both Government and commercial applications.