Lossless Tunable Filter for Space-Based Photonic Routers

Aerius Photonics proposes to develop lossless tunable wavelength filters operating around 1550 nm based on electrically-injected MEMS-Tunable Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (MT-VCSOAs). The unique properties of these devices simultaneously provide tunable wavelength filtering and optical gain, making MT-VCSOAs ideal components for filtering and forwarding optical signals in wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) networks. Aerius will leverage lossless tunable filters based on MT-VCSOAs to construct photonic routers suitable for space-based applications. The use of MT-VCSOAs as lossless tunable filters will allow signals to be routed without wavelength conversion and for the system to support both analog and digital signals. Implementation of electrically-injected devices ensures small size, weight, and power consumption. In Phase I, the tunable filters will be designed, fabricated, characterized, and evaluated for radiation tolerance. Aerius will also work to initiate development of the network topology and WDM photonic router architecture. Upon completion of Phase II, Aerius will deliver a prototype WDM photonic router utilizing MT-VCSOAs as the enabling technology.