Photonic Crystal Filter for ASW Operations

MetroLaser proposes to design and build an innovative ultra-narrow high throughput optical bandpass filter based on the properties of a dielectric photonic crystal structure with a resonant cavity. Such a structure can exhibit an ultra-narrow high-transmission band in the middle of a wide low-transmission stop-band. During Phase I, we will demonstrate experimentally the proof-of-concept for a filter with sub-nm bandpass, high throughput and rejection level in both visible and infrared (IR) regions. We will also develop a complete model of the functional characteristics, based on specific features of photonic crystal structures with a resonant cavity, and develop a strategy for building a prototype of the instrument. The proposed filter is expected to have a bandpass range of 0.1 nm, an acceptance angle of 2,a and an aperture of about 10 inches. During Phase II, a rugged version of the filter will be demonstrated. A compact, low-weight, single-assembly design of the filter will allow it to be retrofitted to existing instruments and provide a stable performance in harsh operating environments.