Multi-Channel High-Speed Phase/Amplitude Manipulation

Agiltron, Inc proposes a fully integrated approach for free-space laser communication transceiver components offering multi-channel beam combination and separation with fast phase-shift and amplitude-variation capabilities. The innovation is independent electro-optic manipulation of the orthogonally polarized input/output signals, both in phase and amplitude, by using advanced Ti: MgO: LiNbO3 waveguide structures. We anticipate achieving the target performance of 4 pi phase- and 20 dB amplitude-variation independently controlled for each transmitting-signal channel; low operating voltage (55dB) between transmit and receive paths; and the integration of over 128 channels on a single chip. Using multiple-chip integration, the proposed concept may be cost effectively scaled to very large channel counts. LiNbO3 waveguide technology is the most mature and reliable guided-wave technology for practical high-performance electro-optical devices. MgO doped LiNbO3 technology broadens the applications into high power electro-optic and nonlinear optical devices. LiNbO3 waveguide devices are mass-produced, coupled to optical fibers with reasonable optical loss, and packaged to withstand harsh environmental conditions and provide long-term operation in telecommunications systems. A preliminary device will be fabricated in Phase I for evaluation. Further performance improvement and channel scaling will be addressed in the subsequent Phase II effort.