Fully Integrated, Multiport, Planar-Waveguide Spectral Comparators and Multiplexers Based on Lithographic Holography

Photonic devices providing high performance spectral filtering, multiplexing, optical waveform processing, and signal routing will be designed, fabricated, and characterized. The devices are based on photolithographic scribing of holographic structures onto the surface of planar waveguides and operate on intra-guide signals. The holographic structures provide a manufacturable approach to 2D photonic band engineering. Multiple overlain structures, simulated and found highly effective in a Phase I program, provide for fully integrated, small footprint and robust WDM multiplexers. Alternatively, they provide comparison of target optical spectra with a multitude of potentially complex reference spectra or generation and detection of tailored temporal waveforms. Initial product opportunities include mux/demux's for dense or coarse WDM. Longer term, the basic product technology provides a powerful building block for integrated photonic circuits providing broad spectral and spatial control over signal channels. The underlying planar holographic device concept is fully compatible with stamping or molding thereby providing a pathway to low-cost as well as high performance components. Fabrication is also consistent with silica-on-silicon format, which is widely used in existing planar lightwave circuit designs and will be utilized in the initial fabrication efforts.