Photonic Crystal Circuits: Single Chip Implementation of a Sub-Micron Optical Switch for Nanodevice Applications

"There is an acute need for the development of high quality, robust, photonic circuits to serve as an integrating medium for optical networks and to perform basic, on-chip functions such as signal conditioning and signal processing. What is needed arenanophotonic devices that are small, functional, can be manufactured easily and in great volume, yet not have the limitations inherent in present technology. Luna Innovations proposes to begin filling this void through the development of a practical,robust, sub-micron photonic switch implemented on a single chip for nanodevice systems and applications that is compatible with large-scale production. In addition to the potential benefits from its nano-scale size, Luna's novel approach will finallypermit the monolithic integration of microelectronic and photonic circuits and will serve as an enabling technology for future active and passive nanophotonic components. In Phase I, Luna Innovations, along with its partner, will produce a sub-micronphotonic switch for determination of concept feasibility, while considering the integration of multiple devices onto a single chip to demonstrate dense integration densities. Furthermore, a nanoimprinting process to support large-scale production of thesedevices will be developed. This innovative concept, once proven, will pave the way for Luna Innovations to develop a whole new class of nanophotonic devices with the potential for revolutionizing the optical computing endeavor and the telecom andintegrated sensing industries. Some of the anticipated benefits are smaller physical dimensions, ultra-dense integrated packaging, and reduced manufacturing costs through easily automated, high volume production. The device proposed herein will serve as avital component in tomorrow's dense photonic networks and the novelty of Luna's approach, representing not an incremental increase over present technology but a true quantum leap, will help drive the industry."