MEMS-Based Optical Fiber Devices and Products

The objective of the proposed program is to develop micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) "basis function" elements capable of being interconnected optically through fiber or planar waveguides. Such elements may be used individually to allow actuation and sensing at a "point," or may be combined in geocentrically arrays to enable two-dimensional optical filtering, sensing or switching, or mechanical actuation. During Phase I, Fiber and Sensor Technologies (F&S) will investigate possible optical fiber-connected basis function devices and fabrication methods, with extension to two-dimensional devices possible during Phase II. This work builds directly upon the unique background of F&S investigators in the development and commercialization of optical fiber sensor elements, and the substantial capability of the Fiber & Electro-Optics Research Center (FEORC) at Virginia Tech in the areas of specialized passive and active polymer, metal and ceramic films on optical fibers, optical communication devices, and "smart" materials. F&S envisions large, near term commercial product opportunities based on this technology in optical fiber sources, switches and filters, all of use in high speed communication systems. Phase III product commercialization funding is pledged by Fiber Core Technologies, which currently supports similar commercialization resulting from an ARPA SBIR program.