Axial Gradient Index (GRIN) Microlenses for Tunable Wavelength Division Multiplexer with Surface-normal Packaging Configuration

Conventional wave division (de)multiplexers (WD(DM)Ms) fail to provide a universal design enabling the coverage of the large dynamic range of wavelength separations which vary from sub-nm to 30 nm. The packaging designs affiliated with such WD(D)Ms alsomake the systems vulnerable in harsh environments. In this program, Radiant Research, Inc. (RRI), in collaboration with the University of Texas and Lightpath, Inc., proposes a drastically new surface-normal WD(D)M configuration with a wavelengthadustability covering all the existing wavelength separations. The surface-normal configuration not only makes the packaging more robust but also provides integration compatibility with vertical cavity surface emitting laser arrays from which discretewavelengths are launched. The availability of the unique axial graded index (AGRIN) lenses from Lightpath provides us with unsurpassed collimating and focusing capabilities that make both WDM and WDDM devices much more when dense WDMs requiring sub-nmwavelength separations are needed. Such an imaging accuracy can only be realized using the AGRIN lenses developed by Lightpath. We will develop an 8-channel fully packaged WD(D)M with bi-directional interconnection capability. The design will allow forwavelength coverage from 600 nm to 1.55 um. Finally, the Lightpath-led business development team has a well-planned commercialization plan with an initial committed investment of $2,250,000 from private investors, which represents a matching contributionof over 3 to 1. Successful post-phase-II business development is expected.