Thick Film Microdevice Manufacturing of Miniaturized Communication Components

Not Available This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project deals with a unique 2X2 fiber-optic switching structure using acousto-optic (AO) device technology. The proposed switch is fully inertialess as it uses electronically programmable sub-microsecond speed bulk AO devices to implement optical switching suitable for high optical power applications. The switch delivers desirable capabilities in one optically reversible unit, making an ultra-fast, high optical isolation, broadband operation, self-aligning robust module. The switch is independent of the optical polarization of the incident light and uses a unique orthogonal drive configuration to suppress leakage noise to the desired levels for radar applications such as true time delay control. Phase I research will concentrate on the basic proposed switch structure and a proof of concept experimental demonstration will be performed to study, analyze and optimize switch performance at the 1300 nm optical band suited for high-optical-power fiber-optic microwave distribution applications. Groundwork will be laid to indicate technical concept feasibility that will lead to a Phase II plan for prototyping and development of the 2'2 optical switch.This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project deals with a unique 2'2 fiber-optic switching structure using acousto-optic (AO) device technology. The proposed switch is fully inertialess as it uses electronically programmable sub-microsecond speed bulk AO devices to implement optical switching suitable for high optical power applications. The switch delivers desirable capabilities in one optically reversible unit, making an ultra-fast, high optical isolation, broadband operation, self-aligning robust module. The switch is independent of the optical polarization of the incident light and uses a unique orthogonal drive configuration to suppress leakage noise to the desired levels for radar applications such as true time delay control. Phase I research will concentrate on the basic proposed switch structure and a proof of concept experimental demonstration will be performed to study, analyze and optimize switch performance at the 1300 nm optical band suited for high-optical-power fiber-optic microwave distrib