MODE-ROUTED FIBER-OPTIC ARCHITECTURES FOR MICRODIVICE MULTIPLEXING

Intelligent Fiber Optics Systems (IFOS) proposes development and implementation of novel power-efficient architectures for photonic networks supporting microdevices such as sensors and actuators based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and Micro-Opto-Mechanical-Systems (MOMS).Identification of Problem/Opportunity: Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is increasingly used for high-capacity expandable optical networks. Mode-routing is an IFOS proprietary method allowing different signals to take different paths in optical circuits by using different optical modes. It enables large numbers of multiplexed nodes by avoiding losses inevitable in usual WDM single-mode architectures. Research Objectives: In Phase I, IFOS proposes to analyze, design, and feasibility demonstrate a practical mode-routing architecture implementation for microdevice multiplexing. Description of Research: Phase I Tasks are to: (1) analyze mode-routing architectural configurations including microdevice interfacing/multiplexing, (2) design/simulate implementations thereof, (3) procure/fabricate components, (4) construct experimental 2-node feasibility prototype, (5) test/evaluate prototype.Anticipated Results: In Phase I, IFOS expects to feasibility demonstrate an implementation of the basic mode-routing concept with a 2-node systems prototype using micro-sensors. Phase II will implement an expandable network incorporating several MEMS and MOMS. IFOS mode-routing architectures are expected to provide power-efficient designs for advanced multi-wavelength multi-device photonic systems resulting in expandable, high-capacity, high functionality sensor/control networks.