Micromachined Phase-Tunable Spatial Light Modulator with Integrated Electronics

Not Available The overall goal of this proposed program is to develop a novel millimeter-wave optical transmitter based on a tunable, low phase noise microchip laser. The transmitter developed will simultaneously generate a tunable millimeter wave subcarrier in the 10 to 100 GHz range and an optical carrier with power levels of 100mW or higher. The transmitter will have inherently low relative intensity and phase noise characteristics (RIN and phase noise). The novel approach followed in this proposal is significantly different from past practices in two aspects. First, the host material for the solid state laser is an electrooptic crystal, LiNbO3, which provides efficient interaction between the optical and electric fields. Secondly, we are fully integrating the laser with the microwave components to reduce parasitics and provide a compact, rugged and low cost package. Phase I concerns the feasibility study and design of the proposed solid-state mode-locked microchip laser. Of particular interest is the achievement of low phase noise (< -110 dBc/Hz @ 1 KHz offset) and millimeter wave frequency tunability. In Phase II we will develop a prototype transmitter to demonstrate superior performance and address the manufacturing process to allow successful commercialization in Phase III for military and non-military applications.