Microchip Couplers for Underwater All-Optical Arrays

IntelliSense proposes to develop a family star and tree optical waveguide couplers suitability packaged to interface with ribbon cable interconnect systems. The objective of Phase I program is to analyze and deign the coupler waveguides and package suitability for further development, fabrication and test in Phase II. During Phase I, we will demonstrate multiple waveguide couplers and fiber to coupler packaging as a proof-of-concept of our Phase I design. The heart of the microchip coupler, the multiple waveguides will be based primarily on IntelliSense's proprietary low loss diffused waveguide process. The packaging technology will be an extension of IntelliSense's previously developed fiber to waveguide packaging techniques. In Phase II, IntelliSense would apply the results of the Phase I effort to develop, fabricate and teat a family of microchip star and tree couplers suitability packaged to interface ribbon cable interconnect system and operate over military aircraft environmental extremes. Based on the designs presented on Phase I, we shall fabricate and packaging five 1x2, 1x3, 1x4 tree couplers and five 2x2, 4x4 and 8x8 couplers. Commercialization of this technology will be accomplished through co-development with an existing partner.