Low Cost Titanium Components for Armor and Structural Applications

Not Available Photonics offers 'denser computing capability' because of the extraordinary large bandwidth that it offers. However, a common problem is splitting-loss whereby signal strength per channel is reduced whenever a signal is split. For an economic and compact solution to this problem, there is the need for multi-function devices that combine splitting and amplification of light. Erbium-doped amplifiers have become well established in fiber form. However, their manufacture is today complex and costly. IFOS proposes to combine integrated-optic splitter fabrication with an innovative proprietary approach for manufacture of distributed photonic amplifiers. This will open up new application opportunities for amplifiers in subsystems intended for sensing, signal processing and communications. Our approach brings together processing technologies that are low-cost, low-temperature and lend themselves to dense integration and high-volume production. In Phase I, we will focus on materials-processing and analyze, fabricate and characterize active-glass waveguide films for proof-of-concept demonstration of low-cost and high gain-per-unit-length. In Phase II, we will demonstrate active-ridge-waveguides and then fabricate an optimized lossless splitters and begin commercialization activities. All the essential ingredients for success are provided by the proven expertise of IFOS and collaborators in photonics, including amplifiers and couplers/splitters, materials processing, business and marketing.