Web-Interfaced Nonlinear Optical Waveguide and Photonic Crystal Simulator

65787 Because optical transmission is impervious to EMI/RFI interference, emits no radiation, and in unaffected by massive electro magnetic disturbance, it is a secure means of mass data transmission for government, business, and academia. However, conventional waveguides have considerable losses requiring amplification, offer poor optical characteristics limiting the number of wavelengths that can be used for networking on a individual fiber, and require path lengths that prohibit high density integration with active devices. This project addresses the demand for secure, massive bandwidth in already installed fiber optical cable by developing an all-optical interconnect concept that provides order-of-magnitude increases in the number of wavelengths used for data transmission. The resonating interconnects will be highly integrated, three-dimensional structures with superior optical performance. Phase I will establish the feasibility of a new family of materials and manufacturing processes that will permit high-density devices to be fabricated economically in volume production. A three-dimensional device, with orders of magnitude increases in bandwidth over currently used technology, and suitable for adding and dropping wavelengths of light in a data stream, will be constructed. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by awardee: Devices capable of picometer multiplexing using already installed optical fibers should provide the security and survivability needed by large business, government, and academia. The North American market for photonic devices is expected to increase from $33 million in 1994 to over $7 billion in 2006. Similar market development is expected for Europe and eventually for Asia.