Ultrafast Tunable Narrow-Band III-V based Metamaterials for Free-Space Optical Communications in the MWIR and LWIR.

In this program will develop an ultrafast hyperbolic metamaterial based on heavily doped indium arsenide (n++ InAs) and undoped indium arsenide (InAs) or aluminum antimonide (AlSb) capable of modulating MWIR and LWIR both in amplitude and phase. For Phase I we will concentrate on the LWIR atmospheric window of 8-12?m because we believe that this region has the highest payoff. In Phase II, we will also address devices capable of working in the MWIR. This system will achieve signal bandwidth >10GHz, insertion loss <3dB, optical output power >0.5W, optical aperture >50?m, optical bandwidth >10nm and modulation depth >5%. We expect its performance to be closer to the goal of signal bandwidth >40GHz, insertion loss <1dB, optical output power >4W, optical aperture >500?m, optical bandwidth >100nm and modulation depth >90%. These materials can be monolithically integrated to ICLs, QCLs and photodetectors in the same growth, it reduces manufacturing steps and therefore time and money. Direct integration also means reduced fingerprint, smaller size, less weight, and potentially low power consumption (SWAP). In Phase I Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) growth of III-V hyperbolic metamaterials will be conducted, followed by the optical characterization to assess their properties. Subsequently, we will proceed with nanofabrication of a hyperbolic nano-resonator, which will be modeled using COMSOL to simulate its performance. The nano-resonator will then undergo optical characterization to verify the theoretical predictions, and its properties will be fine-tuned through optical pumping techniques. The phase will be concluded with a comprehensive final report detailing the findings and outcomes. In Phase II we will deliver a prototype laser system operating with our tunable hyperbolic metamaterial-based optical modulator. We will evaluate our prototype in the laboratory and in the field to determine its operation in the presence of obscurants. To evaluate the system in the laboratory and in the field, we will partner with Naval Research Laboratory or other branches as seen fit by the program managers. For Phase III we will work on packaging based on our Phase II results. We will also develop a plan and demonstrate the capability to fabricate and package devices for military platforms that will be rugged for avionic missions. Because our technology is based on mature III-V technology that is already adopted by DoD suppliers and manufacturers, we believe that we have a very clear sustainable pathway to provide manufacturing, supply and support for Navy use.