Rugged Miniature SWDM Mux and Demux for Military Aircraft

Luna proposes to develop a rugged, miniature SWDM multiplexer/demultiplexer for multimode fiber optic avionics networks that is smaller than 1 cm3 and can operate in the extreme temperature and vibration environment of military aircraft. Existing aircraft have avionics networks with transceivers operating at 850 nm using 50µm multimode fiber (MMF). Short wavelength division multiplexing (SWDM) can increase data throughput fourfold without installation of new fiber runs. Silicon nitride photonic integrated circuit (PIC) devices will be designed and simulated to quantitatively compare with bulk-optic and micro-optic SWDM assemblies that are on the market. Low-loss silicon nitride is perfectly suited for this wavelength range and can leverage the mass production capabilities of silicon wafer manufacturing to produce a precision, low-cost device. The insertion loss, temperature sensitivity, and robustness to vibration are key metrics for success in military aircraft operations and will be analyzed for PIC and traditional designs. During Phase I the Luna team will establish the designs, quantify their advantages and disadvantages, and prove the feasibility to achieve the objectives. Phase II will fabricate a batch of prototype devices for performance testing in conjunction with representative avionics transceivers, fiber optic networks, and test equipment.