Field-Configurable Modulator Array (FCMA)

The proposed SBIR Direct to Phase II program will develop a single component -- called a "Field Configurable Modulator Array (FCMA)" -- to be leveraged for use in any of several configurations that the user selects.  The FCMA that Photonic Systems, Inc. (PSI) will design for manufacture by HyperLight Corporation in Harvard University's fabrication facility is made possible by two developments: 1. PSI's realization that various previously demonstrated parallel arrangements (or "arrays") of modulators differ only in how the light from lasers at one or more wavelengths is interferometrically combined after being phase modulated by the RF signal or signals on one or more sets of coplanar traveling-wave electrodes, and 2. Harvard University's and HyperLight Corporation's joing development of high-performance modulators in thin (tens of microns rather than millimeters of thickness) lithium niobate deposited on silicon wafers.  In the 15-month "Base" portion of Phase II, PSI proposes to build and demonstrate a 1 - 18 GHz laboratory prototype of the FCMA.  By "laboratory prototype" we mean that the FCMA will be aligned to optical fibers that provide optical input(s) and output(s), but that these fiber pigtails will not be attached.  In the proposed 12-month "Option", PSI will arrange to Alter Technology and Kyocera America, Inc. assist us in permanent attachment of the fiber pigtails to the FCMA in a compact and easily transported package.