Multi-Spectral Optical Techniques for Communication and Computation
Abstract
In this research project the team studied unique gain and signal processing capabilities of semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs). The main areas studied over the 5 years of this award were: 1. Small signal processing using SOAs; 2. Large signal pulse shaping using SOAs; and 3. Optical signal processing and filtering using slow optical waveguides based on electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). In this PECASE sponsored research they investigated the potential for compound semiconductor optical amplifiers (indium Phosphide) to serve as signal processing elements for various applications. Moving to the future, there is an opportunity to develop new materials and device structures that optimize the desired performance for small and large signal processing in SOAs. For large signal there is a need to develop InP amplifier structures that have ultrafast carrier recovery response time so that data rates out to l60Gbps and beyond can be supported. The field of EIT in compound semiconductors is so new, that this probably represents the biggest opportunity but is also the largest risk. Finding the correct compound semiconductor system that at room temperature can yield increases in refractive index by factors of 10, 100 and 1000 greater than possible today has the potential to shrink photonic circuits to nanometer dimensions as well as ultra high scale density integration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 30, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA428075
Entities
People
- Daniel Blumenthal
Organizations
- University of California, Santa Barbara