Narrow linewidth Brillouin laser source based on chalcogenide resonators in the mid infrared region
Abstract
The proposed program will develop a chip scale Brillouin laser operating in the mid infrared region. In order to achieve efficient lasing based on stimulated Brillouin scattering, we will use microphotonic devices based on chalcogenide glass material. Chalcogenides exhibit many attractive properties for nonlinear optical devices in general and for stimulated Brillouin in particular. They include high elasto optic coefficient and low sound velocity, which lead to high Brillouin gain coefficient that is one to two orders of magnitude higher than the commonly used materials like silica and silicon. Furthermore, chalcogenide glasses are known for high transparency in the mid infrared region and are well suited for mid infrared optical devices. Also, they can be deposited at low temperature on a wide variety of substrate materials. It is therefore possible to use infrared transparent substrates like fluorides and sulfides. To demonstrate narrow linewidth Brillouin laser based on chalcogenide materials, Professors Park and Gopinath propose a comprehensive research project encompassing design, fabrication and characterizations of chalcogenide microresonators and waveguides. Design phase of the project will produce resonator geometries that offer resonant enhancement at both pump and Brillouin shifted wavelengths. It will also produce geometries and schemes for efficient light coupling into and out of the resonator. We will investigate three types of resonators, wedge, disk and ring. Each type of devices require a specially tailored fabrication process that will result in the lowest possible surface roughness and highest possible coupling efficiencies. This will be accomplished by a unique combination of lithography, etching and reflow processes. Finally, the fabricated devices will be characterized for their linear and nonlinear optical properties and also Brillouin lasing will be demonstrated by a custom in house characterization setup.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2022
- Source ID
- FA95501910364
Entities
People
- Wounjhang Park
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Regents of the University of Colorado
- United States Air Force