Frequency agile signal processing via hybrid photonic-phononic devices and architecture
Abstract
SOWTask 1: Realize high efficiency high-extinction mode-converter necessary to address separate optical modes of XM-PPER system.Task 2: Demonstrate single-sideband Brillouin amplification via cross-modal coupling on chip for the first time. Integrate mode-converter and suspended dual-waveguide device; evaluate coupling efficiency using nonlinear laser spectroscopy. Task 3: Demonstrate physics of XM-PPER through design, fabrication, and test of prototype devices.Task 4: Refine and optimize XM-PPER performance through design, fabrication, and test of prototype devices.Task 5: Demonstrate frequency tunability of XM-PPER transfer function over 10 GHz bandwidth.Task 6: Develop stochastic noise model of individual XM-PPER and systems of cascaded XM-PPER devices as the basis for system models. Use Langevin driving and coupling of modes via semi-classical noise treatments; include nonlinearities, laser noise.ObjectiveThe objective of the proposed study is to develop new signal processing devices and technologies that combine the merits of photonic and phononic excitations (i.e., coupling light and sound) to achieve distortion-free and high dynamic range filtering operations; these unprecedented systems will permit rapidly tunable filters between 0.1-100GHz frequencies for frequency-agile spectrum analysis and signal processing with tremendous potential to reduce Size Weight and Power (SWaP) in comparison with state of the art systems.ApproachThrough our theoretical and experimental studies, we consider a cross-modal photonic-phononic emitter receiver (XM-PPER) device design. It builds directly on the design and fabrication infrastructure that Yale and UT-Austin have already established through the DARPA MesoDynamics program, but modified with dual-core optical waveguides to realize complete information transfer. In this system, our optical waveguide modes are confined through total internal reflection (TIR); the phonon supermodes that mediate information conversion confined by the phononic crystal superstructure surrounding the optical waveguide cores. The simplicity of TIR guidance permits separation of the mechanism of optical and phononic confinement (lowering risk).Merit / RelevanceFrequency-agile signal spectral analysis requires narrow band filtering, tunability over ultra-wide bandwidths, and short latency times for rapid sensing and reconfigurability. These demanding requirements often result in drastic increases in system complexity and SWaP through use of conventional RF signal processing components, highlighting the urgency for new device technologies such as the photonic-phononic architecture in this proposal. This work is relevant to the Electromagnetic Materials Program at ONR. The results could be applied in the area of electromagnetic maneuver warfare. Professor Rakich (PI) has established a strong group investigating nanophotonics and nonlinear optics in the Department of Applied Physics at Yale. As part of a DARPA program, they developed hybrid photonic-phononic signal processing technologies. This 18-month proposal will build on that innovative research.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141612687
Entities
People
- Peter T Rakich
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- Yale University