Low-loss, high-bandwidth optical interface for cryogenically cooled infrared imagers
Abstract
Increasing image resolution and frame rate of state-of-the-art infrared focal plane array (FPA) imagers demand high-speed communications to facilitate data transfer from the readout integrated circuits (ROIC), located inside a cryogenic Dewar, to processing electronics in the ambident environment. Here we propose to develop an optical interface based on freeform micro-optics (Optical FreeFormCouplers for High-bandwidth Integrated Photonics, OFFCHIP) for on/off chip I/O from the photonic transceiver integrated with the ROIC. Compared to traditional edge coupling or grating based optical I/O#s, our approach uniquely combines low optical loss (< 1 dB), broadband performance commensurate with wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), high density compatible with 1-D or 2-D fiber arrays, and large misalignment tolerance suitable for passive assembly. The technology can also be readily adapted to pluggable fiber-optic or free-space interconnects. The proposed program will demonstrate the optical interface and its compatibility with cryogenic operation. Results from the program can establish a new low-loss, high-bandwidth interconnect platform between next-generation FPAs and external processing electronics, and significantly enhances the intelligence capabilities for naval and other defense applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 24, 2025
- Source ID
- N000142512101
Entities
People
- Juejun Hu
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy