Optical Assembly and Characterization System for Nano-Photonics Research
Abstract
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 and the Department of Defense (DoD) Appropriations Act for 2014 allocated $10.7M to assist Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI) and to enhance their research and education capabilities in scientific areas relevant to the defense mission. The FY 2014 program supports the acquisition of research equipment and instrumentation to augment existing capabilities and to develop new capabilities that will facilitate greater participation in DoD research programs and encourage more students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. This proposal from Principal Investigator, Dr. Weidong Zhou, requests support for the acquisition of a Micro-Optics Assembly and Characterization System for optical characterization as well as crystalline semiconductor nanomembrane (NM) pick-and-place assembly. The versatile system has a unique modular design and can be configured into different types of setups with the following capabilities: Micro-precision alignment with integrated 50 nm stages for precise in-plane waveguide alignment; Gantry motion system for sub-micron precision pick-and-place assembly of NMs and micro-optics; Integrated device characterization for both in-plane and surface-normal photonic devices. This system can also be configured with optional features for UV-epoxy, soldering, and laser welding, etc. The assembly and characterization system will significantly enhance the PI and other key personnelÕs research capability in conducting various research works related to silicon based infrared laser and multiwavelength laser arrays, high speed modulators, electronics, photodetectors, for optical interconnect, hyper-spectral imaging, and spectroscopic gas sensing and separation applications. This new system can drastically boost the nanoscale-related research and STEM education capabilities at UTA, and attract more students from under-represented groups into STEM careers. It will provide critical research training in the area of nanophotonics, optoelectronic and electronic materials, devices and systems for undergraduate and graduate students participating on the related research projects. Having such highly trained individuals in the workforce is critical to the economic well-being of the United States in both defense-related and other commercial industries that compete in the global marketplace. Thus the equipment system proposed for purchase here will have direct and positive impact on the research training of both undergraduate and graduate students supported by this project in multi-disciplinary areas of critical importance to DoD.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 23, 2017
- Source ID
- W911NF1510035
Entities
People
- Weidong Zhou
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Texas at Arlington