On-Chip Frequency Comb Generation at Visible Wavelengths Using III-Nitride Photonic Integrated Circuits
Abstract
The overarching goal of this research plan is to elucidate fundamental physical mechanisms that hinder development of optical micro-combs, and demonstrate that novel materials and optical engineering can be successfully applied to fabrication of on-chip optical frequency combs at visible wavelengths using III-nitride PIC. Three specific objectives are planned to explore the theoretical and experimental aspects of this innovative photonics platform: 1. Investigate hitherto unexplored fundamental optical processes in III-nitride photonics including photonic crystals (PhCs), four-wave mixing (FWM) processes, and group velocity dispersion (GVD). 2. Tackle engineering obstacles presented by MOCVD growth and nanofabrication to achieve a III-nitride PIC, consisting of (i) an InGaN-based continuous wave (CW) green LD; (ii) a AlN-based PhC resonator operating at visible wavelengths, which is the first of its kind; and (iii) AlN waveguides. 3. Demonstrate the worldÕs first on-chip visible micro-comb using III-nitride PIC, thus marking an important advancement towards realizing on-chip visible and UV optical combs, which can significantly enhance the state of the art in optical computing and bio-chemical sensing applications. This work is groundbreaking in that it opens up a new frontier in III-nitride PIC-based micro-combs research within the elusive visible and UV spectral region, which can lead to exciting new applications in on-chip all optical information processing, distance measurement, and bio-chemical detectionÑall critical to DoD research needs. The PI will use an interdisciplinary approach, which includes device design and optical simulation (e.g., laser mode calculation and mode coupling simulation) using finite difference (FD) and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) methods; III-nitride material growth via metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD); material characterization and device nanofabrication; and comprehensive micro-comb PIC testing, including spectrum measurement, power distributions, comb space, and repetition rate. Proposed here is a pathway towards on-chip optical frequency comb generation that uses an innovative photonic platform (III-nitride PIC), with the potential to transform the foundations of existing frequency comb technology. For example, the proposed III-nitride PIC will enable the development of hitherto unachievable visible and UV micro-combs for on-chip optical computing and for bio-chemical sensing applications, which are critical to the DoD mission. Long-term, the study is expected to advance basic knowledge in III-nitride photonics including PhC, laser physics, and nonlinear optics, all of which are essential to the design and fabrication of other III-nitride PIC components, such as photodetectors, optical modulators, and optical logic gates, all of which again are attractive for a range of mission-critical DoD defense applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 20, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910089
Entities
People
- Yuji Zhao
Organizations
- Arizona State University
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army