| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/R63936/01 |
| Title: |
Femtosecond inscription of photonic components |
| Principal Investigator: |
Bennion, Professor I |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Sch of Engineering and Applied Science |
| Organisation: |
Aston University |
| Scheme: |
JREI |
| Starts: |
05 April 2002 |
Ends: |
04 April 2004 |
Value (£): |
100,600
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Optical Devices & Subsystems |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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Abstract of proposed research (not exceeding 200 words) The aim of the project is to develop a range of novel technologies for manufacturing passive optical devices by means of photo-induced changes in optical materials eltposed to high-intensity femtosecond optical pulses. Main applications will be in the areas of passive and active optical components, primarily for optical communications. The proposed research will involve internal structural modification and optical surface processing in a variety of optical media, such as silica glass, GaN, GaAs and some laser crystals.Objectives of the Proposal1. Establish an experimental fabrication system for femtosecond pulse inscription and processing of a wide range of passive and active photonic devices based on an amplified Ti:Sapphire laser system.2. Investigate the definition possibilities for waveguides and periodic structures in a range of key photonic materials including glasses, silica-on-silicon, and III-V semiconductor materials. Investigate the influence of wavelength and pulse duration, and investigate the possibility of applying the process with parameters compatible with robust, inexpensive femtosecond sources that are now becoming commercially available.3. Develop an advanced 'parallel' processing technology, as opposed to 'serial', ie point-by-point processing. The goal is to increase the processing yield by several orders of magnitude, thereby removing a potential obstacle to commercial exploitation of the method.4. Establish the spatial resolution limits: although wavelength imposes the ultimate limit on the spatial resolution, the inscription methods proposed are based on nonlinear effects and so are potentially compatible with feature sizes smaller than the wavelength.BeneficiariesInitial sponsorship for the basic research is being provided by Indigo Photonics, which will be a direct beneficiary of the programme. However, the new component opportunities that are likely to emerge will impact both photonic component manufacturers and systems companies alike. Initially, the telecommunications sector will derive primary benefit: we have regular contact with companies including Marconi, Nortel, Agilent, Alcatel and Corning. Subsequently, the programme will benefit the wider industrial photonics community by providing technology for next generation components and, consequently, systems.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.aston.ac.uk |