For data and communications device companies that use waveguides to guide light in nanoscale circuits but are dissatisfied with noise and weak signal strength due to signal leakage, this new Berkeley Lab technology’s three-waveguide system is based on an adiabatic elimination (AE) mechanism that uses the middle “dark state” waveguide to separate the two outer waveguides and enable a zero coupling between them. This technology will be useful for optical circuit design, as it eliminates signal leakage and allows for very long propagation distances.
APPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY:
- Integrated nanophotonics applications, including high-speed modulators, tunable filters, and active interconnects
- Next-generation supercomputers
ADVANTAGES:
- Cancels crosstalk inherent to densely packed waveguides
- Uses widely available materials
- Very broad application across multiple device platforms and industries
ABSTRACT:
Data and communications device companies rely on waveguides to guide light in nanoscale circuits. However, conventional waveguides suffer from significant crosstalk when placed in close vicinity, thus limiting the scaling down of nanophotonics circuits. To address this issue, Berkeley Lab has developed Active Modulators and Perfect Shielders Based on Adiabatic Elimination.
Unlike previous technologies, the Berkeley Lab technology provides a three-level nanoscale waveguide system based on adiabatic coupling, with the middle “dark state” waveguide separating the two outer waveguides, thereby obtaining an effective zero coupling between them. This unique design eliminates signal leakage and allows for very long propagation distances, which is useful for optical circuits. It will also provide industry with a device made of widely available materials that can be used to improve circuit performance in a range of device designs and applications, including data transmission and communications; military applications; integrated nanophotonics applications, including high-speed modulators, tunable filters, and active interconnects; and next-generation supercomputers.
DEVELOPMENT STAGE: The researchers are advancing towards a bench scale prototype for the shielder. A bench scale prototype is available to demonstrate the modulation concept.
STATUS: Issued U. S. Patent #9,442,250. Available for licensing or collaborative research.
REFERENCE NUMBER: 2014-090