Polymers have been studied as an alternate material to silica for optical interconnects and photonic devices for the last decade. In this paper we review the work performed at GE Global Research in the area of polymer based material systems for photonic applications. A description of the application of the technology to several different areas is presented. Some of these application areas include optical interconnects, optoelectronic integration and electro-optical devices using polymer material systems. The overall effort includes areas of research from the basic chemistry of polymer optical materials to the development of photonic components. Specifically the use of polymer materials as a platform technology for hybrid integration in the development of multi-functional sub systems is reviewed.
The development of a photonic backplane for high-speed and high-bandwidth communications is presented. This hybrid, multimode, multi-channel backplane structure contains both electrical and optical interconnects, suitable for next-generation high-speed servers with terabit backplane capacity. Removable and all-passively aligned high density interconnects on this backplane are achieved by polymer based optical waveguides with integrated micro-optics and VCSEL arrays on conventional printed circuit boards. The fabrication of this photonic backplane requires few additional steps outside a traditional board-manufacturing environment and is largely compatible with existing processes.
A new method of interconnecting various optoelectronic components is discussed. Offset error up to 25 microns can be corrected to achieve single mode alignment accuracies. Several planar optical devices were photocomposed using the adaptive photolithographic method and these have been shown to perform with the desired characteristics.
We present the results for a 50GHz drive amplifier for use with a Mach-Zehnder modulator. The MMIC device is packaged using a flexible substrate technology to obtain compact size and broadband performance. The packaged device exhibits well-matched transmission lines on the input and output, and large gain and bandwidth. The MMIC performance is directly related to performance of the drain bias circuit.
We present the results for a 50GHz drive amplifier for use with a Mach-Zehnder modulator. The MMIC device is packaged using a flexible substrate technology to obtain compact size and broadband performance. The packaged device exhibits well-matched transmission lines on the input and output, and large gain and bandwidth. The MMIC performance is directly related to performance of the drain bias circuit.
Feasibility studies and statistical analyses generated using specially tailored software tools of 2D photonic bandgap waveguides containing structural deviations are presented. Waveguide structures comprising two wide angle bends within a photonic bandgap structure were used in this analysis. The results demonstrate that small variations in the location and size of ordered media create significant changes in the photonic bandgap properties of the material. Deviations with a statistical mean of 20 nm in locaiton and size of this particular model designed for 1.55 μm wavelength are enough to cause the waveguide transmission to reduce by up to 90%.
In avionic systems, data integrity and high data rates are necessary for stable flight control. Unfortunately, conventional electronic control systems are susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can reduce the clarity of flight control signals. Fly-by-Light systems that use optical signals to actuate the flight control surfaces of an aircraft have been suggested as a solution to the EMI problem in avionic systems. Fly-by-Light in avionic systems reduces electromagnetic interference hence improving the clarity of the control signals. A hybrid approach combining a silicon photoreceiver module with a SiC power transistor is proposed. The resulting device uses a 5 mW optical control signal to produce a 150 A current suitable for driving an electric motor.
In avionic systems, data integrity and high data rates are necessary for stable flight control. Unfortunately, conventional electronic control systems are susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can reduce the clarity of flight control signals. Fly-by-Light systems that use optical signals to actuate the flight control surfaces of an aircraft have been suggested as a solution to the EMI problem in avionic systems. Fly-by-Light in avionic systems reduces electromagnetic interference hence improving the clarity of the control signals. A hybrid approach combining a silicon photoreceiver module with a SiC power transistor is proposed. The resulting device uses a 5 mW optical control signal to produce a 150 A current suitable for driving an electric motor.
Pressure sensors utilizing MEMS technology for fabrication of the sensing element, interrogation by fiber optics, and which are suitable for propulsion applications are described. Devices utilizing micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) technology are often better suited for harsh environments than electrically interrogated MEMS devices, so with sturdy packaging these optical devices may be useful to many propulsion applications. MOEMS pressure sensors can also be incorporated into arrays for detailed spatial characterization along with inherent high speed temporal characterization. Such characterization is expected to be very useful for propulsion systems. This presentation will first review optical-MEMS pressure sensor configurations. We will then concentrate on configurations most suitable for high speed applications in harsh environments. Examples of experimental results for static pressure test as well as for dynamic pressure test carried out in a shock tube demonstrating good linearity, sensitivity and time response will then be presented. Hybrid and monolithic array configurations will be presented. A discussion of the use of wavelength division multiplexing for efficient accessing of array elements will also be included.
Arrays of pressure sensors utilizing microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology for fabrication of the sensing element and interrogation by fiber optics are described. Optically interrogated MEMS devices are potentially more suitable for many propulsion applications involving harsh environments than electrically interrogated MEMS devices. Pressure sensor elements form a Fabry-Perot interferometer so that reflected light measures pressure. Rationale for the design of the geometry of sensor elements and array configurations will be presented. These devices are designed to provide sensitivity over a given pressure range, ease of fabrication, and array configurations useful for propulsion characterization. Sensor element and array fabrication will be discussed. These sensor elements are fabricated by etching shallow cavities in glass substrates followed by electrostatic bonding of silicon onto the glass over the cavity. The silicon is then etched to form the pressure sensitive diaphragm. Linear arrays having 6 elements will be described. Experimentally results for static pressure tests and dynamic pressure test carried out in a shock tube demonstrate reasonable linearity, sensitivity and time response.
Advanced aircraft engine propulsion systems must meet increasingly challenging performance requirements and endure more rigorous environmental conditions. The use of fiber optic technology provides much needed electromagnetic immunity without weight and cost penalties and also provides the other advantages of a fiber optic communication system. In this paper some of the application issues that arise due to the harsh operating environment are addressed.
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