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SBIR/STTR Phase II: Laser Direct-Writing Technique to Produce Integrated Optical Amplifier/Splitter

Award Information
Agency: National Science Foundation
Branch: N/A
Contract: N/A
Agency Tracking Number: 0216288
Amount: $0.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2002
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
3921 Academy Parkway North, NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Douglas Taylor
 (505) 343-1797
 djtaylor@tplinc.com
Business Contact
Phone: () -
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase II project will continue the successful work from the Phase I project and develop integrated amplifier/splitters through laser direct writing of wet-chemically derived, erbium-doped coatings. Precursor solutions will be mixed on the molecular level to produce pure and homogeneous materials. Waveguide structures will be written into the erbium-doped fluoride coatings with a laser, which raises its index of refraction to confine light. The erbium-doped channel waveguides will be pumped with a 980 nm source to amplify 1550 nm signals. Markets in which integrated optical devices, such as amplified splitters, can be used total several $100 million. This device will expedite bringing fiber the last mile because it will replace the current serial arrangement of discrete splitters and amplifiers, which is bulky and expensive due to the number of components and interconnects. The proposed integration techniques will also enable optical integrated circuits and next-generation computing. Prototypes will be fabricated during Phase II. TPL has extensive experience in wet-chemical processing and demonstrated ability to commercialize its technologies. The PI is a pioneering researcher of laser-fired, sol-gel derived films. LightPath Technologies will assist TPL with device and marketing development.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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