Reconfigurable Optical Elements Based on Single and Coupled Microdisk Resonators with Quantum Dot Active Media

In this Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) - Phase II project we will build photonic integrated circuits that perform flip-flop and optical switching operations on silicon platform. These circuits are based on our Phase I work where we have established the feasibility of using coupled microdisk resonators and active waveguides coupled to a single microring resonator to realize bistable operation. The active structures consist of colloidal quantum dots embedded in a polymer host. Specifically, we will develop two archetype photonic circuits: an integrated optical flip-flop and a Mach-Zehnder all-optical switch integrated with an optical flip-flop. The latter will be used to demonstrate the multi-functionality of the circuit and will be tested for data routing application. The proposed devices will be designed, fabricated and characterized as part of this program and the fabrication processes, and devices designs will be optimized to allow large scale manufacture while maintaining reproducibility and repeatability. Processes parameters will be designed to meet the requirements of standard CMOS foundry there by enabling large scale photonic circuits to be realized at low cost and high volume. We also discuss our commercialization plan, target dates for achieving different technology readiness levels and transition plan to Phase III. BENEFIT: The proposed photonic integrated circuits will be realized on Silicon platform allowing easy integration with electronics and the use of silicon foundries for large scale manufacture. Furthermore, the Silicon on insulator platform allows realization of devices with small footprint and the use of colloidal quantum dots provides wavelength versatility and large optical nonlinear effects while keeping the overal cost low. The proposed circuits that will be realized as part of the phase II program can be used for ultrafast all-optical signal processing and data routing applications that meet both commercial and military needs of the future.