Frequency Agile Laser for Configurable Optical Networks (FALCON)
Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Missile Defense Agency
Contract: F30602-01-C-0113
Agency Tracking Number: 01-0232
Amount:
$64,953.00
Phase:
Phase I
Program:
SBIR
Awards Year:
2001
Solicitation Year:
N/A
Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A
Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
12777 High Bluff Drive, San Diego, CA, 92130
DUNS:
128206260
HUBZone Owned:
N
Woman Owned:
N
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged:
N
Principal Investigator
Name: Eric Takeuchi
Title: Senior Staff Scientist
Phone: (858) 755-8855
Email: etakeuchi@photera.com
Title: Senior Staff Scientist
Phone: (858) 755-8855
Email: etakeuchi@photera.com
Business Contact
Name: Graham Flint
Title: President/CEO
Phone: (858) 755-8855
Email: gflint@photera.com
Title: President/CEO
Phone: (858) 755-8855
Email: gflint@photera.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract
Increasingly robust and sophisticated sensors developed for military applications are pushing the envelope in terms of the requirements placed upon individual components and sub-systems. Rapid integration of laser transmitters emitting in the 1.5 ¿m regimeinto these systems has applied pressure to provide ever-increasing functionality.Photera proposes the development of a laser that is tunable over a wide range of wavelengths with a random access time in the tens-of-nanoseconds regime. By employing our proprietary use of optical components, the FALCON laser promises rapid tunabilitycombined with output power in excess of 100 mW, narrow spectral linewidth (< 20 kHz) and low noise (both amplitude and phase). This laser will introduce advanced system capabilities for both military and commercial applications that are not achievable withcurrent technologies.The FALCON laser will find use in numerous commercial applications, most heavily weighted towards those in the optical communications areas. The ability to rapidly tune amongst a large number of wavelengths in the 1.5 ¿m regime will enable advanced opticalnetworks to emerge. Using the FALCON device as a single inventory replacement for several individual fixed-wavelength sources, as well as real-time backup for a bank of transmitters in a typical DWDM system, are near-term application areas. As the FALCONlaser product matures, it could find use in applications such as optical communications traffic management and wavelength packet switching; both enabled by the rapid tunability of the FALCON laser. * Information listed above is at the time of submission. *