Non-linear photonic switch and method of making the same
US6937804B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 6, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 30, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2202/32
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A photonic switch according to the present invention may be formed using one of a selected group of non-linear optical materials. Each of the materials within this group has a refractive index that demonstrates a substantial peak as a function of wavelength, where the peak occurs at a wavelength distinct from the wavelength of the input signal. A method of producing a photonic switch according to the present invention includes fabricating source and drain waveguides using micro-molding or micro-contact printing processes, or MIMIC (micro-molding in capillaries) of a UV-curable polymer. If desired, a gate waveguide may also be formed in part by these processes. The photonic switch also includes a photonic crystal formed from non-linear optical material, which may be formed, for example, using a block copolymer and nanoparticle composite in a MIMIC or μfluidics process. Such a process may employ a functionalized mold material to align the blocks.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.