Project Newton

Project Aim:

Photonic crystals and photonic band gaps (PBG) represent a new class of optical devices for guiding and processing light. Conventional optic relies on effects like reflection (mirrors, Bragg reflection), refraction (lenses, prisms) or diffraction (gratings). In PBG devices the interaction of light is based on “optical bandgaps” in crystals, suppressing certain wavelengths to propagate in pre-determined directions. With the implementation of photonic band gaps in optical systems, new applications for processing light are feasible, existing optical functions can be build up with much smaller dimensions (< 1 mm³), and higher integration density can be achieved.

In this project, a material and process technology will be developed which allows the fast and flexible production of real 3-dimensional photonic crystals. Only as 3-dimensional systems, PBGs can exploit their full theoretical capabilities. The manufacturing approach will be achieved by the combination of research activities on (i) polymer based nano-scale colloids, (ii) holographic structured polymers, (iii) laser based defect inscribing into the material with nm-resolution, (iv) infiltration and inversion techniques to realise photonic crystals, and the (v) full characterisation and performance evaluation of the manufactured components. In parallel, (vi) simulation and design tools for of PBGs will be improved and adapted to the manufacturing technology for a fast realisation of the devices and better understanding of influencing factors in the manufacturing process.

First test devices will include basic optical functions like wave guides, splitters, filters for telecom applications. On the long term, this technology will contribute to optical integrated circuits and self routing in meshed communication networks. At this stage it can be anticipated that photonic crystals are essential for future all-optical computing, having the same impact in optical engineering as semiconductors and CMOS had in electronics.

The figure on the left shows a cartoon of a 3D colloid crystal, which is one of our templates for photonic crystals. The sphere diameter is to range between 400 nm and 1000nm.

The colloid crystal will be infiltrated with and index matching substance (green background) in preparation for laser inscription.

This cartoon shows the inscription process which will be achieved through excitation with femtosecond laser pulses.

After inscription, a second infiltration with a high refractive index (blue) will take place and the spheres will be removed. This will invert the crystal structure, providing a photonic crystal with optical functions.

In this series, for example, a cartoon of the development of a waveguide, one of the first simple, passive functions that will be realized.

Below is shown a rough schematicof the experimental steps envisioned in this project.


	Project NewTon Summary
	Project Aim: Photonic crystals and photonic band gaps (PBG) represent a new class of optical devices for guiding and processing light. Conventional optic relies on effects like reflection (mirrors, Bragg reflection), refraction (lenses, prisms) or diffraction (gratings). In PBG devices the interaction of light is based on “optical bandgaps” in crystals, suppressing certain wavelengths to propagate in pre-determined directions. With the implementation of photonic band gaps in optical systems, new applications for processing light are feasible, existing optical functions can be build up with much smaller dimensions (< 1 mm³), and higher integration density can be achieved. In this project, a material and process technology will be developed which allows the fast and flexible production of real 3-dimensional photonic crystals. Only as 3-dimensional systems, PBGs can exploit their full theoretical capabilities. The manufacturing approach will be achieved by the combination of research activities on (i) polymer based nano-scale colloids, (ii) holographic structured polymers, (iii) laser based defect inscribing into the material with nm-resolution, (iv) infiltration and inversion techniques to realise photonic crystals, and the (v) full characterisation and performance evaluation of the manufactured components. In parallel, (vi) simulation and design tools for of PBGs will be improved and adapted to the manufacturing technology for a fast realisation of the devices and better understanding of influencing factors in the manufacturing process. First test devices will include basic optical functions like wave guides, splitters, filters for telecom applications. On the long term, this technology will contribute to optical integrated circuits and self routing in meshed communication networks. At this stage it can be anticipated that photonic crystals are essential for future all-optical computing, having the same impact in optical engineering as semiconductors and CMOS had in electronics. The figure on the left shows a cartoon of a 3D colloid crystal, which is one of our templates for photonic crystals. The sphere diameter is to range between 400 nm and 1000nm. The colloid crystal will be infiltrated with and index matching substance (green background) in preparation for laser inscription. This cartoon shows the inscription process which will be achieved through excitation with femtosecond laser pulses. After inscription, a second infiltration with a high refractive index (blue) will take place and the spheres will be removed. This will invert the crystal structure, providing a photonic crystal with optical functions. In this series, for example, a cartoon of the development of a waveguide, one of the first simple, passive functions that will be realized. Below is shown a rough schematicof the experimental steps envisioned in this project.

Project NewTon Summary