Rapid Low-Loss Polymer PIC Platforms Using High-Index Nanoimprintable Materials

HighRI Optics, in collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Molecular Foundry, proposes an innovative approach to photonic integrated circuits (PICs) utilizing proprietary, patternable high-refractive index polymers (HRI). By combining HRI materials with a low-cost, rapid fabrication method, we will establish an affordable prototyping platform for low-loss polymer waveguides. This platform will serve as a foundational waveguide foundry, enabling efficient PIC component fabrication. Additionally, incorporating nonlinear polymers and quantum dots into HRI materials will facilitate the development of active photonic devices, expanding the functionality and applications of polymer-based PICs. Our proprietary optical coupling method achieves a remarkable 0.5 dB per facet optical coupling loss.

This proposed innovation is significant and aligns with NASA's T8.07: Photonic Integrated Circuits (STTR) subtopic for the 2025 STTR Phase I Solicitation, which encourages new PIC components, platforms, and fabrication methods. Current polymer PIC technology lacks high-refractive index contrast, leading to large PICs with significant bending radii and no active components. Our HRI polymer-based waveguide platform addresses this need with superior optical properties. Utilizing nanoimprint lithography (NIL) offers a cost-effective, high-throughput alternative to traditional methods. NIL has proven effective for producing high-resolution photonic devices. Our approach builds on NIL's success in creating printable PICs with high-refractive index contrast, enabling the direct printing of our polymers to fabricate integrated photonic devices, enhancing NASA's advanced PIC technology capabilities. The significance of our innovation is highlighted by the growing demand for low-cost, high-performance PICs across various applications, including on-chip sensors, data storage, and quantum computing. NASA has a vested interest in advancing PIC technology for integration into current and future instruments, particularly for small spacecraft platforms, rovers, and wearable/handheld technology for astronauts. Our affordable waveguide foundry can significantly lower the barrier to entry for researchers and companies developing and prototyping integrated photonic solutions for these applications. Furthermore, our technology holds immense potential for a wide range of commercial applications. The integration of nonlinear polymers for active photonic devices, as demonstrated in research involving nanoimprinted high-refractive index active photonic nanostructures with quantum dots, opens new possibilities for creating integrated optical switches, modulators, and light sources on a polymer platform. This capability represents a substantial improvement in PIC performance and functionality compared to existing passive polymer waveguide platforms, making it highly impactful for diverse commercial uses.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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