Integration of Magneto-Optical Materials for Novel Optical Devices & Magnetophotonic Crystals, Phase II

This work proposes to capitalize on our Phase I success in monolithically integrating magneto-optic and magnetic materials with semiconductor platforms in order to reduce the size and weight, as well as increase the performance, of NASA?s strategic optical systems. Nonreciprocal components play extremely important role in laser systems and telecommunications. Currently all such components are discrete; there are no fully monolithically integrated nonreciprocal components available in the market. This work will use a novel technique, metallorganic chemical liquid deposition (MOCLD) to achieve this feat. Phase I results have demonstrated the feasibility of this technique in fabricating doped and undoped magneto-optic films, as well as buffer layers, onto semiconductors. Permanent magnet films were also grown with sufficient strengths to bias the magneto-optic films for fully integrated waveguide isolators. All of these materials will be optimized during initial fabrication/characterization tasks in the Phase II program. Also, prototype devices will continue to be simulated using the beam propagation method. These simulation results will allow a fast path toward fabricating prototype devices with minimal processing/testing iterations. Photonic circuitry with electric and magnetic drives and magnetophotonic crystals will also be designed and developed in this Phase II program.

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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