Photonics Research Laboratory

 

The current research effort at Photonics Research Lab is focused on the design, fabrication, characterization, and optimization of guided-wave devices based on integrated-optic waveguides in ferroelectrics and semiconductors. These devices are being developed to perform various functions in advanced fiber-optic links for optical signal transmission and processing applications. Specifically, high-speed linearized modulators and wavelength-selective filters are the primary goals of the research & development work.

Currently, a narrowband wavelength-selective filter with a flattened response and suppressed sidelobes is under development for wavelength- division- multiplexed applications. Another filter structure under study is an ultra-narrow, compact, wavelength- selective filter in lithium niobate with a silicon overlay.

Several advanced electro-optic modulators with domain reversals have already been demonstrated where simplified design has been complemented with relaxed fabrication tolerances and performance comparable or superior to that of the conventional counterparts. Yet another area of current and future research interest is the investigation of the properties of waveguide structures in lithium tantalate with high power handling capability.

The research effort at PRL is funded through several grants from government agencies and industrial concerns as well as from the Microfabritech program at the University of Florida. Funding is also available through joint research with a local, small business concern in the photonics area. With test equipment available through this collaboration together with the state of the art fabrication and instrumentation facilities available at UF, the lab can undertake the most demanding research projects in the field.