Knowledge Bank

In this research project, the transmission through single and multimode integrated optical bends is optimized with a view towards reducing downstream cost, enhancing efficiency, and providing flexibility. Integrated optics involves the manipulation of light at the micro/nano-scale. It is analogous to integrated electronics. Instead of electronics, light is guided on the surface of an optical chip by integrated optical waveguides. The use of light implies speed and bandwidth. Applications span high-speed telecommunications, sensors, and computing. Optimization of waveguide bends is important since nearly all integrated optical devices employ them. To characterize waveguide bends in the laboratory, optical light is required to be coupled into low cross-section devices. Coupling issues and data collection methods are also studied.

Advisor: Ronald M. Reano