NanoPlasmonics, Microphotonics & Imaging

Research that includes:

  • Polymer, printed optical lenslet arrays
  • Microfluidic tuneable photopolymer lenses
  • Optical switches and planar lightwave MEMS
  • Vertically integrated microconfocal arrays
  • Bio-inspired integration of tuneable polymer optics with imaging electronics

DAH1: Non-dispersive IR gas detection with a MEMS scanning mirror and Linear Variable Filter

J Provine
2004

This project seeks to develop an Infra-Red (IR) gas detector that can tune over a wide frequency range for the detection of various gases such as CO2, CO, and CH4 (methane). The system incorporates a MEMS scanning mirror and various additional optical elements including a Linear Variable Filter (LVF) and parabolic mirrors to achieve the desired system.

Project end date: 01/20/05

LPL21: Biomimetic Microfabricated Compound Eyes

Ki-Hun Jeong
Jaeyoun Kim
2005

In this project, we will design, fabricate, and characterize compact, integrated optical image sensors with field-of-view (FOV) angles ranging from 0 to >120. In order to accomplish compactness, manufacturability, and wide FOV simultaneously, we will adopt bio-mimetic approaches in which miniature biological imaging structures exhibiting the required features are replicated based on our technical expertise in polymer micro-machining and polymer micro-optics techniques. For further miniaturization of the imaging systems, we will develop fabrication techniques for self-writing of a...

MCW6: 1xN^2 MEMS-Based Wavelength-Selective Switch

Jui-che Ted Tsai
2005

The goal of this project has been focused on developing a high port-count wavelength-selective switch using micromirror arrays.

Project end date: 08/31/05

MCW3: MEMS-Actuated Tunable Optical Microdisk Resonators

Ming Chang M Lee
2005

Semiconductor optical microdisk resonators are bulding blocks for most wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) photonic integrated circuits, including wavelength filters and add-drop multiplexers, optical delay lines, and group velocity dispersion compensators. Adding a tuning mechanism is desired to implement a dynamically reconfigurable function. The goal of this project is to make a high quality factor (Q), tunable, integrated microidk resoantor.

Project end date: 08/31/05

MCW5: High Fill-Factor Two-Axis Analog Micromirror Array

Jui-che Ted Tsai
2005

The major goal of this project has been focused on the development of two-axis analog micromirror arrays with high fill factors. These micromirror arrays are designed for the 1xN^2 wavelength-selective switches.

Project end date: 08/31/05

RSM38: MEMS Integrable Temperature Sensor

Chao-chih Hsu
2004

Temperature sensors have wide range of application. They are needed in all fields of research ranging from chemistry and biology, to electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. As miniaturization takes steps into micro-scale, the need for obtaining thermal information becomes more prevalent. Our goal in this project aims at creating micro temperature sensor that can be integrated into the MEMS structures.

Project end date: 08/31/05

RSM37: Design of Controls for MEMS Adaptive Optics

Kuo-J Huang
2005

The research project investigates micromirrors used in the adaptive-optics system. Micromirrors have been used for adaptive-optics system to correct the wavefront aberrations in the astronomical and vision science applications. The required number of micromirrors depends on the available motions of the actuator. For astronomical and vision science applications, the required number of micromirrors can be greatly reduced if the micromirrors are able to move in both rotational and translations motions rather than translational motion alone. The goal of our research project is to design...

BPN300: A Simple Process to Fabricate High-Performance Torsional Microscanners and Their Applications

Hyuck Choo
2005

The first goal of this project is to demonstrate a high-yield, CMOS-compatible simple process to batch-fabricate self-aligned, high-performance torsional microscanners. The second goal is to demonstrate three different, commercially demanded applications for the fabricated torsional microscanners.

Project end date: 01/07/06

APP89: Monolithic Piezoelectrically-Actuated MEMS Tunable VCSEL

Benjamin Cheng
Mike Huang
2006

A novel piezoelectrically-actuated microelectromechanical system (MEMS) tunable vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) is to be designed, fabricated and evaluated to provide improved wavelength control with lower power supply voltages and reduced external losses. Applications include signal routing and switching in modern optical communication networks and VCSEL-pumped atomic clocks. The project will focus on device design, modeling and monolithic integration of piezoelectric controlled MEMS with VCSEL for wavelength control.

Project end date: 07/30/06

RSM33: MEMS Microlenses and Lenslets: Their Application to Shack-Hartmann Sensors

Hyuck Choo
2006

Using hydrophobic effects and polymer-jet printing technology, we are developing a simple yet reliable method to fabricate microlenses for optical MEMS applications. We have characterized microlenses optically and are demonstrating their functionality in optical MEMS. The specific application that we are working on is Shack-Hartmann sensors. We expect to improve the dynamic range and sensitivity of Shack-Hartmann sensors by 20-40 factor.

Project end date: 07/30/06