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

NT22: Optical Switch Using 2-D Photonic Crystal Waveguides

Fabian Strong
2003

The main goal of this project is to design, fabricate, and test an optical switch using photonic crystal waveguides (PCWs) integrated with a MEMS actuator. A single mechanical assembly aligns a central waveguide array to select between lightwave paths connecting an input waveguide and multiple output waveguides. This project will limit its investigation to two-dimensional photonic crystal waveguides, which rely on total internal reflection for optical confinement in the vertical axis, and the photonic band gap for confinement in the lateral axis.

Project end date:...

LPL27: Biomimetic Imager as Omnidirectional Sensor (BIOS)

Paul Hung
Gang Logan Liu
2004

The ultimate goal of this project is to demonstrate an ultra-wide field-of-view (FOV) optical sensing system capable of accurately detecting and imaging targets at various distance and direction.

Project end date: 08/18/04

LPL25: Tunable Microdoublet Lens Array

Ki-Hun Jeong
2004

We report a novel tunable microdoublet lens capable of creating dual modes of biconvex or meniscus tunable lens. The microlens consists of a tunable liquid-filled lens and a solid negative lens and it can be tuned either by changing the shape of the liquid-filled lens into bi-convex or meniscus or by changing a filling media with different refractive index. The microfabrication is based on soft lithography and photopolymer microdispensing technologies. The microlens can provide a solution for minimizing optical aberrations as well as maximizing the tunability of focal length or field...

RSM35: MEMS barcode reader

Rishi Kant
2003

The goal of this project is to build a commercially viable MEMS-based barcode reader for UPC/EAN barcodes. An initial design will focus on integrating microelectronics and micromechanics for a single-chip realization in order to meet the goals of small size, low power, low cost and ability to integrate into mobile units.

Project end date: 09/08/04

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