The goal of the Air Force Highly Integrated Photonics (HIP) program is to develop and demonstrate single photonic chip
components which support a single mode fiber network architecture for use on mobile military platforms. We propose
an optically transparent, broadcast and select fiber optic network as the next generation interconnect on avionics
platforms. In support of this network, we have developed three principal, single-chip photonic components: a tunable
laser transmitter, a 32x32 port star coupler, and a 32 port multi-channel receiver which are all compatible with
demanding avionics environmental and size requirements. The performance of the developed components will be
presented as well as the results of a demonstration system which integrates the components into a functional network
representative of the form factor used in advanced avionics computing and signal processing applications.
This presentation will describe the Air Force Research Laboratory Highly Integrated Photonics Program (AF HIP) and
its objective to integrate on a monolithic device, all of the optical components required to serve as a bus coupler in an all
optical data communication network. This research and development program utilizes advanced technologies in silicon
on insulator (SOI) and silica planar lightwave circuits (PLC) to design, develop, characterize, and demonstrate highly
integrated photonic devices that can be transitioned into both current and emerging tactical platforms for the U.S. Air
Force. This effort strives to overcome several existing constraints with respect to the integration and packaging aspects
of the current generation of COTS optical devices. Monolithic integration (chips fabricated out of a single material
system) remains the ultimate vision for integrated optics.
Advances in a wide variety of nanotechnologies are expected to substantially benefit future military weapon systems. The technology development cycle for military platforms requires a given technology to reach a defined state of maturity before its use in a deployable system. Nanotechnologies such as quantum dots and carbon nanotubes, while showing great promise of performance benefits, are still considered too immature for immediate use. Defense contractors are in active research of applications of nanoscale engineered materials and devices and are beginning to engage nanotechnology suppliers for future military platforms.
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