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Integrated optical devices
This programme focuses on the development of information communication technology (ICT[?]) proof–of-concept prototypes for all-optical switches and modulators, all-optical wavelength converters and all-optical signal regenerators. It will take advantage of our patented second-order non-linear optical materials as well as our expertise in chemistry and physics.
This research will enable us to address the key components that limit the bandwidth in dense wavelength division multiplexing for optical communication (e.g. silica fibre optic networks, polymer local area networks, board-to-board optical communication, etc) in our associated photonics programme, Optical signal processing: theory and applications of communications technology, where we focus on electrically tunable elements for ICT[?] applications.
The materials studied include:
- thick and thin films of 2nd and 3rd order non-linear optical polymers
- photoswitchable crystalline/polymer compounds
- quantum dots
- advanced glasses and glass ceramics (nano-crystallites surrounded by glass).
Our key research partner is Victoria University of Wellington.
Chromophores/polymers for low-voltage optical modulators
We are working on the design and synthesis of organic optically nonlinear chromophores and polymers for use as the active components in devices for emerging photonic technologies, for example, optical modulators.
These in turn are expected to be the enabling technology for devices such as the ultra-fast all-optical switch. The major advantage these polymer materials have over current inorganic photonic materials is that they will be cheaper to make, have superior performance and allow better scope for miniaturisation.
Our approach to research has been to examine right hand side molecules that have zwitterionic ground states. Our primary interest is in pyridine and quinoline derived donors with various acceptor systems. Key to this is finding a balance between expedient syntheses and high figure of merit materials. As a result, we have recently developed and patented a suite of polymer tetherable, configurationally-locked chromophores. Their figures of merit, ( ), are greater than 5000x10-48esu, which places them among the best examples known.
Our competitive advantage lies in the ease by which we can synthesise these compounds from low-cost precursors, and therefore the cost-effectiveness of the chromophores and their potential to be synthesised on a large scale.
We are interested in the possibility of partnering our expertise and intellectual property with an optical chip/design specialist. We are also interested in developing strategic collaborations with other researchers, particularly those involved in prototype and device design.