Subscribe free to our newsletters via your
. 24/7 Space News .




CHIP TECH
New technique to help produce next-generation photonic chips
by Staff Writers
Southampton, UK (SPX) Nov 17, 2014


This image shows ultrafast photomodulation spectroscopy with the sample in the middle and the small blue spot on the sample, which shows the actual pump-light used in the method. Image courtesy University of Southampton.

Researchers from the University of Southampton have developed a new technique to help produce more reliable and robust next generation photonic chips.

Photonic chips made from silicon will play a major role in future optical networks for worldwide data traffic. The high refractive index of silicon makes optical structures the size of a fraction of the diameter of a human hair possible.

Squeezing more and more optical structures for light distribution, modulation, detection and routing into smaller chip areas allows for higher data rates at lower fabrication costs.

As the complexity of optical chips increases, testing and characterising such chips becomes more difficult. Light traveling in the chip is confined in the silicon, that is, it cannot be 'seen' or measured from the outside.

Southampton researchers have now developed a new method, which will help solve this problem, to find out at which time the light in the chip is at which position. The technique, called Ultrafast photomodulation spectroscopy (UPMS), uses ultraviolet laser pulses of femtosecond duration to change the refractive index of silicon in a tiny area on the photonic chip.

Non-contact characterization tools like UPMS are vital for scientist designing complex photonic chips. The UPMS technique is fast and robust and has the potential to be used for industrial testing in the photonics industry.

The research is published in the latest issue of the journal Nature Photonics.

Dr Roman Bruck, from Physics and Astronomy at the University of Southampton and lead author of the study, says: "Monitoring the transmission of the chip while the refractive index is locally changed gives a precise picture of how the light flows through it.

"This allows testing of individual optical elements on the chip, a crucial step in the design optimisation to ensure its flawless operation. Because the changes induced by the technique are fully reversible, this testing method is non-destructive and after testing, the chip can be used for its intended application."

The research team, from Physics and Astronomy and the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University, expects to establish the technique as a standard characterisation tool, making photonic chips under development more reliable and bringing them into the market quicker. The work has been funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).


Thanks for being here;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once


credit card or paypal
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5 Billed Monthly


paypal only


.


Related Links
University of Southampton
Computer Chip Architecture, Technology and Manufacture
Nano Technology News From SpaceMart.com






Comment on this article via your Facebook, Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail login.

Share this article via these popular social media networks
del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg RedditReddit GoogleGoogle








CHIP TECH
Researchers create and control spin waves for enhanced data processing
New York NY (SPX) Nov 17, 2014
A team of New York University and University of Barcelona physicists has developed a method to control the movements occurring within magnetic materials, which are used to store and carry information. The breakthrough could simultaneously bolster information processing while reducing the energy necessary to do so. Their method, reported in the most recent issue of the journal Nature Nanote ... read more


CHIP TECH
After Mars, India space chief aims for the moon

China examines the three stages of lunar test run

China gears up for lunar mission after round-trip success

NASA's LRO Spacecraft Captures Images of LADEE's Impact Crater

CHIP TECH
Mars was warm enough for flowing water, but only briefly

Several Drives Push Opportunity Over 41-Kilometer Mark

Lockheed Martin Begins Final Assembly Of Next Mars Lander

China researchers plan Mars mission 'around 2020': state media

CHIP TECH
Tencent looks to the final travel frontier

ESA Commissions Airbus As contractor For Orion Service Module

Study Investigates How Men and Women Adapt Differently to Spaceflight

S3 concludes first phase of drop-tests

CHIP TECH
China publishes Earth, Moon photos taken by lunar orbiter

China plans to launch about 120 applied satellites

Mars probe to debut at upcoming air show

China to build global quantum communication network in 2030

CHIP TECH
Space station gets zero-gravity 3-D printer

NASA Commercial Crew Partners Continue System Advancements

Europe's 3D printer set for ISS

Astronaut turned Twitter star, Reid Wiseman, back on Earth

CHIP TECH
Soyuz Installed at Baikonur, Expected to Launch Wednesday

Time-lapse video shows Orion's move to Cape Canaveral launch pad

SpaceX chief Musk confirms Internet satellite plan

Orbital recommits to NASA Commercial program and Antares

CHIP TECH
Follow the Dust to Find Planets

NASA's TESS mission cleared for next development phase

ADS primes ESA's CHEOPS to detect and classify exoplanets

NASA's TESS Mission Cleared for Next Development Phase

CHIP TECH
New form of crystalline order good for thermoelectric uses

Paris pop-up store immortalises shoppers with 3D printed figurine

Eurofighter unveils 1.0-billion-euro radar upgrade

Supercomputing progress slows




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2014 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.