Photonic crystals are artificial structures that have periodic structures with high index contrast, and promise to control photons in the same way that conventional crystal in solids control electrons. It has been realized that the lack of fabrication technology and the lack of materials significantly slow down the technology advancement in this area.In this Phase I program, Radiant Research, Inc. proposes an innovative optical superprism based on self-assembled photonic bandgap block copolymers. Such a superprism has the dispersion of light 100-1,000 times stronger than the dispersion in conventional prisms. The physics behind this superprism concept will open a novel field called photonic dispersion optics. The application of superprisms can create the next generation of integrated micro-scale lightwave circuits (micro-LC's).The proposed self-assembled photonic bandgap block copolymers provide us a new solution for fabrication of photonic materials. The large number of block compositions and block arrangements, leading to a wealth of periodic morphologies, provide a unique material template for novel and innovative photonic bandgap structures. We will deliver an optical superprism made of photonic bandgap copolymers, with dispersion of light 1,000 times stronger than the dispersion in conventional prisms, by the end of Phase I program for concept demonstration. The proposed optical superprism concept will open a novel field of photonic dispersion optics. The application of superprisms can create the next generation of integrated micro-scale lightwave circuits (micro-LC's). Such micro-LC's will allow more efficient use of wavelength resources when used in the wavelength multiplexers/demultiplexers for fiber optic transmission systems.
Keywords: Photonic Crystals, Photonic Polymers, Integrated Optics, Light Deflection, Optical Refraction,
