Embedded optical waveguides, with their inherently large transmission bandwidth capabilities, can be utilized to achieve digital transmission speeds that are not possible using copper trace interconnects. Single mode waveguides are not as limited by modal dispersion when compared to multi-mode waveguides; therefore, single mode waveguides will be able to push the limits of digital communications within printed circuit boards well beyond the bandwidths of multi-mode waveguides through the use of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). In addition, capabilities such as built-in-test and technology insertion will be possible. The outcome of this research will be to determine the implementation and feasibility of single mode waveguides embedded within printed circuit boards. Modeling and simulation of the waveguides and structures as well as a cost effective and accurate method of fabrication and implementation of single mode waveguides within printed circuit boards will be performed. Previous and current research and development work that has been performed on the implementation of multimode waveguides will be leveraged in order to make printed circuit board level manufacturing and implementation of single-mode waveguides as cost efficient and seamless as possible.
Benefit: Commercialization of embedded single-mode optical waveguides for data transmission functions between input/output devices on and between printed circuit boards requires the development of advanced production methods and a supply-chain capable of sustaining business development. Calumet Electronics Corporation (CEC) proposes to consult and collaborate with firms that will benefit from single-mode polymer waveguide technologies to identify business needs. CEC will translate those business needs to technological parameters for commercialization and will seek technology solutions that are consistent with existing manufacturing processes and materials to facilitate transfer skill, knowledge, technologies, methods of manufacturing, samples of manufacturing and facilities among governments and other institutions to ensure that scientific and technological developments are accessible to a wider range of users who can further develop and exploit the technology into new products, processes, applications, materials or services. Commercial Applications The applications for this technology range from cell phones to supercomputers and span industries from consumer electronics to healthcare. CEC shall communicate with potential customers in the aerospace and computer industry to keep them apprised of this program and to seek technology insertion opportunities. Military This proposal supports critical technology thrusts for integration of single-mode optical interconnects into the F-35 platform and B-2, F-16, and Q-70 tech refresh / life extensions. The benefit will be reductions in Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP), improved performance, and will enable the use of next generation Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components in military systems. Without this capability the military will continue to be limited in its ability to take advantage of the significant processing performance improvements developed by the commercial computing industry.
Keywords: Polymer, Polymer, SWAP, WDM, single mode, electro-optical printed circuit board, Interconnect, waveguide, optical
