N142-100 TITLE: Ruggedized, Ultra-Compact, High Dynamic Range, Dual-Output Wideband Electro-Optic Modulator

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Electronics

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: JSF-MS

RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE BY FOREIGN NATIONALS: This topic is "ITAR Restricted". The information and materials provided pursuant to or resulting from this topic are restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which control the export of defense-related material and services, including the export of sensitive technical data. Foreign nationals may perform work under an award resulting from this topic only if they hold the "Permanent Resident Card", or are designated as "Protected Individuals" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). If a proposal for this topic contains participation by a foreign national who is not in one of the above two categories, the proposal may be rejected.

OBJECTIVE: Develop and package a new ultra-compact, wideband, dual-output electro-optic modulator for radio-frequency (RF) photonic link applications on air platforms.

DESCRIPTION: The replacement of the coaxial cable used in various onboard RF/analog applications with RF/analog fiber optic links requires ruggedized, high dynamic range, dual-output wideband electro-optic modulators. Current airborne military communications and electronic warfare systems require ever increasing bandwidths while simultaneously requiring reductions in size, weight and power (SWaP). Replacement of the coaxial cabling will provide increased immunity to electromagnetic interference, reduction in size and weight, and an increase in bandwidth and power but requires an innovative modulator to complete the system.

The desired electro-optic modulators used in RF/analog fiber optic links must be compatible with distributed feedback (DFB) lasers with greater than 100 mWatts of single-mode fiber coupled optical power. These modulators must have dual outputs for use with balanced photo detector receivers which would enable a higher link gain, a lower noise figure and a higher spur free dynamic range, as required in Navy electronic warfare and radar systems. A bandwidth of up to 40 GHz is required and it must be compatible with emerging systems out to 100 GHz. A fourfold reduction in SWaP requirements as compared to current electro-optic modulators must be achieved without any degradation in device performance. A major challenge is to develop a new compact dual-output modulator packaging approach that can achieve uncooled operation over a minimum temperature range of -40 to +100 degrees Celsius. This key criterion must be met without sacrificing modulator bandwidth and drive voltage efficiency, while demonstrating low optical insertion loss at fiber-coupled DFB laser powers up to 200 mWatts, and higher in the future. A ruggedized package that has a height less than or equal to 5 mm, a volume of approximately 2.5 cubic centimeters is required. The packaged modulator must perform over the specified temperature range and maintain hermeticity and optical alignment upon exposure to typical Navy air platform vibration, humidity, thermal shock, mechanical shock, and temperature cycling environments [4].

PHASE I: Develop and analyze a new design and packaging approach for dual-output wideband electro-optic modulators that meets the requirements outlined. Develop a modulator fabrication process, packaging approach, and a modulator test plan. Demonstrate feasibility of the modulator with a supporting proof of principle bench top experiment.

PHASE II: Optimize Phase I dual-output modulator and package design. Test prototype modulator to meet modulator design specifications in a Navy air platform representative of a relevant application environment. The prototype modulator should be tested in an RF photonic link over temperature with the objective performance levels reached. Demonstrate a prototype fully packaged modulator for direct insertion into analog fiber optic transmitters.

PHASE III: Perform extensive modulator reliability and durability testing. Transition the demonstrated technology to Naval Aviation platforms and interested commercial applications.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The technology would find application in commercial systems such as fiber optic networks and telecommunications.

REFERENCES:
1. McKinney, J.D., Godinez, M., Urick, V.J., Thaniyavarn, S., Charczenko, W. & Williams, K.J., 2007, Sub-10-dB Noise Figure in a Multiple-GHz Analog Optical Link, IEEE Photonics Tech. Lett., Vol. 19 Issue 7.

2. Noguchi, K., Mitomi, O., and Miyazawa, H., 1998, Millimeter-wave Ti:LiNbO3 optical modulators, Journal of Lightwave Technology, 16(4), 615-619.

3. Islam, M.S. et al., 2002, High power and highly linear monolithically integrated distributed balanced photodetectors, Journal of Lightwave Technology, 20(2), 285-295.

4. MIL-STD-810G, 31 Oct 2008, Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests.

KEYWORDS: Ultra-Wideband; Electro-Optic Modulator; Dual-Output; Extended Temperature Range; Analog Fiber Optic Links; Balanced Photodetector

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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