The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently awarded a Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I grant to NLM Photonics and AIM Photonics to develop highly efficient and compact electro-optic (EO) modulators for use in space applications. This collaboration brings together NLM's expertise in hybrid organic EO materials and AIM's advanced silicon photonics manufacturing capabilities to create next-generation photonic integrated circuits for space [1].
The 13-month, Phase I project will focus on prototyping silicon-organic hybrid (SOH) EO modulators that can meet the demanding performance and environmental requirements of space missions. Modulators are essential components in fiber optic communications that encode data onto light signals by modulating properties like amplitude, phase, or polarization. Smaller, lower power modulators allow for more compact, efficient photonic payloads.
NLM Photonics, based in Seattle, WA, specializes in hybrid photonic solutions that integrate organic EO materials onto silicon photonic chips. The organic materials provide high EO activity, enabling efficient modulation in compact device footprints not possible with inorganic materials like lithium niobate. NLM's technology has shown great promise for applications from data centers to autonomous vehicles.
Partnering with NLM is AIM Photonics, a manufacturing innovation institute based in Rochester, NY focused on advancing integrated photonics. AIM operates a state-of-the-art 300mm semiconductor fabrication facility for photonics research, prototyping, and small-scale production. This facility will fabricate the photonic integrated circuit designs provided by NLM.
For the Phase I program, NLM will design SOH modulator circuit layouts targeting the commonly used 1310nm and 1550nm wavelength bands. These designs will be optimized for NASA's needs by considering factors like radiation hardness, reliability, power consumption, and wide operating temperatures. AIM will then fabricate the chip designs and provide packaged samples to NASA for evaluation.
By leveraging AIM's flexible, scalable photonics manufacturing platform, NLM can rapidly prototype and iterate different modulator designs to identify the best candidates. This collaborative process allows the team to overcome the technical challenges presented by the extreme conditions of space.
The work is being led by Dr. Scott Hammond, Director of Process Development at NLM Photonics, who serves as the Principal Investigator. He will coordinate closely with Dr. Nicholas Fahrenkopf, AIM Photonics' Engineering Manager, to transfer the modulator designs and fabricate the prototypes.
In a statement on the grant award, Dr. Hammond expressed NLM's excitement to explore applications of their hybrid organic EO technology for space. He noted that the project will strengthen their existing partnership with AIM Photonics while also increasing engagement with NASA and the broader government/defense technology sectors.
The high-performance, compact SOH modulators developed through this grant could enable leaps forward in satellite communications, interplanetary data links, on-board photonic signal processing, lidar and sensing applications, and more. These capabilities will be critical as NASA pursues bold new initiatives like establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon and sending the first astronauts to Mars.
Beyond the Moon and Mars programs, advanced photonics payloads will play an expanding role across NASA missions to further our understanding of Earth, the solar system, and the universe. SOH modulators could be used in spacecraft systems for tasks like:
High-bandwidth intra-satellite and inter-satellite links for communications and data transfer;
Free space optical communications using light beams to transmit data over long distances;
Onboard information processing and optical computing to reduce payload mass vs electronics;
Lidar and other optical sensing instruments to map terrain, detect water/minerals, measure atmospheric composition, etc.
Optical gyroscopes and accelerometers for precision spacecraft navigation and control
Photonic links between different subsystem components to reduce size/mass of copper cabling.
The extremely harsh environment of space poses unique challenges for photonic devices. Factors like background radiation, charged particles, micrometeoroids/space debris, extreme temperatures cycles, vibration/shock during launch, and more must be considered. The Phase I project will evaluate the radiation hardness, temperature range, reliability, and durability of the SOH modulators when exposed to simulated space environments.
Surviving these conditions will require expertise in specialized packaging and qualification testing. Fortunately, both NLM and AIM possess deep experience developing robust photonic solutions meeting stringent customer requirements. This knowledge will ensure the modulator prototypes meet NASA's needs for deployment in future space missions.
The collaborative STTR program offers significant benefits to both companies beyond just the Phase I grant funding. For NLM Photonics, it provides invaluable feedback from NASA scientists and engineers that will aid ongoing modulator R&D while also opening doors for follow-on work in the lucrative space sector.
For AIM Photonics, engaging with partners like NLM expands the process tools and IP available on their photonics platform. This supports their charter to advance integrated photonics manufacturing in the US while providing access to new customers.
If successful, the project could lead to a Phase II award to further mature the modulator technology and conduct radiation testing. The Phase II would set the stage for commercialization and use on actual space missions. Additionally, the demonstrated capabilities could open up opportunities with other government and defense entities like the Air Force, Navy, and DARPA.
The NASA grant enables NLM Photonics and AIM Photonics to combine their respective strengths in hybrid organic materials and advanced photonics manufacturing. By working collaboratively to develop space-worthy EO modulators, they hope to firmly establish silicon photonics as a key enabler for future NASA missions. The technical challenges are significant, but the resulting devices could have broad impacts not just in space but across the entire integrated photonics industry.
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