It is now possible to fashion transparent crystalline materials into axisymmetric optical components having diameters ranging from hundreds down to tens of micrometers, whereas previously, the smallest attainable diameter was 500 μm. A major step in the fabrication process that makes this possible can be characterized as diamond turning or computer numerically controlled machining on an ultrahigh-precision lathe. This process affords the flexibility to make arbitrary axisymmetric shapes that have various degrees of complexity: examples include a flat disk or a torus supported by a cylinder (see figure), or multiple closely axially spaced disks or tori supported by a cylinder. Such optical components are intended mainly for use as whispering-gallery-mode optical resonators in diverse actual and potential applications, including wavelength filtering, modulation, photonic generation and detection of microwaves, and research in quantum electrodynamics and quantum optics.
The first step in the fabrication process is to use a brass tube bore with a 30-μm diamond suspension to cut a small cylindrical workpiece from a plate or block of the selected crystalline material. In a demonstration of the process, the cylindrical workpiece was 1.8 mm in diameter and 5 mm long; in general, different dimensions would be chosen to suit a specific application.
The workpiece is then glued to a metal cap that, in turn, is attached to the rotor of an aerostatic spindle. During the rotation of the spindle, a diamond tool is used to cut the workpiece. A computer program is used to control stepping motors that move the diamond tool, thereby controlling the shape cut by the tool. Because the shape can be controlled via software, it is possible to choose a shape designed to optimize a resonator spectrum.
This work was done by Ivan Grudinin, Anatoliy Savchenkov, and Dmitry Strekalov of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to:
Innovative Technology Assets Management
JPL
Mail Stop 202-233
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena, CA 91109-8099
(818) 354-2240
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Refer to NPO-42056
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Fabrication of Submillimeter Axisymmetric Optical Components
(reference NPO-42056) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
Don't have an account?
Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) concerning the fabrication of submillimeter axisymmetric optical components, identified by NPO-42056. It is part of NASA Tech Briefs, which disseminate information on aerospace-related developments that have broader technological, scientific, or commercial applications.
The primary focus of this document is on a novel method for fabricating arbitrary axially symmetric optical crystalline components and microdisks. This innovation, dated April 12, 2005, represents a significant advancement in the field of optics, particularly for applications requiring precise optical components at submillimeter scales. The ability to create such components is crucial for various technologies, including telecommunications, imaging systems, and sensors, where high precision and miniaturization are essential.
The document emphasizes the importance of compliance with U.S. export regulations, indicating that the information may contain proprietary data from Caltech/JPL. It also highlights the role of the Commercial Technology Program of NASA, which aims to make aerospace-related technological advancements accessible for wider use in different sectors.
For those interested in further information or assistance regarding research and technology in this area, the document provides contact details for the Innovative Technology Assets Management at JPL, including a mailing address, telephone number, and email. This facilitates communication for potential collaborations or inquiries related to the technology discussed.
Additionally, the document includes a disclaimer stating that the U.S. Government and its representatives do not assume liability for the use of the information contained within, nor do they guarantee that such use will be free from privately owned rights. This is a standard precaution in technical documentation to protect against legal claims.
In summary, the Technical Support Package serves as a resource for understanding the advancements in the fabrication of optical components, highlighting the potential applications and the importance of compliance with regulatory standards. It reflects NASA's commitment to sharing innovative technologies that can benefit various industries beyond aerospace.
