Graded-index-of- refraction dielectric optical microresonators have been proposed as a superior alternative to prior dielectric optical microresonators, which include microspheres (described in several prior NASA Tech Briefs articles) and microtori wherein electromagnetic waves propagate along circumferential paths in "whispering-gallery" modes. The design and method of fabrication of the proposed microresonators would afford improved performance by exploiting a combination of the propagation characteristics of the whisperinggallery modes and the effect of a graded index of refraction on the modes.
The prior microresonators have been shown to be capable of functioning as compact, high-performance optical filters characterized by rarefied spectra of narrow resonance lines. For many applications, the frequency intervals between resonances are required to be equal. Unfortunately, the techniques used to fabricate the prior microresonators cannot be used to obtain equidistant resonances. The variation of frequency spacing of resonances is a consequence of the frequency dependence of the radial distribution of the whispering-gallery resonant modes: In a given microresonator that does not have a graded index of refraction, higher-frequency modes propagate on paths slightly closer to the surface, relative to lower-frequency modes. In other words, the higher-frequency modes propagate circumferentially at slightly larger radii and, consequently, slightly longer optical path lengths. The variation of optical path lengths results in nonuniform spacing of resonance frequencies.
Optical path length is a function of both distance (in the common geometrical sense) and the index of refraction. A microresonator according to the proposal would be fabricated from a graded-index-of-refraction cylinder. The parameters of the fabrication process would be chosen such that the index of refraction of the cylinder would decrease with radius by an amount calculated on the basis of the propagation characteristics of the desired resonances. Although higherfrequency modes would still travel geometrically longer distances, the indices of refraction at the larger radii would be lower (the waves would travel faster). With proper choice of the rate of decrease of the index of refraction with radius, the circumferential paths at all radii would have identical optical path lengths and consequently, to first order, the resonances would be equidistant in frequency.
Additional potential advantages of the proposal include the following:
- Fabrication should be straightforward: Graded-index-of-refraction optical components are widely available in the form of lenses and optical fibers. Such components can be formed into microresonators by use of standard mechanicaland flame-polishing techniques.
- The proposed grading of indices of refraction would push the whisperinggallery modes slightly deeper into the resonator material, so that the evanescent fields would be smaller. As a result, losses attributable to imperfections of surfaces would be less than in the prior microresonators.
- The designs of the prior microresonators exploit evanescent-field coupling via airgaps. Vibrations give rise to small changes in the airgaps, thereby causing fluctuations in coupling strength. In the proposed microresonators, the greater depth of propagation of the resonant modes would make it possible to use zero-gap coupling, so that vibration would no longer cause fluctuations in the strengths of coupled optical signals.
This work was done by Anatoliy Savchenkov, Lute Maleki, Vladimir Iltchenko, and Andrey Matsko of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Physical Sciences category.
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
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Refer to NPO-30590.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Graded-Index "Whispering-Gallery" Optical Microresonators
(reference NPO-30590) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) detailing innovations related to Graded-Index "Whispering-Gallery" Optical Microresonators. It outlines the significance of high-quality optical microcavities in various applications, including microlasers, spectroscopy, remote sensing, optical memory devices, and optoelectronic oscillators. A key focus is on the development of a novel type of microresonator that features an equidistant resonant frequency spectrum, small size (approximately 100 microns), and a reduced evanescent field.
The microresonator is fabricated using mechanical and flame polishing techniques on a specially chosen graded-index material, which allows for the creation of a cylindrical dielectric cavity. The unique design ensures that the resonant frequencies are equally spaced, which is crucial for many optical applications. This innovation is particularly relevant for fields requiring high-stability narrow linewidths and precise optical filtering.
The document also includes information about the contributors to the technology, emphasizing the importance of recognizing those who have made significant contributions to its conception and implementation. It notes that the technology has not yet been built or used for its intended customer purpose, but demonstrations have been made, and a prototype has been developed.
In terms of commercialization, the microresonator technology is applicable in all areas of photonic and optical communications where microresonators are utilized. The document highlights the potential for this innovation to improve existing technologies and applications in government and commercial sectors.
Additionally, the document mentions that there are plans to disclose this technology to the public in the future, although no disclosures have been made under a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) as of the report date. It emphasizes the need for further development and potential applications in various markets, including aerospace and telecommunications.
Overall, the Technical Support Package serves as a comprehensive overview of the advancements in optical microresonator technology, showcasing its potential impact on both scientific research and commercial applications, while also providing a framework for future development and public disclosure.
