Date

5-6-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

For my thesis we discuss the history of optics, electronics and photonicsproviding a framework from which I investigate the viability of engineering a Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) that takes advantage of the nonlinear optical process known as Rogue Wave Generation (RWG) for an all-optical switching mechanism that is capable of switching speeds in the Peta-Hertz (PHz) frequency regime. This topic is introduced through a discussion of how technological advances such as the transistor, laser and optical fiber made modern computing and telecommunications possible. This is followed by a theoretical explanation of the nonlinear optical phenomena known as supercontinuum generation (SCG) from which the RWG process is derived. An analysis of simulations in Python, of fibers capable of achieving RWG is performed. It is important to note that this research stems from a research project on SCG on a PIC that Dr. Serna and I are also working on in collaboration with Dr. Kazumi Wada from the Massachusetts Institute of Technologies Electronic Materials (EMAT) research group and with our partners at the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Group - Japan. Finally, an analysis of experimental SCG spectral data taken with a YOKOGAWA Optical Spectrum Analyser (OSA) and pumped with a Menlo Systems ELMO, femtosecond (fs) pulsed laser with varying powers is conducted. This simple experiment was conducted for three chalcogenide optical fibers available in Dr. Serna’s CHIRP lab at Bridgewater State University, we were able to generate side-bands through Self Phase Modulation (SPM) in two samples and (SCG) in one sample. The data for our SPM and SCG samples were compared to their spectra at their initial input powers, showing that without SCG the SPM process contributed nothing to the bandwidth. Measurements were taken with a S116C photodiode power sensor with measurements errors of 0.5%.

Department

Physics, Photonics and Optical Engineering

Thesis Comittee

Dr. Samuel F. Serna O., Thesis Advisor
Dr. Edward Deveney, Committee Member
Dr. Elif Demirbas, Committee Member

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