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Results for “processing lithium niobate”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1980

Limits to the NEP of an intracavity LiNbO3 upconverter

Limits to low noise equivalent power (NEP) operation of a lithium niobate upconverter are investigated. Upconversion is achieved inside the optical cavity of an Ar-ion laser. Limits to NEP are imposed by limits to conversion efficiency and by noise present in the upconversion process. Conversion efficiency is limited by thermal effects in the lithium niobate. Thermally induced wedging, focusing, and aberrations are caused by the lithium niobate absorption at the 514.5-nm argon pump wavelength. The primary component of noise in the upconverter is due to upconversion of thermal radiation from the lithium niobate crystal. The lowest NEP, at a wavelength of 3.4 microns, achieved in this study was 8.9 x 10 to the -14th W/(Hz to the 1/2 power).

See, Y. C.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Millikelvin measurements of permittivity and loss tangent of lithium niobate

Lithium niobate is an electro-optic material with many applications in microwave and optical signal processing, communication, quantum sensing, and quantum computing. In this Letter, we present findings on evaluating the complex electromagnetic permittivity of lithium niobate at millikelvin temperatures. Measurements are carried out using a resonant-type method with a superconducting radio-frequency cavity operating at 7 GHz and designed to characterize anisotropic dielectrics. The relative permittivity tensor and loss tangent are measured at 50 mK with unprecedented accuracy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Sub-1 Volt and high-bandwidth visible to near-infrared electro-optic modulators

Abstract Integrated electro-optic (EO) modulators are fundamental photonics components with utility in domains ranging from digital communications to quantum information processing. At telecommunication wavelengths, thin-film lithium niobate modulators exhibit state-of-the-art performance in voltage-length product ( V π L ), optical loss, and EO bandwidth. However, applications in optical imaging, optogenetics, and quantum science generally require devices operating in the visible-to-near-infrared (VNIR) wavelength range. Here, we realize VNIR amplitude and phase modulators featuring V π L ’s of sub-1 V ⋅ cm, low optical loss, and high bandwidth EO response. Our Mach-Zehnder modulators exhibit a V π L as low as 0.55 V ⋅ cm at 738 nm, on-chip optical loss of ~0.7 dB/cm, and EO bandwidths in excess of 35 GHz. Furthermore, we highlight the opportunities these high-performance modulators offer by demonstrating integrated EO frequency combs operating at VNIR wavelengths, with over 50 lines and tunable spacing, and frequency shifting of pulsed light beyond its intrinsic bandwidth (up to 7x Fourier limit) by an EO shearing method.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2020

A heterogeneously integrated silicon photonic/lithium niobate travelling wave electro-optic modulator

Silicon photonics is a platform that enables densely integrated photonic components and systems and integration with electronic circuits. Depletion mode modulators designed on this platform suffer from a fundamental frequency response limit due to the mobility of carriers in silicon. Lithium niobate-based modulators have demonstrated high performance, but the material is difficult to process and cannot be easily integrated with other photonic components and electronics. In this manuscript, we simultaneously take advantage of the benefits of silicon photonics and the Pockels effect in lithium niobate by heterogeneously integrating silicon photonic-integrated circuits with thin-film lithium niobate samples. We demonstrate the most CMOS-compatible thin-film lithium niobate modulator to date, which has electro-optic 3 dB bandwidths of 30.6 GHz and half-wave voltages of 6.7 V×cm. These modulators are fabricated entirely in CMOS facilities, with the exception of the bonding of a thin-film lithium niobate sample post fabrication, and require no etching of lithium niobate.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Incorporation of erbium ions into thin-film lithium niobate integrated photonics

As an active material with favorable linear and nonlinear optical properties, thin-film lithium niobate has demonstrated its potential in integrated photonics. Integration with rare-earth ions, which are promising candidates for quantum memories and transducers, will enrich the system with new applications in quantum information processing. In this work, we investigate the optical properties at 1.5 μm wavelengths of rare-earth ions (Er 3+ ) implanted in thin-film lithium niobate waveguides and micro-ring resonators. Optical quality factors near a million after post-annealing show that ion implantation damage can be repaired. The transition linewidth and fluorescence lifetime of erbium ions are characterized. The ion-cavity coupling is observed through a Purcell enhanced fluorescence from which a Purcell factor of 3.8 ± 0.5, compared with waveguide lifetime, is extracted. This platform is compatible with top-down lithography processes and leads to a scalable path for controlling spin-photon interfaces in photonic circuits.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1988

Diffraction imaging (topography) with monochromatic synchrotron radiation

Structural information of special interest to crystal growers and device physicists is now available from high resolution monochromatic synchrotron diffraction imaging (topography). In the review, the importance of superior resolution in momentum transfer and in space is described, and illustrations are taken from a variety of crystals: gallium arsenide, cadmium telluride, mercuric iodide, bismuth silicon oxide, and lithium niobate. The identification and understanding of local variations in crystal growth processes are shown. Finally, new experimental opportunities now available for exploitation are indicated.

Steiner, Bruce↗
DOE OSTI2022

Effects of Coating on the Electrochemical Performance of a Nickel-Rich Cathode Active Material

Due to their safety and high power density, one of the most promising types of all-solid-state lithium batteries is the one made with the argyrodite solid electrolyte (ASE). Although substantial efforts have been made toward the commercialization of this battery, it is still challenged by some technical issues. One of these issues is to prevent the side reactions at the interface of the ASE and the cathode active material (CAM). A solution to address this issue is to coat the CAM particles with a material that is compatible with both ASE and CAM. Prior studies show that the lithium niobate, LiNbO 3 , (LNO) is a promising material for coating CAM particles to reduce the interfacial side reactions. However, no systematic study is available in the literature to show the effect of coating LNO on CAM performance. This paper aims to quantify the effect of LNO coating on the electrochemical performance of a nickel-rich CAM. The electrochemical performance parameters that are studied are the capacity, cycling performance, and rate performance of the coated-CAM; and the effectiveness of the coating to prevent the side reactions at the ASE and CAM interface is out of the scope of this study. To eliminate the effect of side reactions at the ASE and CAM interface, we conduct all tests in the organic liquid electrolyte (OLE) cells to solely present the effect of coating on the CAM performance. For this purpose, 0.5 wt.% and 1 wt.% LNO are used to coat the LiNi 0.6 Mn 0.2 Co 0.2 O 2 (NMC-60) CAM through two synthesizing methods. Consequently, the effects of the synthesizing method and the coating weight percentage on the NMC-60 performance are presented.

10 SYNTHETIC FUELS↗
NASA NTRS1995

A Compact Polarization Imager

A new type of image detector has been designed to analyze the polarization of light simultaneously at all picture elements (pixels) in a scene. The Integrated Dual Imaging Detector (IDID) consists of a polarizing beamsplitter bonded to a custom-designed charge-coupled device with signal-analysis circuitry, all integrated on a silicon chip. The IDID should simplify the design and operation of imaging polarimeters and spectroscopic imagers used, for example, in atmospheric and solar research. Other applications include environmental monitoring and robot vision. Innovations in the IDID include two interleaved 512 x 1024 pixel imaging arrays (one for each polarization plane), large dynamic range (well depth of 10(exp 6) electrons per pixel), simultaneous readout and display of both images at 10(exp 6) pixels per second, and on-chip analog signal processing to produce polarization maps in real time. When used with a lithium niobate Fabry-Perot etalon or other color filter that can encode spectral information as polarization, the IDID can reveal tiny differences between simultaneous images at two wavelengths.

Thompson, Karl E.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Emerging, Photonic Based Technologies for NASA Space Communications Applications

An objective of NASA's Computing, Information, and Communications Technology program is to support the development of technologies that could potentially lower the cost of the Earth science and space exploration missions, and result in greater scientific returns. NASA-supported photonic activities which will impact space communications will be described. The objective of the RF microphotonic research is to develop a Ka-band receiver that will enable the microwaves detected by an antenna to modulate a 1.55- micron optical carrier. A key element is the high-Q, microphotonic modulator that employs a lithium niobate microdisk. The technical approach could lead to new receivers that utilize ultra-fast, photonic signal processing techniques, and are low cost, compact, low weight and power efficient. The progress in the liquid crystal (LC) beam steering research will also be reported. The predicted benefits of an LC-based device on board a spacecraft include non-mechanical, submicroradian laser-beam pointing, milliradian scanning ranges, and wave-front correction. The potential applications of these emerging technologies to the various NASA missions will be presented.

Pouch, John↗
DOE OSTI2022

High-Quality Dry Etching of LiNbO3 Assisted by Proton Substitution through H2-Plasma Surface Treatment

The exceptional material properties of Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) make it an excellent material platform for a wide range of RF, MEMS, phononic and photonic applications; however, nano-micro scale device concepts require high fidelity processing of LN films. Here, we reported a highly optimized processing methodology that achieves a deep etch with nearly vertical and smooth sidewalls. We demonstrated that Ti/Al/Cr stack works perfectly as a hard mask material during long plasma dry etching, where periodically pausing the etching and chemical cleaning between cycles were leveraged to avoid thermal effects and byproduct redeposition. To improve mask quality on X- and Y-cut substrates, a H2-plasma treatment was implemented to relieve surface tension by modifying the top surface atoms. Structures with etch depths as deep as 3.4 µm were obtained in our process across a range of crystallographic orientations with a smooth sidewall and perfect verticality on several crystallographic facets.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Soft x-ray high-harmonic generation in an anti-resonant hollow core fiber driven by a 3 μ m ultrafast laser

High-harmonic upconversion driven by a mid-infrared femtosecond laser can generate coherent soft x-ray beams in a tabletop-scale setup. Here, we report on a compact ytterbium-pumped optical parametric chirped pulse amplifier (OPCPA) laser system seeded by an all-fiber front-end and employing periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) nonlinear media operated near the pulse fluence limits of current commercially available PPLN crystals. The OPCPA delivers 3 µm wavelength pulses with 775 µJ energy at 1 kHz repetition rate, with transform-limited 120 fs pulse duration, diffraction-limited beam quality, and ultrahigh 0.33% rms energy stability over >18 h. Using this laser, we generate soft x-ray high harmonics (HHG) in argon gas by focusing into a low-loss, high-pressure gas-filled anti-resonant hollow core fiber (ARHCF), generating coherent light at photon energies up to the argon L-edge (250 eV) and carbon K-edge (284 eV), with high beam quality and ∼1% rms energy stability. This work demonstrates soft x-ray HHG in a high-efficiency guided-wave phase matched geometry, overcoming the high losses inherent to mid-IR propagation in unstructured waveguides, or the short interaction lengths of gas cells or jets. The ARHCF can operate in the long term without damage and with the repetition rate, stability, and robustness required for demanding applications in spectromicroscopy and imaging. Finally, we discuss routes for further optimizing the soft x-ray HHG flux by driving He at higher laser intensities using either the signal (1.5 μm) or idler wavelengths (3 μm).

Femtosecond lasers↗
NASA NTRS1980

Nonlinear optical processing with Fabry-Perot interferometers containing phase recording media

New techniques in nonlinear optical processing are explored, based on the operation of intensity level selection as performed by a Fabry-Perot interferometer containing a phase object. The image being processed is recorded on a medium between the mirrors as a spatially varying phase shift less than pi. The interferometer only transmits light through those portions of the object that corresponds to a single value of the phase and hence to a single intensity level in the input. More complicated operations such as thresholding and analog-to-digital conversion are performed by modulating the light source as the different levels are selected. Photoresist and lithium niobate have been used as phase objects, and experimental data for both are presented. Three kinds of Fabry-Perot interferometers have been used to demonstrate nonlinear processing using coherent and incoherent light. Color images have been produced with black and white inputs and white light illumination.

Bartholomew, B. J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

An Integrated Imaging Detector of Polarization and Spectral Content

A new type of image detector has been designed to simultaneously analyze the polarization of light at all picture elements in a scene. The Integrated Dual Imaging Detector (IDID) consists of a polarizing beamsplitter bonded to a charge-coupled device (CCD), with signal-analysis circuitry and analog-to-digital converters, all integrated on a silicon chip. It should be capable of 1:10(exp 4) polarization discrimination. The IDID should simplify the design and operation of imaging polarimeters and spectroscopic imagers used, for example, in atmospheric and solar research. Innovations in the IDID include (1) two interleaved 512 x 1024-pixel imaging arrays (one for each polarization plane); (2) large dynamic range (well depth of 10(exp 6) electrons per pixel); (3) simultaneous readout of both images at 10 million pixels per second each; (4) on-chip analog signal processing to produce polarization maps in real time; (5) on-chip 10-bit A/D conversion. When used with a lithium-niobate Fabry-Perot etalon or other color filter that can encode spectral information as polarization, the IDID can collect and analyze simultaneous images at two wavelengths. Precise photometric analysis of molecular or atomic concentrations in the atmosphere is one suggested application. When used in a solar telescope, the IDID will charge the polarization, which can then be converted to maps of the vector magnetic fields on the solar surface.

Rust, D. M.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Development of electro-optical quantum transducers based on three-dimensional superconducting cavities

Quantum transducers enable the conversion of quantum information and signals between different physical platforms. Based on the pioneering works in three-dimensional superconducting cavity technology developed at Fermilab, we are advancing the development of three-dimensional microwave-optical transducers and exploring their applications in quantum information processing and sensing. We present our progress in the design, fabrication, and characterization of three-dimensional microwave cavities integrated with bulk lithium niobate resonators. The material characterization using three-dimensional cavities based on a resonant-type method allows for understanding of complex permittivity and loss mechanism of electro-optic materials at cryogenic temperatures. We also evaluate the potential of the high-efficiency quantum transducers in enhancing the performance of quantum sensors for applications such as dark matter detection, compared to conventional homodyne detection approaches. This manuscript has been authored by Fermi Research Alliance, LLC under Contract No. DE-AC0207CH11359 with the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of High Energy Physics. This work is funded by the DOE's Early Career Research Program. This research used resources of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS) under Contract No. DE-AC02-07CH11359.

Zorzetti, Silvia↗
NASA NTRS2011

NASA Tech Briefs, June 2011

Topics covered include: Wind and Temperature Spectrometry of the Upper Atmosphere in Low-Earth Orbit; Health Monitor for Multitasking, Safety-Critical, Real-Time Software; Stereo Imaging Miniature Endoscope; Early Oscillation Detection Technique for Hybrid DC/DC Converters; Parallel Wavefront Analysis for a 4D Interferometer; Schottky Heterodyne Receivers With Full Waveguide Bandwidth; Carbon Nanofiber-Based, High-Frequency, High-Q, Miniaturized Mechanical Resonators; Ultracapacitor-Based Uninterrupted Power Supply System; Coaxial Cables for Martian Extreme Temperature Environments; Using Spare Logic Resources To Create Dynamic Test Points; Autonomous Coordination of Science Observations Using Multiple Spacecraft; Autonomous Phase Retrieval Calibration; EOS MLS Level 1B Data Processing Software, Version 3; Cassini Tour Atlas Automated Generation; Software Development Standard Processes (SDSP); Graphite Composite Panel Polishing Fixture; Material Gradients in Oxygen System Components Improve Safety; Ridge Waveguide Structures in Magnesium-Doped Lithium Niobate; Modifying Matrix Materials to Increase Wetting and Adhesion; Lightweight Magnetic Cooler With a Reversible Circulator; The Invasive Species Forecasting System; Method for Cleanly and Precisely Breaking Off a Rock Core Using a Radial Compressive Force; Praying Mantis Bending Core Breakoff and Retention Mechanism; Scoring Dawg Core Breakoff and Retention Mechanism; Rolling-Tooth Core Breakoff and Retention Mechanism; Vibration Isolation and Stabilization System for Spacecraft Exercise Treadmill Devices; Microgravity-Enhanced Stem Cell Selection; Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurological Disorders by Millimeter-Wave Stimulation; Passive Vaporizing Heat Sink; Remote Sensing and Quantization of Analog Sensors; Phase Retrieval for Radio Telescope and Antenna Control; Helium-Cooled Black Shroud for Subscale Cryogenic Testing; Receive Mode Analysis and Design of Microstrip Reflectarrays; and Chance-Constrained Guidance With Non-Convex Constraints.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2003

Packaging Considerations for Integrated RF Microphotonic Receiver at Ka-Band

The NASA Computing, Information and Communications Technology (CICT) Program is supporting the development of an RF microphotonic Ka-band receiver. The receiver consists of a lithium niobate micro-disk that enables the incoming RF signal (up to Ka-band) to be coupled to the optical signal (approx. 200 THz). The modulated optical signal is detected by the high-speed photonic signal processing electronics. When compared with an all-electronic approach, the microphotonic receiver technology offers 1 Ox smaller volume, smaller weight, and smaller power consumption, greater sensitivity, and optical isolation for applications in extreme environments. It could potentially be implemented to support planetary surface-to-surface and surface-to-relay communications, as well as high-data-rate inter-satellite links. We are currently studying a number of fabrication and integration issues that could result as this technology is advanced for potential insertion into a NASA mission. The results of our preliminary effort to integrate the RF microphotonic receiver components (e.g., the lithium niobate micro-disk, the optical elements, and the Ka-band patch antenna) on an etched silicon wafer will be presented, In addition, the concomitant integration and packaging issues, and the potential NASA applications will be discussed.

Nguyen, Hung↗
DOE OSTI2022

Ultra-broadband quadrature squeezing with thin-film lithium niobate nanophotonics

Squeezed light is a key quantum resource that enables quantum advantages for sensing, networking, and computing applications. The scalable generation and manipulation of squeezed light with integrated platforms are highly desired for the development of quantum technology with continuous variables. In this Letter, we demonstrate squeezed light generation with thin-film lithium niobate integrated photonics. Parametric down-conversion is realized with quasi-phase matching using ferroelectric domain engineering. With sub-wavelength mode confinement, efficient nonlinear processes can be observed with single-pass configuration. We measure 0.56 ± 0.09 dB quadrature squeezing (∼2.6 dB inferred on-chip). The single-pass configuration further enables the generation of squeezed light with large spectral bandwidth up to 7 THz. This work represents a significant step towards the on-chip implementation of continuous-variable quantum information processing.

Chen, Pao-Kang↗
NASA NTRS2007

R.F Microphotonics for NASA Space Communications Applications

An RF microphotonic receiver has-been developed at Ka-band. The receiver consists of a lithium niobate micro-disk that enables RF-optical coupling to occur. The modulated optical signal (- 200 THz) is detected by the high-speed photonic signal processing electronics. When compared with an electronic approach, the microphotonic receiver technology offers 10 times smaller volume, smaller weight, and smaller power consumption; greater sensitivity; and optical isolation for use in extreme environments. The status of the technology development will be summarized, and the potential application of the receiver to NASA space communications systems will be described.

Pouch, John↗