FREEDOM PHOTONICS LLC — National Aeronautics and Space Administration SBIR Phase I: S3.05

FREEDOM PHOTONICS LLC — SBIR Phase I award from National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Amount
$124,879
Agency
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Program / Phase
SBIR · Phase I
Topic
S3.05
NAICS
Place of performance
CA
Period
2015-06-17 → 2015-12-17

Description

In this program, we propose to develop a new photonic-integration platform that incorporates optical gain in resonant waveguide optical gyroscopes. This new photonic integration platform is based on our existing low-loss SiN/SiO2 PLC photonic integration technology and incorporates a doped Aluminum Oxide layer for gain. One key resonant waveguide optical gyro design constraint is the relationship between the waveguide length, which can increase the Sagnac effect, and waveguide loss, which decreases the gyro resolution. Freedom Photonics' low loss SiN PLC platform is clearly an adequate path forward for record-breaking Gyro performance. With introduction of gain into the PLC, new possibilities arise for enhanced sensitivity, simplified control electronics, and ultra compact and robust designs.