(초청강연논문) Micro/Nano-Scale Optical Network: A New Challenge toward Next Generation

초록

We present an overview of our work on the theory, design, fabrication, and integration of micro/nano-scale optical networks. This is an extension of the macro/mega-scale optical networks down to the level of micro/nano-scale optical networks. The integration of micro/nano-scale optical networks also leads to the VLSI micro/nano-photonic circuits. The micro/nano-optical networks or circuits perform the functions of sensing, storing, transporting, processing, switching, routing, and distributing optical signals on flat modular boards or on chips. The integrated optical components include micro/nano-scale light sources, waveguides, detectors, switches, modulators, sensors, directional couplers, multi-mode interference devices, AWGs, ring-resonators, photonic crystal devices, plasmonic devices, and quantum devices, made of polymer, silicon and other semiconductor materials. Some molecular devices are also considered. The paper discusses scientific and technological issues concerning the interconnection and integration of micro/nano-scale photonic devices, circuits, and networks even leading to ultra-small and very large scale integration as applicable for datacom, telecom, transportation, aero/space/avionic and bio/sensor/environmental systems. The issues include the compatibility issues between micro/nano-devices such as materials mismatch, size mismatch, shape mismatch, mode mismatch, optical mismatch, and mechanical /thermal mismatch in micro/nano-scale. The issues also include the comparison of the characteristics of the macro/mega-optical network and the micro/nano-optical network. Scaling rules for the miniaturization and scaling rules for the integration of the micro/nano-photonic systems will be discussed in comparison with those of the electrical networks and circuits. Theories of micro/nano-optical circuits and networks will be discussed along with the theories of the electrical circuits and networks. New physics, visions and challenges of the optical micro/na