The objective of this research is to investigate active nanoscale optical interconnects, based on nonlinear photonic crystal nanocavity switches. Active optical interconnects form the basis of a reconfigurable flow of information on CMOS microelectronic chips, with ultralow latency, ultrahigh bandwidth, low power dissipation, and high-density integration feasibilities. The approach is based on silicon nanocavities for immediate CMOS compatibility, with insertion of nonlinear nanomaterials or nanopatterned materials to achieve ultralow switching thresholds and high-speed operations. The cavity designs will take advantage of photonic crystal nanolattices for strong field enhancements and material interactions. All-optical switching through Kerr nonlinearities will also be explored. Theoretical designs and concepts will be investigated via full three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulations, and devices will be fabricated and characterized at Columbia. In terms of broader impact, this exploratory program addresses several of the core issues for continued CMOS VLSI scaling. It is thus of general interest for engineers and scientists active in optical data communication and silicon microelectronics. The program, in addition, will support the interdisciplinary training of students in nanophotonics for these industries. Moreover, the program will participate in the Columbia Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) and will partner with the NSF/Columbia NSEC Nanoelectronics and MRSEC Nanomaterial programs with the support of one summer undergraduate research experience. A university-wide seminar series on Nanophotonics will be developed for the Fall 2005 semester, targeted at first-year graduate students and undergraduate seniors, and a series of follow-on activities involving local K-12 students will be developed.
