Micro/nano-scale optical network: A new challenge toward next generation

This paper presents an overview of our work on the design, fabrication, and integration of micro/nano-scale optical devices, circuits, and networks. This is an extension of the macro/mega-scale optical networks down to the level of micro/nano-scale optical circuits and networks. The micro/nano-optical circuits and networks are designed to perform the functions of collecting, storing, transporting, processing, switching, routing, and distributing optical signals on 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. The paper discusses scientific and engineering issues concerning the integration of micro/nano-scale photonic devices, circuits, and networks of ultra-small-scale dimensions to a very large scale integration density as applicable for datacom, telecom, transportation, aero/space/avionic, and bio/sensor systems.