Chip scale integrated planar photonics

The integration of planar optical components at the chip scale with electronic and microfluidic systems is enabling an increased penetration of optical functionality into systems, and in particular, into highly portable systems. Planar lightwave integrated circuits can enable functions such as optical signal interfaces, optical signal distribution, and optical sensing in a planar platform that leverages microelectronic manufacturing technologies. Key to the realization of these chip scale systems are the design and implementation of thin film optoelectronic materials and devices, heterogeneous integration of components, planar polymer waveguides and waveguiding structures, and optical sensors. The integration of photonic components and subsystems with electronic systems and microfluidics systems are also topics of intense investigation for chip scale system with increasing levels of function. Application areas that are emerging include optical signal interfaces and distribution, as well as chip scale integrated optical sensing systems with applications in medicine and the environment.