Joshua Shank

Title: Innovations of Joshua Shank

Introduction

Joshua Shank is an accomplished inventor based in Albuquerque, NM (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of optical modulation, holding 2 patents that showcase his innovative approach to technology.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is the "Electroabsorption Optical Modulator." This invention improves upon existing electroabsorption modulators by utilizing various structural changes and material selections. For instance, portions of the waveguide can be made conductive through doping, and layers of the modulator structure can be positioned along the sides of waveguides. This design allows for the use of high permittivity gate dielectric materials and alternative transparent conductors. The result is a plasmonic electroabsorption modulator that can be fabricated using standard semiconductor processing techniques, enabling integration with photonic integrated circuits, including silicon photonics. This innovation achieves high-speed, low-voltage operation across a wide spectrum of wavelengths.

Another notable patent is the "Methods of Epsilon-Near-Zero Optical Modulation." This method involves optical modulation in a non-resonant epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) plasmonic electro-optical modulator. An optical carrier is injected into a waveguide that is optically coupled to a layer of transparent conductive material with an ENZ wavelength. The capacitive structure, which includes a gate dielectric layer, allows for a time-varying bias voltage to shift the ENZ wavelength toward the carrier wavelength, thereby creating a phase modulation pattern on the carrier wave.

Career Highlights

Joshua Shank is currently employed at National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC. His work focuses on advancing technologies in optical modulation, contributing to the development of innovative solutions in the field.

Collaborations

He collaborates with notable colleagues, including Michael Wood and Salvatore Campione, who share his passion for innovation and technology.

Conclusion

Joshua Shank's contributions to optical modulation through his patents reflect his dedication to advancing technology. His work at National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, along with his collaborations, positions him as a significant figure in the field of innovation.