The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 06, 2010
Filed:
Mar. 24, 2009
Jennifer A. Dionne, Albany, CA (US);
Kenneth A. Diest, Pasadena, CA (US);
Luke Sweatlock, Redondo Beach, CA (US);
Harry A. Atwater, S. Pasadena, CA (US);
Jennifer A. Dionne, Albany, CA (US);
Kenneth A. Diest, Pasadena, CA (US);
Luke Sweatlock, Redondo Beach, CA (US);
Harry A. Atwater, S. Pasadena, CA (US);
California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA (US);
Abstract
The invention is a system and method for performing all-optical modulation. A semiconductor layer having a defined thickness has an insulator adjacent one surface of the semiconductor. Conductive layers are provided adjacent the semiconductor layer and the insulator. A photodetector is provided to generate an electric field across the conductive layers in response to an input optical gate signal. An input optical signal is modulated by interaction with a plasmon wave generated at the semiconductor/conductive layer interface. By defining the thickness of the semiconductor layer, a desired wavelength of light supports the plasmon waves. Operation of the all-optical modulator requires the provision of an input optical signal of a desired wavelength and the provision of a gate optical signal. An output optical signal is recovered and can be used to store, display or transmit information, for example over a fiber optic communication system, such as a telecommunication system.