Conformal Transformation Optical Components

Boston College
posted on 08/19/2009

This device allows for truly conformal mapping to create reflectionless, isotropic, and broadband beam and waveguide bends. This device is capable of guiding light in an almost arbitrary fashion along a complicated and elongated path over an unprecedented range of frequencies.

This invention is a solution to the problem of distortions in waveguides. Distortions in waveguides reduce efficiency by decreasing the power delivered by the guide. The conformal mapping method improves the efficiency of the device to the limit imposed by its constituent materials.

Suggested Uses

• Device could be used in any capacity that requires wave guidance. This device addresses the need to improve power transfer through bends and other distortions in waveguides. Currently, only partial solutions exist; power transfer is improved at the cost of narrowband performance.
• This device could also be used in the creation of photonic circuits. Currently, the size of these circuits is limited by the gentle bends allowed in the waveguides. This device could allow for much sharper bends and therefore substantially reduce the size of the circuit without loss.

Advantages

• Improves power transfer through bends
• Uses low dielectric contrast, thereby decreasing attenuation
• Relies solely on nonresonant, dielectric materials
• Functions over broad range of frequencies

Innovation Details

Detailed Description

The past decade has seen a revolution in photonics due to the development of metamaterials. These artificial composites have been fashioned to exhibit exotic effects such as a negative index of refraction and the demonstration of an invisibility cloak by combining metamaterials with transformation optics. Quasi conformal mapping was used to create a device that exhibited broadband cloaking effect as well. This device which allows for truly conformal mapping is a major advancement over the prior art that does not rely on the use of metamaterials.

File Number: 2009.011/pad

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