Optoelectronic Circuits using Holographic Elements

Abstract

This thesis presents the results of research in the use of holographic modules in optoelectronic systems, their applications, and the characterization of polymer materials on which to record volume holograms, for these modules. The first chapter makes the case that a direct interface between an optical memory and a chip integrating detectors and logic circuitry can better utilize the high parallelism inherent in holographic modules. The second chapter introduces the idea of reconfigurable computing and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) as the framework in which to design a hybrid system, the Optically Programmable Gate Array (OPGA), that outperforms its electronic counterpart by reducing its reconfiguration time by three orders of magnitude. The OPGA is the combination of three elements: an addressing device to selectively recall holographic data pages, an optical memory, and an optoelectronic chip. The third chapter investigates the issues related to each one of these elements and their integration in a compact module. Operation of the system is demonstrated by holographically programming the OPGA chip. In the fourth chapter, experiments are performed to characterize the Aprilis ULSH500-7A photopolymer and study quantitatively its ability to store high-bandwidth holographic data pages. A method for hologram mastering and copying using Aprilis films is also demonstrated. Chapter five investigates the recording and diffusional-amplification dynamics of the PQ-doped PMMA polymer. Different strategies to optimize the material by reducing the duration of its post-exposure are examined, and the corresponding experimental results presented. The recording of strong gratings in samples of PQ-PMMA is tested to determine the suitability of this material for components in optical fiber networks. The final chapter deals with applications and systems that can benefit from a direct interface with a holographic module. The use of optically programmable processors in the field of neural prosthetics is explored. The design of a holographic 4-D microscope is presented and tested experimentally.