Project Title:

Zinc-Telluride: Vanadium for Optical Information Processing in the Wavelengh Range

15.01-7200
912011
Zinc-Telluride: Vanadium for Optical Information Processing in the Wavelengh Range
0.6 Microns to 1.3 Microns
Brimrose Corporation of America
5020 Campbell Boulevard
Baltimore
MD
21236
S.B.
Trivedi
301-931-7200
LeRC
NAS3-26505
294

15.01-7200
912011

Abstract:

Zinc-Telluride: Vanadium for Optical Information
Processing in the Wavelengh Range 0.6 Microns to 1.3 Microns
This project will produce a novel photorefractive material, vanadium-doped zinc telluride
(ZnTe:V). It has photorefractive sensitivity in the wavelength range 0.6m- to-1.3m,
which covers important coherent optical communication wavelengths. Its photorefractive
sensitivity range is compatible with existing low-power semiconductor laser wavelength
range, makeing it important for optical information processing applications. However,
application-grade crystals of ZnTe:V are very difficult to grow and are commercially
unavailable. Phase I will grow ZnTe:V crystals using physical vapor transport and
travelling heater methods. Material processing using both these techniques involves
fluid flow and is effected by buoyancy-driven convection. This approach will have
dual accomplishments: production of novel photorefractive materials, and understanding
of gravity-induced convection on the quality of this material.
The project will result in a superior photorefractive material useful for optical
information processing and for such optoelectronic devices as spatial light modulators,
optical limiters, differential amplifiers, and optical switches operating at visible
and near infrared wavelength.
optical information processing, low power semiconductor lasers, photorefractive materials,
ZnTe:V crystals, travelling heater method, physical vapor transport material processing
in space