# Presentation: 748521

## Coupled VCSELsUltra-Fast Optical Switching

- Ultra-fast pulse rates and economic implementation take optical switching to the next technological plateau

## Coupled VCSELsUltra-Fast Optical Switching

**NASA had an interest in laser research for data communication, part of the NASA mission in high-performance computing and information technologies**
***Coupled***** VCSELs - increases switching performance by ONE order of magnitude (2 GHz to 40~50 GHz)**
**Exceptional performance in both short-haul (Metro-Area Networks) and long-haul optical communications systems**
**Smaller, robust, and economical in manufacture and implementation**

**Notes:**
	Sensors 2000! (S2K!) develops new and innovative sensor-based measurement and information systems for NASA’s programs  and Strategic Enterprises. The focus is to develop biotelemetry and bioinstrumentation sensor systems  to support Life Sciences research during space flight and ground-based studies. To this end, S2K! Has developed small pill-shaped biotelemeters (9mm x 35mm) for measuring physiological parameters during life sciences experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) Gravitational Biology Facility.  The first of these devices measures temperature and pressure.  A family of devices is planned for monitoring health parameters and the performance of self-contained biological systems.  This technology can be readily adapted to monitor the health of humans in space or on Earth.  

## Optical Switching - Coupled VCSELs

**Benefits**
- Ultra-quick optical pulse trains for high bit-rate data transmission
- Faster than single VCSEL technologies by an order of magnitude
- Reliable switching at between 40 and 50 GHz
- Short range (780 to 980 nm) and long range (1300-1550 nm) communications
- More economical than previous VCSEL systems (no “current modulator” required)
- Smaller in size
- Robustness due to design simplicity

**Notes:**
	The first pill-transmitter  was developed in association with the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) Fetal Treatment Center (FTC), and is capable of measuring intrauterine pressure and temperature for up to 10 months.  FTC surgeons, under the direction of Dr. Michael Harrison, pioneered the use of in utero surgical intervention to correct life-threatening fetal defects.  In an effort to reduce post-surgical complications the FTC team recently switched from a cesarean to a less intrusive endoscopic technique

## Optical Switching - Coupled VCSELs

**Potential Commercial Uses**
- High speed Ethernet and LANs
- Optical interconnects for Metro-Area Networks (line-of-sight communications)
- Short and long-haul communications networks
- LED-substituting lighting for aircraft/automotive instrument displays and gauges
- Highly effective lighting for traffic signals, automotive exterior lighting, ambient indoor monochromatic lighting

**Notes:**
COMMERCIAL APPLICATION 
The pressure/temperature pill-transmitter is the first of a family of implantable or ingestible devices that will measure a variety of biopotential (ECG, EEG, EMG, heart rate), biochemical (pH, glucose, blood ions, blood gases) and biophysical (blood pressure, muscle force) parameters..  Patients with digestive disorders could swallow a pill-transmitter that monitors intestinal acidity, pressure, and gives data about contractions of intestinal smooth muscle, allowing doctors to better diagnose gastrointestinal diseases. Pill-transmitters can monitor the performance of athletes as they train. In addition, DARPA and DoD have a strong interest in monitoring health and performance of firefighters, chem/bio response teams, and war fighters in hostile environments 

## Optical Switching - Coupled VCSELs

- NASA Ames currently seeks partnerships with companies interested in developing commercial applications for the Ultra Fast Laser Beam Switching and Pulse Train Generation with Coupled VCSELs technology

**Contact**
- David Lackner
- Commercial Technology Office
- NASA Ames Research Center
- Mail Stop 202A-3
- Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000
- Phone: (650) 604-5761
- Fax: (650) 604-1592
- E-mail: dlackner@mail.arc.nasa.gov