Tech Briefs Magazine - October 2021 - 28

Optics
spectrum is absorbed as thermal energy,
which could be used in other ways
including energy storage at night, electricity
generation, solar-driven water sanitation,
or heating a supply of water.
Fano resonance, named after the
physicist Ugo Fano, is a widespread wavescattering
phenomenon first observed as
a fundamental principle of atomic phys -
ics involving electrons. Later, research ers
discovered that the same phenomenon
can also be observed in optical systems.
The team applied a thin, 15-nanomeResearchers
developed an optical coating that exhibits the same color in reflection (pictured) and
transmission. (University of Rochester photo/J. Adam Fenster)
mal and photovoltaic bands of the solar
spectrum. Such capability could im -
prove the effectiveness of devices that
use hybrid thermal-electric power generation
as a solar energy option. Directing
only the useful band of the solar spectrum
to a photovoltaic cell prevents its
overheating. The technology could also
lead to a six-fold increase in the life of a
photovoltaic cell. And the rest of the
Coherent Optical Transistor
Applications include telecommunications, optical switching, and quantum computing.
Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland
igh-speed digital optical logic is critical
for optical switching and tele -
communications. Coherent optical log -
ic uses optical interference to realize
basic logic functions and most devices
cannot provide restoration of the logic
levels or the ability to drive multiple
devices without external amplification
introducing spontaneous emission
noise. Previous at tempts at developing
optical transistors lack a coherent gain
mechanism.
NASA Goddard has developed a co -
herent optical transistor incorporating a
coherent gain mechanism, resulting in
larger and higher in tensity signals present
in optical logic systems. The technology
provides fast and highly accurate
optical switching. Moreover, the gain
mechanism only adds a small amount of
thermal energy, making the entire transistor
easier to cool, reducing the overall
size, weight, and power requirements.
NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize
this technology. Please contact
NASA's Licensing Concierge at AgencyPatent-Licensing@mail.nasa.gov
or call us
at 202-358-7432 to initiate licensing discussions.
Follow this link for more information:
https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/GSCTOPS-210.
28
Cov
H
ter-thick
film of germanium to a metal
surface, creating a surface capable of
absorbing a broad band of wavelengths.
They combined that with a cavity that
supports a narrowband resonance. The
coupled cavities exhibit Fano resonance
that is capable of reflecting a very narrow
band of light.
For more information, contact Bob Mar cotte
at bmarcotte@ur.rochester.edu.
The coherent optical transistor provides fast and highly accurate optical switching.
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Tech Briefs, October 2021
https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/GSC-TOPS-210 http://www.techbriefs.com http://info.hotims.com/79418-936
Tech Briefs Magazine - October 2021

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