Crystalline Core Optical Fibers

Dr. John Ballato
Center for Optical Materials Science and Engineering Technologies (COMSET)
and the School of Materials Science and Engineering,
Clemson University

Friday, March 13, 2009 at 2:00pm
Engr IV Room 57-124

Abstract
The rapid advance in semiconductor-based photonics has generated intense interest in the eventual integration of electronics and optics. The extension from a planar waveguide platform to an optical fiber one would be a significant progression to this emerging field. This talk will discuss a new class of optical fibers: highly crystalline semiconductor core optical fibers fabricated using highly scalable fiber draw techniques.

The talk will focus primarily on silicon core fibers and discuss their formation and measured crystallographic, Raman, elemental, and optical properties. Particular attention will be paid to the materials science that under-pins the performance and suggests approaches to further optimization. Such highly crystalline semiconductor core optical fiber has significant potential for Raman fiber devices, mid- and long-wave infrared sensing and power delivery, and terahertz guided wave structures.

Bio
John Ballato is the Associate Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Clemson University where he champions the University's research and economic development in all areas of advanced materials. Dr. Ballato also is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Director of the Center for Optical Materials Science and Engineering Technologies (COMSET).

He earned a BS in Ceramic Science and Engineering (1993) and the PhD in Ceramic and Materials Engineering (1997) from Rutgers University. Dr. Ballato has published over 160 archival scientific papers, holds 16 US and foreign patents, has given in excess of 140 invited lectures/colloquia, and has co-organized 20 national and international conferences and symposia. Further, he has been a Principal Investigator (PI) on over $35,000,000 worth of sponsored programs, gifts, and contracts

Among other honors, Dr. Ballato has received the Robert Lansing Hardy Award (TMS, 2003) "in recognition of exceptional promise for a successful career in materials science" and the Schwartzwalder-PACE Award (NICE 2004) "in recognition of the nation's outstanding young ceramic engineer whose achievements have been significant to the profession and the general welfare of the American people."

Dr. Ballato also has been a traveling lecturer for the International Commission on Optics (2002). Dr. Ballato was chosen as a Liberty Fellow (2005). The Liberty Fellowship is a statewide leadership program that identifies future South Carolina leaders and trains them in value-based leadership. Dr. Ballato's mentor is the Honorable David Wilkins; US Ambassador to Canada. In 2006, Dr. Ballato was selected as the distinguished young alumni for Rutgers University's Graduate School and also was selected as the faculty representative on the Clemson University Board of Trustees.