Inverse width taper edge couplers are the staple of low-loss photonic fiber-to-chip coupling. However, adiabatic mode conversion consumes large die area, which contradicts efforts towards dense integration. By leveraging the advantages of inverse design, we analyze a lithographically manufacturable method for designing fiber-to-chip edge coupling components. Adjoint method optimization is executed via the open-source Stanford Photonic Inverse design Software (SPINS-b) optimization framework to design a preliminary silicon nitride (SiN) fiber-to-chip coupler. Simulation results are validated with Ansys Lumerical finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) solver. Adjoint method inverse design in-plane coupling is evaluated as a solution for photonic integrated circuits with strict size constraints. The design methodology is material and application agnostic, promoting dense photonic integration.
Operating in dynamic lighting conditions and in greatly varying backgrounds is challenging. Current paints and state-ofthe-
art passive adaptive coatings (e.g. photochromics) are not suitable for multi- environment situations. A semi-active,
low power, skin is needed that can adapt its reflective properties based on the background environment to minimize
contrast through the development and incorporation of suitable pigment materials. Electrofluidic skins are a reflective
display technology for electronic ink and paper applications. The technology is similar to that in E Ink but makes use of
MEMS based microfluidic structures, instead of simple black and white ink microcapsules dispersed in clear oil.
Electrofluidic skin's low power operation and fast switching speeds (~20 ms) are an improvement over current state-ofthe-
art contrast management technologies. We report on a microfluidic display which utilizes diffuse pigment dispersion
inks to change the contrast of the underlying substrate from 5.8% to 100%. Voltage is applied and an electromechanical
pressure is used to pull a pigment dispersion based ink from a hydrophobic coated reservoir into a hydrophobic coated
surface channel. When no voltage is applied, the Young-Laplace pressure pushes the pigment dispersion ink back down
into the reservoir. This allows the pixel to switch from the on and off state by balancing the two pressures. Taking a
systems engineering approach from the beginning of development has enabled the technology to be integrated into larger
systems.
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