Nanophotonic and nanoplasmonic couplers: Analysis and fabrication

Mode mismatch between waveguides of different geometries and propagation mechanisms causes radiation and back reflection, which results in significant loss of optical power. This is considered one of the obstacles that prevents multiple applications of the optical integrated circuits. In this dissertation, we design, fabricate, and experimentally demonstrate four novel photonic couplers that achieve mode matching between hybrid waveguides. These hybrid waveguides include conventional optical waveguides, photonic crystal (PC) waveguides, and plasmonic waveguides. First, we propose a novel method to enhance the coupling efficiency between a dielectric waveguide and a planar PC. This method is based on introducing structural imperfections that cause a change in the mode size and shape inside the taper to match that of the PC line-defect waveguide. These imperfections are introduced by changing the size and position of the inner taper rods. Our results show that introducing the structural imperfections increases the coupling to 96% without affecting the transmission spectrum of the structure. Second, we demonstrate through numerical simulations and experiments that low crosstalk between two crossed line-defect waveguides formed in a square lattice PC structure can be achieved by using a resonant cavity at the intersection area. The PC resonator consists of cubic air-holes in silicon. The theoretical and experimental crosstalk values are approximately -40 dB and -20 dB, respectively. Third, we introduce a novel silicon microring vertical coupler that efficiently couples light into a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) waveguide. A specific mode is excited to match the effective index of the SOI guided mode by oblique incidence. The vertical leakage from the microring forms gradual coupling into the SOI slab. Coupling efficiency up to 91% is demonstrated numerically. The coupler is fabricated and tested to confirm the analytical results. Fourth, we present a novel design, analysis, and fabrication of an ultracompact coupler and a 1 × 2 splitter based on plasmonic waveguides. In addition, we present two nano-scale plasmonic devices: a directional coupler and a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The devices are embedded between two dielectric waveguides. Our simulation results show a coupling efficiency of 88% for the coupler, 45% for each splitter\u27s branch, 37% for a 2 × 2 directional coupler switch, and above 50% for the proposed designs of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer. In order to confirm the analytical results, the plasmonic air-slot coupler and splitter are fabricated and tested

Plasmonic Mach-Zehnder Interferometers Based on Air-Gap Couplers

Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs) are vital in optical biosensor applications and high-density integrated photonic circuits. In this research work, we theoretically investigate the design steps of MZIs, consisting of 3-dB plasmonic splitters sandwiched between two dielectric waveguides with an air-gap coupler at the interface from each side. The proposed MZI designs feature a compact size, ensuring high transmission coupling efficiency without introducing additional radiation or reflection losses, as observed in tapered, T- and Y-shaped splitters. The analytical results and simulations prove that the proposed MZI designs offer a broad spectrum range with a high fabrication tolerance and the ability to use them in all-optical plasmonic circuits

A Bachelor Degree Program in IoT Engineering: Accreditation Constraints and Market Demand

In the era of the fourth industrial revolution, technology is advancing at a pace much faster than what individuals, societies and nations can cope with. Internet of Things (IoT) is one such technology that is sweeping the economic, business and service landscapes with its disruption mechanisms that influence areas such as smart homes, hospitals, cities, as well as transportation and energy utilization with many exciting and novel applications. Additionally, the job market is evolving at a rate that makes it difficult for universities to sustain a stable programme structure, especially in engineering and information and communication technology disciplines as well as specializations and domains associated with technology. While several universities worldwide have established IoT degree programs at bachelor and master levels, institutions in developing countries are still contemplating the idea of pioneering such venture due to a number of reasons related to technology vacillation as well as market and social acceptance.  Princess Sumaya University for Technology has therefore designed a bachelor degree programme on IoT Engineering in order to bridge the gap in the Jordanian ICT market and to meet demands for specialized engineers in this rapidly evolving area. The university adapted an optimization design process of the program including a cycle of consultation with stakeholders, followed by a formal procedure of rectification and accreditation. The proposed program was successfully a launched at the beginning of the academic year 2021/2022 with an intake cohort of 50 students

A Bachelor Degree Program in IoT Engineering

In the era of the fourth industrial revolution, technology is advancing at a pace much faster than what individuals, societies and nations can cope with. Internet of Things (IoT) is one such technology that is sweeping the economic, business and service landscapes with its disruption mechanisms that influence areas such as smart homes, hospitals, cities, as well as transportation and energy utilization with many exciting and novel applications. Additionally, the job market is evolving at a rate that makes it difficult for universities to sustain a stable programme structure, especially in engineering and information and communication technology disciplines as well as specializations and domains associated with technology. While several universities worldwide have established IoT degree programs at bachelor and master levels, institutions in developing countries are still contemplating the idea of pioneering such venture due to a number of reasons related to technology vacillation as well as market and social acceptance.  Princess Sumaya University for Technology has therefore designed a bachelor degree programme on IoT Engineering in order to bridge the gap in the Jordanian ICT market and to meet demands for specialized engineers in this rapidly evolving area. The university adapted an optimization design process of the program including a cycle of consultation with stakeholders, followed by a formal procedure of rectification and accreditation. The proposed program was successfully a launched at the beginning of the academic year 2021/2022 with an intake cohort of 50 students