CAREER:Three Dimensional Nano-Optical Elements \(3DNOES\): An integrated approach to research and education

我们推出了一种革命性的微光学器件，将光子晶体的体特性与微光学和衍射光学的波光学特性相结合，称为3D纳米光学元件（3DNOES）；从而将透镜的光学功能与光子学和显示应用所需的滤光片的光谱特性相结合。拟议的研究旨在创建必要的基础设施，以实现3DNOE技术的无限潜力。为了实现这一目标，PI、研究生和本科生将为3DNOES建立先进的设计方法；利用传统光刻和全息光刻技术，创建基于增材光刻工艺的新型制造方法，开发用于制造高对比度PC元件的先进蚀刻方法，并演示3DNOES的混合集成。所有这些发展都将通过彻底改变传统光学到具有定制色散特性的光学制造的范式，对微光学产生重大影响。例子包括受生物学启发的光学、基于超棱镜概念的新型光学元件、用于显示应用的超发光二极管和波长复用设备。该计划对整个光电子行业具有广泛的影响，因为它有助于跨越鸿沟，这存在于我们各级学生的培训和光电子行业的未来需求之间。这是通过一项涉及本科生和研究生的综合计划来解决的，该计划涉及基于3DNOES的晶圆微光学设计和制造的核心研究和开发。提出了一个创新的高中计划，向学生介绍基于IC的微光学制造，并通过高中标志竞赛向教育工作者展示这些先进的光子学集成概念。此外，将与莫尔豪斯学院（Morehouse College）建立一个实习项目，以接触那些在当今科学领域代表性不足的人，并为他们提供下个世纪作为光学工程师和科学家的培训。为了进一步解决劳动力培训问题，将开发微加工课程并将其整合到BSEET计划中。本课程的简要版本将提供给高中教师和REU学生介绍微和纳米制造。培训的重点将是实际的人工智能培训和演示，希望它能激励新一代的光学工程师和科学家。

We introduce a revolutionary micro-optical device combining the bulk properties of Photonic Crystals with the wave-optics features of Micro and Diffractive Optics, called 3D Nano-Optical Elements (3DNOES); thereby combining the optical functions of lenses with the spectral properties of filters required for photonics and display applications.The proposed research is aimed at the creation of the infrastructure necessary to realize the unlimited potential of 3DNOE technology. In order to achieve this, the PI, graduate students, and undergraduates will establish advanced design methodologies for the 3DNOES; create novel fabrication methods based on an additive lithography process utilizing both conventional and holographic lithography, develop advanced etching methods for fabricating high contrast PC elements, and demonstrate the hybrid integration of 3DNOES. All of these developments will substantially impact the micro-optics by drastically changing the paradigm from conventional optics to optics fabricated with customized dispersion properties. Examples include biologically inspired optics, novel optical elements based on the ihsuper-prismln concept, super-luminescent diodes for display applications, and wavelength multiplexing devices. This program has a broad impact on the photonics industry as a whole, since it serves to cross the chasm, which exists between the training of our students at all levels and the future needs of the photonics industry. This is addressed through an integrated plan involving undergraduate and graduate students for core research and development in the design and fabrication of wafer based micro-optics based on 3DNOES. An innovative high school program is proposed to introduce the students to IC based fabrication of micro-optics and expose educators to these advanced concepts of photonics integration with a high school logo competition. Additionally, an internship program with Morehouse College will be established to reach out to those underrepresented in the sciences today and provide them with training for the next century as optical engineers and scientists. In order to further address the workforce training issue, a micro-fabrication course will be developed and integrated into the BSEET program. A brief version of this course will be given to high school teachers and REU students for an introduction to micro and nano-fabrication. Actual ichands-onla training and demonstrations will be focus of the training, with the hopes that it will inspire a new generation of optical engineers and scientists.