Refractive Optics Based on Metallic Nano-optic Lenses

建议研究的目标是开发一种基于金属纳米孔阵列结构的新型光学和器件，它以一种与传统光学截然不同的方式执行光束整形功能。所提出的装置被设计成允许光通过涉及等离子体相互作用的金属纳米孔进行折射传输。入射光束耦合到表面等离子激元模式，并沿着金属形成的纳米光传播。在出射表面，表面等离子体波解耦为辐射模。在所提出的结构中，从纳米孔单元发出的光波的相位延迟由孔口区的金属厚度和/或折射率控制。基于时域有限差分(FDTD)模拟的PI的初步研究证明了凸形金属纳米照明阵列透镜的光束整形(聚焦和准直)能力。他提出了概念验证实验，并计划将基于金属的折射光学开发成一种使能技术，用于新型光束整形设备。拟议的研究范围包括纳米光学结构的设计、制造和表征，以及对金属结构中发生的等离子体现象的研究。广泛影响：这项研究有望导致一类新的光学器件技术的发展，这些技术将对成像、光刻、图案化、光谱学、通信、信息技术和医疗保健等各个领域做出重大贡献。这项研究将为为新兴的纳米光子学和等离子光子学领域培养未来的科学家和工程师提供一个教育范例。研究团队将积极主动地从代表性不足的群体中招募学生参加该项目。目前的提议包括每年资助两名本科生。

0424210KIMThe goal of the proposed research is to develop a new class of optics and devices based on metallic nanoaperture array structures that performs beam-shaping functions in a fashion distinctly different from the conventional optics. The proposed devices are designed to allow refractive transmission of light through metallic nanoapertures involving plasmonic interactions. An incident beam couples into a surface plasmon mode and propagates along a nanoslit formed in metal. At the exit surface, the surface plasmon wave decouples into radiation modes. In the proposed structures, the phase retardation of optical waves emanating from nanoaperture elements is controlled by metal thickness and/or refractive index in the aperture regions. The PI's preliminary study based on finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation demonstrates a beam shaping (focusing and collimation) capability of a convex-shaped metallic nanoslit array lens. He proposes proof-of-concept experiments and plan to develop the metal-based refractive optics into an enabling technology for a new class of beam-shaping devices. The scope of the proposed research covers design, fabrication, and characterization of nano-optic structures and study of the plasmonic phenomena occurring in the metallic structures.Broader Impacts: This study is expected to lead to the development of a new class of optical device technologies that will make major contributions to various fields, such as imaging, lithography, patterning, spectroscopy, communication, information technology, and health care. This research will provide an educational paradigm for training the future scientists and engineers for the emerging field of nanophotonics and plasmonics. The research team will be proactive in recruiting students from under-represented groups to the program. The present proposal includes support for two undergraduate students each year.