Engineering the Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Periodic Waveguide Arrays

这一提议的目的是从实验和理论上探索与光波在周期性光波导阵列中传播有关的新概念。智力价值：我们都知道，在历史上，单个原子和组成固体的周期性原子阵列的集体行为之间存在着非凡的差异。有趣的是，今天我们有一个类似的机会来研究并可能设计出单个波导和一组波导的非凡集体行为之间相应的光学行为差异。例如，我们对波导阵列周期的微小偏差的研究将使我们能够更好地评估和利用缺陷在线性和非线性周期结构中的作用。此外，我们一直在寻找控制和最小化衍射效应，特别是损耗的方法，我们的研究将加深我们对周期波导阵列衍射的理解，也许更重要的是，对周期波导阵的衍射管理。最后，我们的建议还包括探索在波导阵列结构中包含量子点，从而提供了一种令人兴奋的方式来增强它们的非线性行为，并开辟新的应用领域。更广泛的影响：所有拟议的研究主题都挑战基本的基本问题，其中一些在光学以外的其他领域具有直接影响。此外，我们还提出了一项外展努力，将光学方面的实践探究课程带到K-12科学教育中，并吸引代表不足的学生进入光学科学和工程。最后，将我们的学生设计、制造和分析的波导添加到这张图片中。这是一种从基础光学科学到操作设备的教育体验--这是学习光学工程中许多新旧概念的绝佳途径。

The objective of this proposal is to explore, both experimentally and theoretically, new concepts related to the propagation of optical waves in periodic arrays of optical waveguides. Intellectual Merit: We are all aware of the historically extraordinary difference in behavior between a single atom and the collective behavior of a periodic array of atoms that are organized to form a solid. Interestingly, today we have a similar opportunity to study and perhaps to engineer the corresponding difference in optical behavior between a single waveguide and the extraordinary collective behavior of an array of waveguides. For example, our study of small deviations from periodicity of a waveguide array will allow us to better assess and take advantage of the role of defects in both linear and nonlinear periodic structures. In addition, we are always looking for way to control and to minimize diffraction effects, especially losses, and our investigation will further our understanding and perhaps more importantly, the management of diffraction in periodic waveguide arrays. Finally, our proposal also includes exploring the inclusion of quantum dots in waveguide array structures and therefore offers an exciting way to enhance their nonlinear behavior and open new applications. Broader Impact: All of the proposed research topics challenge basic fundamental questions with some having direct implications in other fields beyond optics. Moreover, we also propose an outreach effort that brings hands-on inquiry based lessons in optics to K-12 science education and attracts under-represented students into optical sciences and engineering. Finally, add to this picture our students designing waveguides, fabricating them, and analyzing them. This is an educational experience that spans the range from basic optical science to operating devices - a beautiful way to learn many old and new concepts in optical engineering.