Photonic Crystal and Nanostructured Fiber Lasers and Devices

阿克塞尔舒尔茨根亚利桑那大学智力优点：这项研究的目标是联合收割机实验和严格的理论建模相结合，以开发创新的纤维为基础的纳米结构的设备，提供新的性能和复杂的功能。通过将具有亚波长特征尺寸的结构结合到光纤本身中，高度集成的下一代光子器件将被证明。将被建模，制造和测试的设备包括单片多芯光纤激光器，集成功能化纳米结构的光子晶体光纤，以及在模式引导区域内具有手性纳米结构的光纤。这些纳米结构波导的电磁响应和模态行为的计算将有助于提高集成纳米结构光子器件的预测能力。该研究将是一项突破性的研究，将纳米尺度的科学与光纤技术相结合。这种方法有可能通过引入光纤实现前所未有的光学集成，光纤本身就是一种多功能光子器件，并有望对光学和光子学行业产生重大影响。拟议的工作将为学生提供一个极好的机会，在纳米科学，光纤和激光物理学的重要研究领域进行培训。将特别注意将这项研究计划纳入与纳瓦霍民族和教育弱势学生的既定教育推广活动。该计划将为来自代表性不足群体的学生提供机会，让他们参与科学和工程教育以及世界级的研究。

Axel SchulzgenUniversity of ArizonaIntellectual Merit: The objective of this research is to combine experiments and rigorous theoretical modeling to develop innovative fiber-based devices with nanoscale structures to provide novel performance and complex functionality. By incorporating structures with sub-wavelength feature sizes into the optical fiber itself, highly integrated next generation photonic devices will be demonstrated. Devices that will be modeled, fabricated, and tested include monolithic multicore fiber lasers, photonic crystal fiber with integrated functionalized nanostructures, and optical fiber with chiral nanostructures inside the mode guiding area. Computation of electromagnetic response and modal behavior of these nanostructured waveguides will help to advance predictive capabilities for photonic devices with integrated nanostructures. Sophisticated nanofiber technology will be developed to fabricate well-defined, optically addressable nanostructures at rather low cost with possible applications in fields far beyond optics and photonics.Broader Impact: The research will be a groundbreaking study that combines nanometer-scale science with optical fiber technology. This approach has a potential to enable unprecedented optical integration by introducing fiber that is a multifunctional photonic device by itself and promises large impact on industry engaged in optics and photonics. The proposed work will provide an excellent opportunity for students to be trained in the vital research fields of nano-science, fiber optics, and laser physics. Special attention will be paid to integrate this research program into established educational outreach activities with the Navajo Nation and educationally disadvantaged students. This program will provide opportunities for students from underrepresented groups to participate in science and engineering education and in world-class research.