Self-Organized Aggregates in Photonics (SOAP): A Comprehensive Approach to Multiphoton Absorbing Supramolecular Assemblies

中佛罗里达大学的Kevin Belfield教授、UCF的Florencio Hernandez和Artem Masunov以及新墨西哥高地大学的Tatiana Timofeeva得到了化学合作研究计划的支持，以开发一种预测能力，用于设计将显示特定的双光子和三光子吸收特性的稳定的超分子聚集体。这项工作需要一个涉及材料合成、表征(核磁共振、线性和非线性吸收、荧光、激发各向异性和X射线结晶学)和理论的多学科方法。使用这些聚集体是开发实用的基于多光子的光子材料和器件的最有前途的途径之一。利用这项研究中获得的知识和数据，将开发一个扩展的多光子吸收-超分子结构-性质数据库，从而导致标度关系、理论的验证或修改，以及对材料设计和行为的预测能力尚未实现。该计划采用的方法包括高度协作的实验室，本科生、研究生和博士后研究人员在其中接受跨学科培训，使他们能够在光子材料领域做出重大科学和技术贡献。主计生和副主计生积极招聘和吸纳传统上在科学界占比较低的学生，帮助培养一支高技能和多样化的劳动力队伍。通过这个合作研究项目，开辟了一条通往博士学位的道路。将为NMHU的学生在UCF和其他地方攻读博士学位而开发。通过高中化学教师参与拟议的研究，以及与佛罗里达太空大学和NHMU/Gear Up的伙伴关系，将创建一个教师网络，以帮助传播该项目的发现，并将适当的内容纳入课程，将影响扩大到较年轻的学生。

Prof. Kevin Belfield at the University of Central Florida, and collaborators Florencio Hernandez and Artem Masunov at UCF and Tatiana Timofeeva at New Mexico Highlands University are supported by the Collaborative Research in Chemistry Program to develop a predictive capability for the design of stable supramolecular aggregates that will exhibit specific two- and three-photon absorption properties. The work entails a multidisciplinary approach involving materials synthesis, characterization (NMR, linear and non-linear absorption, fluorescence, excitation anisotropy, and X-ray crystallography), and theory. Use of these aggregates represents one of the most promising avenues for developing practical multiphoton-based photonic materials and devices. With the knowledge and data gained in this research, an expanded multiphoton absorption-supramolecular structure-property database will be developed, leading to scaling relations, validation or modification of theory, and a predictive capability for materials design and behavior yet to be realized. The approach taken in this program involves highly collaborative laboratories in which undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers receive cross-disciplinary training, positioning them to make significant scientific and technical contributions in the photonic materials fields. The PI and co-PIs actively recruit and engage students that are traditionally underrepresented in the sciences, facilitating the preparation of a highly skilled and diverse workforce. Through this collaborative research program, a "Pathway to the Ph.D." will be developed for NMHU students to pursue their Ph.D. at UCF and elsewhere. Through participation of high school chemistry teachers in the proposed research, along with partnerships with Space Florida and NHMU/Gear Up, a network of teachers will be created to help disseminate the project's findings and incorporate appropriate content into the curriculum, extending the impact to younger students.