Aperiodic Volume Optics

该项目的目标是研究一类新的非周期体光学器件，旨在在三维（3D）器件（或系统）内创建光学功能，而不是像传统的光学和光子学设计那样从平面到平面或沿着波导。这些多功能体积光学器件是数值生成的，呈现非周期3D结构，可以在多个维度上控制光，包括波长、时间、3D空间、偏振和相干函数。智能优势-该项目旨在探索在给定体积内通过空间塑造光学特性（如折射率）来实现的功能，根据预定义的计算机生成设计。该策略考虑到基本和实际的限制，如当前的制造限制和可实现的指数对比。因此，非周期体光学可以根据不同的指数对比度、空间梯度和临界尺寸来处理不同的现象。不同的制造方法将被实现，包括3D直接飞秒激光写入眼镜和光阻。更广泛的影响-体积光学打开了探索新的光学现象和应用在集成和自由空间光子学的可能性。提出的设备类别将使许多生物医学，传感，通信和安全应用取得重大进展。该项目将为各类青年科学家和工程师干部提供跨学科培训机会。它还将寻求与工业伙伴建立新的协同关系，将新发现转化为工业应用。调查结果将通过会议报告、出版物、专门网站、课程和外联巡回展览等方式传播。

The objective of this project is to investigate a new class of aperiodic volume optical devices aimed at creating optical functionality within a three-dimensional (3D) device (or system) rather than from plane-to-plane or along waveguides as in traditional optical and photonics design. These multifunctional volume optical devices are numerically-generated and present aperiodic 3D structures that control light in multiple dimensions including wavelength, time, 3D space, polarization, and coherence function. Intellectual merit - This project sets out to explore the functionality that can be achieved within a given volume by spatially shaping optical properties, such as refractive index, according to a predefined computer generated design. The strategy takes into account fundamental and practical limitations such as current fabrication limits and achievable index contrasts. Accordingly, aperiodic volume optics operate on different phenomena depending on the index contrast, spatial gradient, and critical dimensions. Different fabrication approaches will be implemented including 3D direct femtosecond laser writing in glasses and photoresists. Broader Impacts - Volume optics opens up the possibility of exploring novel optical phenomena and applications in integrated and free space photonics. The proposed class of devices will enable significant advances in many biomedical, sensing, communications, and security applications. The project will provide interdisciplinary training opportunities for a diverse cadre of young scientists and engineers. It will also seek new synergistic relationships with industrial partners to transfer new discoveries into industrial applications. The results of the investigation will be disseminated through conference presentations, publications, a specialized website, courses, and an outreach traveling exhibit.