MRI: Acquisition of Menlo Systems FC1500 Optical Frequency Synthesizer

研究目标和方法：本研究的目标是在北方亚拉巴马建立一个通用的，指定的光源，以支持该地区？的广泛的研究活动，包括光学频率计量学，纳米光子学，等离子体，微制造和光学传感。该方法是通过获取光学频率合成器（OFS）创建一个服务设施，沿着兼容的太赫兹天线，这将是访问该地区？智力优势：OFS的独特能力将大大有利于一些正在进行的研究计划，包括微流控催化反应器，基于光纤的等离子体传感器和基于微谐振器的频率梳的开发。此外，这一新型激光系统还将促进各种新的研究活动，如基于频率梳的大气时钟分布、探测臭氧层活动、研究半导体纳米晶体的带内动力学以及多波长范围的痕量气体传感。新的服务设施预计将成为一种催化剂，加强当地研究界不同部门之间的现有伙伴关系，跨部门，研究中心，机构和学科的进一步合作。与此同时，由OFS启用的研究活动将大大提高本科生和研究生水平的学生研究机会的数量和质量。此外，通过在UAH开发更强大的科学和工程教育计划，这次MRI收购将有助于建立一个知识传播阶梯，将前沿研究和K-12教育联系起来，并使当地社区的广泛范围受益，包括那些代表性不足的群体。

Research Objectives and Approaches: The objective of this research is to establish a versatile, designated light source in northern Alabama to support the area?s wide range of research activities encompassing optical frequency metrology, nanophotonics, plasmonics, micro-fabrication, and optical sensing. The approach is to create a service facility by acquiring an optical frequency synthesizer (OFS), along with compatible THz antennas, which will be accessible to the region?s academic, industrial and governmental research programs.Intellectual Merit: The distinctive capabilities of the OFS will greatly benefit a number of ongoing research programs, including the development of microfluidic catalytic reactors, fiber-based plasmonic sensors and microresonator-based frequency combs. Moreover, a diverse array of new research activities, such as frequency-comb-based atmospheric clock distribution, probing of ozone-layer activities, study of intraband dynamics of semiconductor nanocrystals, and multi-wavelength-range trace gas sensing, will also be enabled by this novel laser system.Broader Impacts: The new service facility is expected to become a catalyst that strengthens current partnerships between different sectors of the local research community and stimulates further collaborations across departments, research centers, institutions and disciplines. Meanwhile, the research activities enabled by the OFS will substantially enhance the quantity and quality of student research opportunities at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Furthermore, through developing stronger educational programs in science and engineering at UAH, this MRI acquisition will help build a knowledge dissemination ladder that bridges forefront research and K-12 education, and benefit a broad scope of the local community, including those from underrepresented groups.