CAREER: Physics-based modeling techniques to enable high-performance nanoplasmonic devices

研究目标和方法本研究的目标是开发基于物理的建模技术，以实现用于光学信息处理的高性能纳米等离子体器件。方法是首先开发基于物理的等离子体波导管和器件模型。这些模型将被用来开发多参数纳米等离子体器件的有效优化技术，从而大大减少所需的计算代价高昂的全波器件模拟的数量。此外，还将开发计算随机制造缺陷影响的纳米等离子体器件的建模技术。这些技术还将被用来设计健壮的纳米等离子体器件。智能价值。所提出的基于物理的建模技术可能导致开发具有最佳性能和最小尺寸的用于高密度光信息处理的有源和无源新型纳米等离子体器件。这种器件的实现将极大地扩展等离子体激元的应用范围，并将对计算和通信产生深远的影响。这一研究成果将代表着集成光学、光信息处理和可再生能源等领域的重要突破，这些领域对现代技术和人类生活有着广泛的影响。作为拟议的教育活动的一部分，将推出一门关于纳米光子器件建模技术的新课程。此外，还将在全球分发模拟工具和课程材料。还将特别注重当地外联和招收少数族裔学生。通过向三所拥有强大科学课程的当地高中进行外联，将向学生介绍纳米光子学领域，以激发学生对科学和技术职业的兴奋。

Research Objectives and Approaches.The objective of this research is to develop physics-based modeling techniques to enable high-performance nanoplasmonic devices for optical information processing. The approach is to first develop physics-based models for plasmonic waveguides and devices. These models will then be used to develop efficient optimization techniques of multi-parameter nanoplasmonic devices which greatly reduce the required number of computationally expensive full-wave device simulations. In addition, modeling techniques for nanoplasmonic devices which calculate the effect of random manufacturing imperfections will be developed. These techniques will also be utilized to design robust nanoplasmonic devices.Intellectual Merit.The proposed physics-based modeling techniques could lead to the development of both active and passive novel nanoplasmonic devices with optimal performance and minimum size for high-density optical information processing. The realization of such devices would tremendously expand the applicability of plasmonics, and would have profound implications for computing and communications.Broader Impacts.The results of this research will represent important breakthroughs in integrated optics, optical information processing, and renewable energy sources, which have broad impacts on modern technology and human life. As part of the proposed educational activities, a new course on modeling techniques for nanophotonic devices will be introduced. In addition, the simulation tools and course materials will be globally disseminated. Special focus will also be placed on local outreach and recruitment of minority students. Through outreach to three local high-schools with a strong science curriculum, students will be introduced to the field of nanophotonics to generate excitement for careers in science and technology.