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，使高性能的纳米等离子体器件的光学信息处理。该方法是首先为等离子体波导和设备开发基于物理的模型。然后，这些模型将用于开发多参数纳米等离子体激元器件的有效优化技术，从而大大减少计算昂贵的全波器件模拟所需的数量。此外，将开发用于计算随机制造缺陷的影响的纳米等离子体激元器件的建模技术。这些技术也将被用来设计强大的nanoplasmonic设备。智力Merit.The建议基于物理的建模技术可能会导致主动和被动的新型nanoplasmonic设备的开发具有最佳性能和最小尺寸的高密度光学信息处理。这些器件的实现将极大地扩展等离子体激元学的应用范围，并将对计算和通信产生深远的影响。更广泛的影响。这项研究的成果将代表集成光学、光学信息处理和可再生能源的重要突破，对现代技术和人类生活产生广泛的影响。作为拟议教育活动的一部分，将介绍一个关于纳米光子器件建模技术的新课程。此外，模拟工具和课程材料将在全球传播。还将特别注重地方外联和招收少数民族学生。通过与当地三所拥有强大科学课程的高中的联系，学生将被引入纳米光子学领域，为科学和技术职业带来兴奋。

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.