EAGER: Ultrathin metasurfaces for low-intensity nonlinear optics

这个EAGER提案的目的是设计，理论建模和实验证明一类新的大面积超薄超颖表面的基础上的子带间极化激元与巨大的非线性光学响应，数量级大于任何设备迄今为止在科学文献中报道。概念验证的示范工作将集中在开发中红外区的高效二次谐波发生镜。然而，所提出的概念是更广泛的，可以很容易地扩展到其他非线性光学现象。智力优点：拟议的研究将引入新的概念，在非线性光学和超材料技术。首次研究了金属-介质-金属微腔中与光模强耦合的子带间激发的非线性响应。耦合量子威尔斯系统中已经存在的巨大的子带间光学非线性可以通过将子带间跃迁与金属-电介质-金属超材料腔中的特别设计的谐振模式耦合来进一步增强。更广泛的影响：拟议的研究结合了超材料理论，光电子学，非线性光学和半导体物理学的元素。这种结合为研究生和本科生提供了丰富的跨学科教育环境。在我们的研究工作中开发的知识和技术将被纳入PI和Co-PI目前教授的重点研究生课程。在这个项目中开发的超表面有望找到许多工业应用。PI将继续与参与拟议研究的学生一起参与NNIN REU计划，并让共同PI参与这项工作。在K-12级别，PI和co-PI将与NSF赞助的UTeachEngineering计划合作。

The objective of this EAGER proposal is to design, theoretically model, and experimentally demonstrate a novel class of large-area ultra-thin metasurfaces based on intersubband polaritons with giant nonlinear optical response, orders of magnitude larger than any device reported so far in the scientific literature. Proof-of-concept demonstration efforts will focus on development highly-efficient second harmonic generation mirrors in the mid-infrared regime. The proposed concept is, however, much broader and can be readily extended to other nonlinear optical phenomena.Intellectual Merits: The proposed research will introduce novel concepts in nonlinear optics and in metamaterial technology. For the first time, nonlinear response of intersubband excitations strongly coupled to optical modes in metal-dielectric-metal microcavities will be investigated. Already giant intersubband optical nonlinearities in coupled-quantum-wells systems can be further boosted by coupling intersubband transitions with ad-hoc engineered resonant modes in metal-dielectric-metal metamaterial cavities. Broader Impacts: The proposed research combines elements of metamaterial theory, optoelectronics, nonlinear optics, and semiconductor physics. This combination offers a rich, interdisciplinary educational environment for graduate and undergraduate students. Knowledge and techniques developed during our research efforts will be incorporated into focused graduate-level courses currently taught by the PI and Co-PI. The metasurfaces developed in this project are expected to find numerous industrial applications. The PI will continue his annual participation in the NNIN REU program with students involved in the proposed research and involve the co-PI in this effort. At the K-12 level, PI and co-PI will collaborate with NSF-sponsored UTeachEngineering program.