EAGER: Ultrathin metasurfaces for low-intensity nonlinear optics

这项EAGER提案的目标是设计、理论建模和实验证明一种新型的基于子带间极化的大面积超薄超表面，具有巨大的非线性光学响应，比迄今为止科学文献中报道的任何设备都要大几个数量级。概念验证演示工作将侧重于开发中红外区域的高效二次谐波产生镜。然而，提出的概念更广泛，可以很容易地扩展到其他非线性光学现象。智力优势：本研究将引入非线性光学和超材料技术的新概念。本文首次研究了金属-介电-金属微腔中与光学模式强耦合的子带间激励的非线性响应。耦合量子阱系统中已经存在的巨大的子带间光学非线性可以通过在金属-介电-金属超材料腔中使用特殊工程谐振模式耦合子带间跃迁进一步增强。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目前由PI和Co-PI教授的重点研究生课程。在这个项目中开发的元表面有望找到大量的工业应用。PI将继续每年参与NNIN REU计划，与参与拟议研究的学生一起，并让副PI参与这项工作。在K-12阶段，PI和co-PI将与nsf赞助的UTeachEngineering项目合作。

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.