Ultrafast antenna-assisted phase transitions and applications in nanoscale optical switches

纳米天线是一种小型纳米结构，旨在将光集中在亚波长长度尺度上。这种浓度可以用来局部加热材料或驱动能量过程。在这个项目中，我们探索了利用光学天线结构来控制相变材料。我们的团队最近在这些材料的沉积方面开发了一种独特的专业知识，用于光子器件的应用。该项目解决了如何利用光在当地解决它们的相变的挑战。学生将学习使用我们的洁净室设施进行材料沉积和纳米制造天线的一系列技术。他将对这些设备进行光学研究，包括高级光开关研究。将使用数值和分析建模工具对结果进行建模。最后，这些新设备将被应用于集成光子开关和光控制的超表面。

Nanoantennas are small nanostructures designed to concentrate light on sub-wavelength length scales. This concentration can be used to locally heat up materials or drive energetic processes. In this project we explore the use of optical antenna structures in controlling phase change materials. Our team has recently developed a unique expertise in deposition of these materials for applications in photonic devices. The project addresses the challenge of how to locally address their phase change using light. The student will learn a range of techniques in materials deposition and nanofabrication of antennas using our clean room facilities. He will perform optical studies of these devices, including advanced optical switching studies. Results will be modelled using numerical and analytical modelling tools. Finally the new devices will be implemented into new applications in integrated photonic switches and metasurfaces for controlling light.