Multi-scale computational nanophotonics

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Nanophotonics - the study of light interaction at nanometre scales and the development of technologies to control the flow of light using nanofabricated structures - is of importance in optics, optical engineering, electrodynamics, and nanotechnology. Computational nanophotonics is essential for describing, analyzing, and predicting light-matter interactions occurring at nanometre-size scales and has been a catalyst for nanophotonic innovations over the past couple of decades. In a growing number of settings, analysis of nanophotonic phenomena requires that we account for intricate interactions of processes occurring over extended ranges of space and time, which may arise from material effects (quantum, electronic, thermal, mechanical), environmental factors, and measurement artifacts. Current approaches to overcome these challenges make simplifying assumptions, leading to poor predictions or even mismatch between model and data. Recent advances in computation and methodologies, including those from my team, have created opportunities for higher fidelity modelling of nanophotonic phenomena. My long-term objective is to explore computational methods that bridge descriptions of light-matter interaction across multiple scales of space and time, striking a balance between model complexity and computational cost, and to validate these methods through experimental comparison. This research will enable efficient approaches to investigate the fundamental limits of nanophotonics technology, to explore their potential for real-world use, and to enable new, systems-level approaches to nanophotonic device design. Methodological aspects of my research program will be motivated by fundamental problems and applications of nanophotonics technology. We will explore approaches to model nano- and micro-scale material motion caused by light beams impinging on deformable media such as gases, fluids, and elastic solids. These predictions will be compared to experimental measurements and used to open new investigations of dynamic radiation pressure effects in fluids. We will also explore approaches to model the use of large-area, broadband nanophotonic coatings under application-specific conditions. Based on our current research, we will examine their use in displays and for solar control in buildings. The significance of this research lies in its focus on providing essential advancements in computational methods to enable interpretation, analysis and design of next-generation nanophotonic technologies. The research builds on Canadian expertise in computational nanophotonics and can lead to low-cost, knowledge-based innovations that could be directly commercialized by HQP. Student training is a top priority, and I intend to provide an inclusive learning environment that balances research training, experiential entrepreneurship, and career development for a diverse group of HQP.