Nonlinear optics at the nanoscale: theoretical and computational investigations

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The field of nonlinear optics has been intensely investigated since the advent of the laser in the 1960s. It entails the study of strong light interaction with matter, where exotic effects, such one colour of light converting to another colour, can be realized. Ever improving laser technology and fabrication methods have opened the door to nonlinear optics at very small length scales down to a billionth of a meter, called “the nanoscale”, for myriad applications. Underlying these technological developments is a need to understand the details of how light interacts nonlinearly with materials, and how to use that interaction to design processes and devices for further technological advances. The overarching, long-term goal of Dr. Ramunno's research program is to use and develop state-of-the-art theoretical and computational techniques to investigate nonlinear optics at the nanoscale, in several research areas in photonics. Over five years, she will train graduate students, who will work with undergraduates and postdoctoral fellows toward the following scientific objectives. The first is to understand how images of cells and tissues are formed using a microscopy based on nonlinear optics, including what are the nanoscale limitations of such imaging, and how these may be overcome for applications such as understanding disease processes and early disease diagnosis. The second objective is to understand the mechanisms underlying laser machining of materials, and how this nonlinear interaction can be controlled to create new technologies, such as nanoscale 3D printing. The third is to design nanoscale devices to engineer the production of light, from the visible up to extreme ultraviolet radiation, for applications including communications, microscopy and laser machining. As the fabrication such nanoscale devices gets ever more precise, down to the one nanometer level, new paradigms of computational modelling are required, and Dr. Ramunno will develop these with her trainees. Dr. Ramunno has a proven track record in each area, as well as established collaborations with experimental and industrial colleagues. These collaborations, including with world-class researchers at uOttawa, will contribute to the success and impact of the proposed research, and provide unique and varied research and career opportunities to students. This work is made possible by her cutting edge computational tools and access to high performance computers, including the most powerful supercomputer in Canada.