CAREER: Development in Innovative Optoelectronic Devices and Optical Characterization Techniques

我们提出了一项与光子学课程开发的教育努力密切相关的创新光电器件和表征技术的研究计划。该研究计划的重点是高速和高效光电探测器，光通信信号处理和测量系统的关键组件。与此同时，近场热成像的研究可以比现有技术提高10倍，为亚微米器件和电路的设计优化提供重要信息。教育部分利用这些研究项目和其他项目来创建适合纳入标准本科工程课程和高级实验室设置的模块化光子学应用。用于当今高性能光通信和信号处理系统的光电探测器必须具有高灵敏度、短响应时间和低功耗。在过去的五年中，出现了一系列新的光电器件，通过将有源器件结构放置在法布里-珀罗谐振微腔中来提高其性能。计算机模拟研究表明，使用谐振腔增强（RCE）检测可以大大提高传统光电探测器的高速性能。由于RCE方案是独立于材料系统在各种波长区域的操作是可能的。我们建议在RCE探测器的成熟理论和现有经验的基础上，原型化工作在近ia波长的高性能超快光电探测器。同样基于RCE方案，我们提出制造对入射光偏振敏感的单片光电探测器阵列，而不需要任何外部偏振滤光片和/或分束器。离散器件的灵敏度可以通过嵌入探测器的顶表面来控制，从而允许单片制造对TE和TM偏振具有不同灵敏度的探测器射线。与我们在光电器件方面的努力并行，我们还将追求基于近场光学显微镜的创新光学表征技术。我们已经建立了一个由国家科学基金会和工业合作者资助的最先进的近场光谱实验室。提议的近场显微镜研究将强调光电器件的诊断和利用纳米和红外纤维开发新的热成像技术。波士顿大学对光子学做出了重大承诺。一个新的跨学科光子学研究中心正在建设中，该中心拥有最先进的设施和先进的实验室。最近，在PI的指导下，一个新的nsf资助的课程项目PRIDE：跨学科教育中的光子学研究已经开始。PRIDE项目将创建三个层次的光子学模块，以丰富标准核心课程、专业选修课程以及高年级本科生和早期研究生课程的设计课程。这些模块将把光子学研究纳入广泛的现有课程，并展示垂直整合的课程开发。将光子学模块化应用到现有课程中，是对标准课程开发的重大背离。这种新颖的方法降低了跨学科教育的进入门槛，在保持本地内容灵活性的同时具有固有的可移植性，并将光子学研究纳入了广泛的不同课程主题中。PI的研究项目是PRIDE项目的一个组成部分。他在光电探测器和近场光学显微镜方面的研究进展将被纳入这门模块化课程。除了在课程开发方面的小组努力外，PI还将继续开发光子学方面的新课程和利用万维网的创新教学技术。* * *

9625236 Unlu We propose a research program in innovative optoelectronic devices and characterization techniques closely tied to educational efforts in photonics curriculum development. The research program focuses on high speed and high-efficiency photodetectors, critical components in optical communication signal processing and measurement systems. In parallel, research in near-field thermal imaging can yield a factor of 10 improvement over current techniques, providing important information for the design optimization of sub-micron devices and circuits. The educational component utilizes these research programs and others in creating modular photonics applications suitable for incorporation into the standard undergraduate engineering courses and upper-level laboratory settings. Photodetectors for today s high performance optical communication and signal processing systems must have high sensitivities, short response times, and low power consumption. Over the past five years a new family of optoelectronic devices has emerged whose performance is enhanced by placing the active device structure inside a Fabry-Perot resonant microcavity. Computer simulation studies have shown that a drastic improvement in the high-speed performance of conventional photodetectors can be achieved using the resonant cavity enhanced (RCE) detection. Since the RCE scheme is independent of material system operation at a variety of wavelength regions is possible. We propose to build on the mature theory and existing experience in the RCE detectors and to prototype high-performance ultrafast photodetectors operating at near-IA wavelengths. Also based on the RCE scheme, we propose to fabricate monolithic photodetector arrays sensitive to polarization of the incident light without requiring any external polarization filters and/or beam splitters. Sensitivity of discrete devices can be controlled by recessing the top surface of the detector allowing for the monolithic fabrication of detector ar rays with varying sensitivities to TE and TM polarizations. In parallel to our efforts in optoelectronic devices, we will also pursue innovative optical characterization techniques based on near-field optical microscopy. We have established a state-of-the-art near-field spectroscopy laboratory funded by NSF and industrial collaborators. The proposed nearfield microscopy research will emphasize diagnostics of optoelectronic devices and the development of a new thermal imaging technique utilizing nanopositioners and IR fibers. Boston University has made a major commitment to Photonics. The construction of a new interdisciplinary Center for Photonics Research with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced laboratories is underway. Recently, a new NSF-funded curricular program, PRIDE: Photonics Research in Interdisciplinary Education has started under the direction of the PI. The PRIDE program will create three levels of photonics modules to enrich standard core, specialized elective, and design courses of the upper division undergraduate and early graduate curricula. These modules will incorporate photonics research into a wide range of existing curricula, and demonstrate vertically integrated curriculum development. Modular implementation of photonics into existing courses represents a significant departure from standard curricular development. This novel approach reduces the barriers to entry for cross-disciplinary education, is inherently transportable while maintaining local flexibility of content, and incorporates photonics research into a wide range of different curricular topics. The PI's research program is an integral part of the PRIDE effort. His research advances in photodetectors and near-field optical microscopy will be incorporated into this modular curriculum. In addition to the group effort in curriculum development, PI will also continue to develop new courses in photonics and innovative teaching techniques utilizing World Wide Web. ***