Ultrafast Optical Modulation Using Single-Crystal Films of Organic Nonlinear Optical Materials

该项目的目标包括：i)制备光学质量良好的具有非常大的二阶或三阶光学非线性的有机材料单晶膜，ii)建立使用该薄膜制造特殊器件结构的适当方法，iii)详细的非线性光学测量和iv)器件的演示。该方法利用“剪切法”制备有机材料单晶薄膜。电光效应将在不同波长下测量，并用于评估调制器在高达100 GHz的高速下的可操作性。为了增加调制深度，将通过使用i)更厚的薄膜，ii)Fabry-Perot几何结构和III)导波结构来增加相互作用长度。使用单晶膜的飞秒全光调制的演示是被预期的。测量将通过时间分辨技术进行，在单程或反射模式下使用150飞秒脉冲，也使用法布里-珀罗腔。该项目解决与具有技术相关性的电子/光子材料相关的基础研究问题。该项目直接涉及一名研究生和一名博士后研究员。此外，该项目在培养本科生以及发展和维持该领域的多学科合作方面具有更广泛的影响。PI教授高年级、本科生和研究生阶段的具体课程，这些课程利用光学实验室向学生演示基本原理。由于拟议研究的跨学科性质，将招募跨学科的学生来执行研究任务。代表不足的少数族裔和本科生将参与进来，为他们提供更广泛和更强大的科技体验。该方案预计将增加光电子这一重要领域的熟练劳动力，特别强调加强代表不足的少数群体的参与。***

The objectives of this project include: i) preparation of good optical quality single crystal films of organic materials having exceptionally large second or third order optical nonlinearity, ii) establishment of appropriate methods for fabrication of special device structures using the films, iii) detailed nonlinear optical measurements and iv) demonstration of devices. The approach utilizes the "shear method" for preparation of single crystal films of organic materials. Electro-optic effects will be measured in such films at various wavelengths and used to assess modulator operability at high speed up to 100GHz. In order to increase modulation depth, the interaction length will be increased by using i) thicker films, ii) Fabry-Perot geometry and iii) a guided-wave configuration. Demonstration of femtosecond all-optical modulation using single-crystal films is anticipated. Measurements will be made by time-resolved techniques with 150 fs pulses in single-pass or reflective mode operation and also using a Fabry-Perot cavity. %%% The project addresses fundamental research issues associated with electronic/photonic materials having technological relevance. The project directly involves one graduate student and a postdoctoral fellow. Additionally, the project has broader impact in training undergraduate students, and developing and maintaining multidisciplinary collaborations in this field. The PI teaches specific courses in senior undergraduate and graduate levels that make use of the optics laboratory in demonstrating fundamental principles to students. Because of the multidisciplinary nature of the proposed research, students across disciplines will be recruited to perform research tasks. Under-represented, minority and undergraduate students will be involved to provide them with a broader and stronger scientific and technological experience. The program is expected to increase the skilled workforce in an important field of optoelectronics with a special emphasis on enhancing participation of under-represented minorities. ***