Nonlinear Photonic Crystals Wavelength Conversion Structures: Fabrication, Optical Measurement and Numerical Simulation

0523386 OsGood智能优点新型集成光学设备的研究重点是增加功能，并在现有设备的基础上缩小空间维度。实现这一目标的一种方法是利用光子晶体中可能存在的强烈光学限制；使用这种方法已经制造了一系列新的超小型光学无源器件结构。本文所描述的研究重点是探索实现用于非线性光学器件的光子晶体结构的方法。利用非线性光学响应可以为超高速全光控制和处理方案实现独特的器件功能，包括开关、波长转换、波长复用/解复用等。该研究采用统一的方法，将非线性晶体器件所需的实验和理论技术研究相结合。材料研究的重点将是单晶薄膜铁电材料的使用，特别是LiNbO_3，以及使用这种材料的制备方法的研究。数值技术的研究将朝着精确计算周期性复杂结构中光学非线性效应的稳健的、通用的方法发展。具体地说，研究计划将包括a)制造2D高折射率对比度非线性光子晶体波导和包含这种结构的器件；b)基于光子晶体的非线性光学响应的器件的理论研究；以及c)光与非线性周期结构相互作用的数值模拟的新技术。特别是，该项目将为其研究生提供一个从事跨学科研究的绝佳机会，该研究将基础材料科学问题与理解光学系统需求以及使用和开发严格的应用数学技术的挑战结合起来。在这种基础广泛的研究中，提出建议的小组有着很好的记录。此外，该计划还与位于东北部的其他主要研究实验室高度合作。哥伦比亚大学在光子学和光子学设备方面的强大教学计划与这一领域的研究相匹配。最后，本科生的研究也是这个项目不可或缺的一部分，因为该项目将鼓励本科生参与扩展的、动手的实验和数值项目。

0523386OsgoodIntellectual meritThe thrust of research on new integrated-optics devices is to increase functionality and reduce spatial dimensions over those in existing devices. One approach to this goal has been to use the strong optical confinement possible in photonic crystals; using this approach a new series of ultrasmall optical passive device structures have been fabricated. The focus of the research described here is to investigate methods of realizing photonic-crystal-based structures for nonlinear optical devices. Nonlinear optical response can be employed to achieve unique device functionalities for ultrafast all-optical control and processing schemes, including switching, wavelength conversion, wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing, etc.The proposed research uses a unified approach, integrating research on experimental and theoretical techniques needed for nonlinear crystal devices. The focus of the materials research will be the use of single-crystal thin-film ferroelectric materials, that is, LiNbO3 in particular, and research on fabrication methods using this material. Research on numerical techniques will be toward robust, general methods for exact computation of effects induced by optical nonlinearities in periodic complex structures. In particular, the research program will consist of a) fabrication of 2D high-index-contrast nonlinear photonic-crystal waveguides and devices that incorporate such structures; b) theoretical investigation of devices based on the nonlinear optical response of photonic crystals; and c) new techniques for numerical simulation of light interaction with nonlinear periodic structures.Broader impactsEducational goals are integrated into this research program. In particular, the program will offer an excellent opportunity for its graduate students to engage in cross-disciplinary research, which combines basic materials science problems along with challenges in understanding optical systems needs and in employing and developing rigorous applied mathematical techniques. The proposing group has a strong record in such broad-based research. Further the program is highly collaborative with other major research laboratories located in the Northeast. A strong program of teaching in photonics and photonics devices at Columbia University matches the research in this area. Finally, undergraduate research is also an integral part of this program since undergraduates will be encouraged to be involved in extended, hands-on experimental and numerical projects within the program.