Metamaterials: Making Optics from Scratch--Part 1

项目概述目的：已经确定了与超材料的理论、设计和制造相关的七个关键挑战。这些挑战的同时解决方案将改变所有工作在电磁原理上的设备的设计，并使新设备能够挑战当今人类的想象力。这个项目将通过一个单一的原型来解决这七个关键挑战中的四个，该原型同时展示(1)全各向同性，(2)负折射率，(3)在光学波长上的操作，以及(4)使用组合曲折导线的批量制造？概念和一种新颖的3D受激发射耗尽显微镜启发的直接激光写入制造。智能优点：原型已经提出的严格要求将为许多未来的光学超材料设备设定基准，挑战当今人类的想象力。该项目将利用最先进的3D光学光刻技术，并促进该领域的其他补充努力，以解决剩余的挑战，即(5)光学损失补偿，(6)可调谐性，(7)宽带，以及在更高的光学频率下操作以实现更多功能。广泛影响：该项目的更广泛影响包括(1)探索最可行的“从头开始制造光学元件”的路线，并推进按需控制光的科学，(2)推进最先进的成像、传感、光刻和纳米制造科学和技术，(3)加强与世界知名的国家和国际研究团队的合作；(4)在跨学科和国际环境中培养研究生和本科生；(5)采取正确的步骤将学术好奇心转化为工业产品；(6)建立一个受欢迎的研究轨道，以吸引年轻学生投身科学、数学和工程领域

Project SummaryObjective: Seven key challenges have been identified related to theory, design, and manufacturing of metamaterials. Simultaneous solutions to these challenges will transform the design of all devices working on electromagnetic principles and enable novel devices that challenge the human imagination today. This project will address four of those seven key challenges through a single prototype that simultaneously demonstrates (1) full isotropy, (2) negative index, (3) operation in optical wavelengths, and (4) bulk fabrication using a combined ?meandering wire? concept and a novel 3D stimulated emission depletion microscopy-inspired direct laser writing fabrication.Intellectual Merit: Stringent requirements already imposed by the prototype will set it as a benchmark for many future optical metamaterial devices that challenge the human imagination today. This project will leverage state-of-the art 3D optical lithography and boost other complementary efforts in the field to address the remaining challenges which are (5) compensation of optical losses, (6) tunability, (7) broad bandwidth, and operation in higher optical frequencies for more functionalities.Broader Impacts: Broader impacts of the project include (1) exploring the most viable route for "making optics from scratch" and advancing the science of controlling light on-demand, (2) advancing state-of-the-art imaging, sensing, lithography, and nanomanufacturing science and technology, (3) strengthening collaborations with world-renowned national and international research teams, (4) training graduate and undergraduate students in interdisciplinary and international environments, (5) taking the right steps for turning academic curiosity into industrial products, and (6) establishing a popular research track to attract young students for careers in science, mathematics, and engineering