CAREER: Physics-based modeling techniques to enable high-performance nanoplasmonic devices

研究目的和方法。本研究的目的是开发基于物理的建模技术，以实现用于光学信息处理的高性能纳米等离子体器件。方法是首先为等离子波导和器件开发基于物理的模型。这些模型将用于开发多参数纳米等离子体器件的高效优化技术，从而大大减少计算成本高昂的全波器件模拟所需的数量。此外，纳米等离子体器件的建模技术，计算随机制造缺陷的影响将得到发展。这些技术也将用于设计坚固的纳米等离子体器件。知识价值。所提出的基于物理的建模技术可以开发出具有最佳性能和最小尺寸的新型有源和无源纳米等离子体器件，用于高密度光学信息处理。这种装置的实现将极大地扩展等离子体的适用性，并将对计算和通信产生深远的影响。更广泛的影响。该研究成果将代表集成光学、光信息处理和可再生能源领域的重要突破，对现代技术和人类生活具有广泛的影响。作为教育活动的一部分，我们将开设一门关于纳米光子器件建模技术的新课程。此外，模拟工具和课程材料将在全球传播。还将特别注重在当地的宣传和招收少数民族学生。通过与当地三所具有强大科学课程的高中的联系，学生将被引入纳米光子学领域，以激发他们对科学和技术职业的兴趣。

Research Objectives and Approaches.The objective of this research is to develop physics-based modeling techniques to enable high-performance nanoplasmonic devices for optical information processing. The approach is to first develop physics-based models for plasmonic waveguides and devices. These models will then be used to develop efficient optimization techniques of multi-parameter nanoplasmonic devices which greatly reduce the required number of computationally expensive full-wave device simulations. In addition, modeling techniques for nanoplasmonic devices which calculate the effect of random manufacturing imperfections will be developed. These techniques will also be utilized to design robust nanoplasmonic devices.Intellectual Merit.The proposed physics-based modeling techniques could lead to the development of both active and passive novel nanoplasmonic devices with optimal performance and minimum size for high-density optical information processing. The realization of such devices would tremendously expand the applicability of plasmonics, and would have profound implications for computing and communications.Broader Impacts.The results of this research will represent important breakthroughs in integrated optics, optical information processing, and renewable energy sources, which have broad impacts on modern technology and human life. As part of the proposed educational activities, a new course on modeling techniques for nanophotonic devices will be introduced. In addition, the simulation tools and course materials will be globally disseminated. Special focus will also be placed on local outreach and recruitment of minority students. Through outreach to three local high-schools with a strong science curriculum, students will be introduced to the field of nanophotonics to generate excitement for careers in science and technology.