A New Detector for Measuring Polarized Light: Modeling, Characterization, and Testing for Significantly Improved Imaging Capabilities.

摘要标题：一种测量偏振光的新型探测器：显著提高成像能力的建模、表征和测试。非技术摘要：目前的偏振光探测器存在空间和/或时间分辨率低的问题，或者它们存在系统误差。这是因为需要多个探测器来完全表征偏振光，这通常需要在不同的时间进行测量。这限制了高分辨率偏振光成像；这一过程对于从天文学到生物医学成像再到制药的各种应用都是至关重要的。这项拨款下的研究将调查偏振光探测器(偏振仪)的开发，该探测器能够克服现有的限制，并增加目前无法提供的新功能。这将通过利用聚合物半导体独特的光电特性来实现。将在一个空间位置处理多个半透明有机光电探测器，并对多单元堆栈进行优化，以开发具有先进能力的偏振仪。这笔赠款还提供了一个机会来开展推广活动，以吸引当地和全国的高中生对光学科学和工程感兴趣。技术摘要：这项提议的目标是调查有机光伏组件作为固有的偏振敏感探测器的使用。目前的偏振成像或检测方法依赖于光通过偏振敏感元件后进行的时序或瞬时测量。这些通常很复杂的光学系统是必要的，因为没有电流探测器技术能够在单个空间位置、在单个积分时间内测量完整的偏振状态。这导致了与现有技术相关的几个缺点；其中最主要的是时间和/或空间配准错误，导致在所检测的极化元素中产生误差。为了减少这些误差，本方案详细介绍了一种新型应变对准聚合物基光探测器，它具有固有的偏振敏感性。目标是：(1)建立多层有机光伏(OPV)的光电模型；(2)创建自由空间偏振仪设计，使用多个半透明SOPD概念验证器件；(3)设计并创建基于S-OPD的多层单片偏振仪的原理实验证明；(4)利用该模型和概念创建校准程序；以及(5)探索多光谱和多斯托克斯探测器，包括它们在阵列中的应用和独特的几何结构。聚合物半导体通常具有平行于共轭主链的初级光学偶极跃迁。因此，单向对准聚合物会导致各向异性光学检测。这一建议的学术价值是通过研究具有固有偏振敏感性的对准聚合物旋光仪带来的设备性能机会。其优点在于：(1)用于光电检测工艺的OPV结构、偏置和电路的优化；(2)深入了解排列和各向异性对能量转换的影响；(3)建立复杂的多层各向异性有机光电探测器在不同入射角度下的先进光电模型；以及(4)将OPV用作偏振敏感光伏探测器的校准程序、算法和技术。这项拟议的努力有可能在多维单片光学传感领域开创广阔的新研究领域。拟议的研究具有巨大的商业潜力，使电信、遥感和生物医学成像领域受益。该项目还将为偏振测量和器件制造方面的两名研究生研究人员提供支持。研究成果的传播将通过出版物进行，两个私人投资机构还将向公众进行外联工作。例如，将制作在线教程，以激发人们对偏振成像的兴趣，其中包括制造教程和软件开发，将偏振成像置于业余爱好者和学生手中。此外，PI还将参与北卡罗来纳州立大学为期一周的高中夏令营活动，以吸引学生投身工程行业。在这个营地中，将制作和传播与性质上的偏振光有关的外联单元。

Abstract Title: A New Detector for Measuring Polarized Light: Modeling, Characterization, andTesting for Significantly Improved Imaging Capabilities.Nontechnical Abstract: Current polarized light photodetectors suffer from low spatial and/or temporal resolution, or they experience systematic error. This is due to multiple detectors needed to fully characterize polarized light,which often require measurements at different times. This limits high-resolution polarized light imaging; a processthat is critical for applications ranging from astronomy to biomedical imaging to pharmaceuticals. The researchunder this grant will investigate the development of a polarized light detector (polarimeter) capable of overcomingexisting limitations, as well as adding new functionality not currently available. This will be achieved by takingadvantage of the unique optoelectronic properties of polymer semiconductors. Multiple semitransparent organic photodetectors will be processed at a single spatial location and the multicell stack will be optimized to developa polarimeter with advanced capabilities. This grant also provides an opportunity to develop outreach activities to interest high school students, both locally and nationally, in optical science and engineering.Technical Abstract: The objective of this proposal is to investigate the use of organic photovoltaic modules asinherently polarization sensitive detectors. Current methods of polarization imaging or detection rely on eithertime-sequential or instantaneous measurements taken after light transmits through polarization sensitive elements. These, often complex, optical systems are necessary because there are no current detector technologies capable of measuring the complete polarization state, at a single spatial location, within a single integration time. This results in several disadvantages associated with existing technologies; chief among them are temporal and/or spatial misregistration that causes errors in the sensed polarization elements. To alleviate these errors, thisproposal details a novel strain-aligned polymer-based photodetector that is inherently polarization sensitive.The objectives are to: (1) Create an optoelectronic model of multi-layer organic photovoltaics (OPVs); (2) Create a free-space polarimeter design, using multiple semi-transparent SOPD proof of concept devices; (3) Design and create an experimental proof of principle multi-layer monolithic polarimeter based on S-OPDs;(4) Leverage the model and concept to create calibration procedures; and (5) Explore multi-spectral andmulti-Stokes detectors, including their incorporation into arrays and unique geometrical structures.Polymer semiconductors commonly have a primary optical dipole transition that isparallel to the conjugated backbone. Thus, uniaxially aligning the polymer in one-direction results inanisotropic optical detection. The intellectual merit of this proposal is through the study of the deviceperformance opportunities enabled by aligned polymer based polarimeters with inherent polarizationsensitivity. Merit is found in: (1) The optimization of OPV structures, biasing, and circuitry for use inphotodetection processes; (2) Developing insight into how alignment and anisotropy influenceenergy conversion; (3) Establishing advanced optoelectronic modeling of complex multi-layeranisotropic organic photodetectors at various angles of incidence; and (4) Calibration procedures,algorithms, and techniques for using OPVs as polarization-sensitive photovoltaic detectors. Theproposed endeavor has the potential to create broad new areas of research in multi-dimensionalmonolithic optical sensing.The proposed research has significant commercial potential, benefiting the fieldsof telecommunications, remote sensing, and biomedical imaging. This project will also providesupport for two graduate student researchers in polarimetry and device fabrication. Dissemination ofresearch results will occur through publications and outreach efforts to the general public will also beconducted by both PIs. For instance, online tutorials to garner excitement for polarimetric imagingwill be produced that include fabrication tutorials and software development that would placepolarimetric imaging at the hands of amateur hobbyists and students. Additionally, the PIs willcontribute to a week-long high school summer camp held at NC State to attract students toengineering careers. In this camp, outreach modules related to polarized light in nature will becreated and disseminated.