CAREER: Novel Nonlinear and Quantum Multimode Optical Fiber and Waveguide Devices

目的：该计划的目标是探索，揭示和控制由于多模光波导中存在多个非线性耦合模式而产生的光传播的丰富非线性和量子动力学。这项研究具有变革性，因为它为这一未知领域建立了严格的理论和实验框架，以发展基本的理解并研究新的设备应用。特别是，非线性多模光纤中量子纠缠光子对的有效产生将被详细探讨。智力优势：智力优势是开发一个并行的理论和实验平台，将多模波导的非线性和量子动力学的基础研究与新颖的器件应用相结合。提出的研究是为了响应光子学社区对多模光波导中光传播的非线性和量子方面的严格和全面处理的新需求，例如用于超高数据速率传输的多模复用光纤通信的新兴领域，以及使用模态纠缠平台提高量子密码的安全性。更广泛的影响：更广泛的影响是掌握多模波导中的非线性和量子现象，这对美国下一代光通信器件的发展至关重要的国家安全和技术竞争力；并将前沿研究与教育结合起来，包括课程开发、扩大光子学教学实验室，以及继续为密尔沃基公立学校系统的教师举办年度暑期研讨会。

Objective:The objective of this program is to explore, uncover, and control the rich nonlinear and quantum dynamics of light propagation that arise because of the presence of multiple, nonlinearly-coupled modes in multimode optical waveguides. This research is transformative in that it establishes a rigorous theoretical and experimental framework of this uncharted territory to develop fundamental understanding and to investigate novel device application.In particular, efficient generation of quantum-entangled photon pairs in nonlinear multimode optical fibers will be explored in detail.Intellectual merit:The intellectual merit is to develop a parallel theoretical and experimental platform that integrates fundamental research on nonlinear and quantum dynamics of multimode waveguides with novel device applications.The proposed research is in response to the emerging needs of the photonics community for a rigorous and comprehensive treatment of the nonlinear and quantum aspects of light propagation in multimode optical waveguides, such as in the emerging field of multimode-multiplexed fiber-optic communications for ultra-high-data-rate transmission, and for better security in quantum cryptography using the modal-entanglement platform.Broader impacts:The broader impacts are to obtain the mastery of nonlinear and quantum phenomena in multimode waveguides, which is vital to the national security and technological competitiveness of the United States for the development of the next generation of optical communication devices; and to integrate cutting-edge research with education using initiatives that include curriculum development, expansion of the photonics teaching laboratory, and continuing with the annual summer workshop program for teachers of the Milwaukee Public Schools system.