Multifunctional Optomechanics with Structured Material

利用光来控制机械系统在技术和科学上具有广泛的重要性。然而，平面镜只在入射光的方向上受到光力。因此，要使这种结构向相反方向移动，需要一种可能不存在或可能没有适当特征的恢复力。更一般地说，能够根据入射光的空间和光谱特性来控制材料的运动，将对光通信、计算和分子生物学等多种应用产生影响。这个项目的目标是研究光力的强度和方向与制造物体的材料的纳米级排列之间的关系。这有望导致一种新型多功能光机械组件的出现，例如，它将允许对全光数据网络进行远程和节能控制，以及具有波长相关响应的致动器。此外，与现有的激光束镊子相比，对力和扭矩的更多控制将为分子生物学提供新的维度。此外，由于激光传递的光力的强度和调节，该项目对推进应该很重要。研究生和本科生将参与研究，并将开发一个学习模块，以激发年轻人在相关学科的研究。本项目涉及两个研究课题。首先是基于金属和介电结构的光机械装置的设计方法的发展，这些结构提供推力（在入射光束的方向上）和拉力（在相反的方向上）。数值场解产生了材料中的力密度，从而可以确定结构上的力和扭矩。该模型为器件设计提供了一种手段。虽然主要的焦点是膜的实现，但一般化的原则应该紧随其后。第二部分是光电器件关键原理的实验论证。在氮化硅膜上进行结构膜的研究将导致采用硅膜的实施策略，这将允许大面积的器件。实验将评估推力和拉力，并研究基于控制光的特性（最简单的是波长，但可能是入射光的空间控制）使用相同结构实现双向力的方法。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The use of light to control mechanical systems is of broad importance in technology and science. However, planar mirrors experience an optical force only in the direction of the incident light. Consequently, to move such structures in the opposite direction requires a restoring force that may not exist or may not have suitable characteristics. More generally, being able to control the motion of material, depending on the spatial and spectral properties of the incident light, would offer impact in applications as diverse as optical communication and computing and molecular biology. The goal of this project is to investigate the relationship between the strength and direction of the optical force and the nanometer-scale arrangement of material from which the object is made. This is expected to lead to a new class of multi-functional optomechanical components that will allow, for example, remote and energy-efficient control for all-optical data networks, as well as actuators having a wavelength-dependent response. Also, more control over force and torque than exist with current laser beam tweezers will provide for new dimensions in molecular biology. In addition, the project should be important for propulsion because of the possible strength and regulation of the optical force imparted by a laser. Graduate and undergraduate students will be involved in the research and a learning module to excite young people to pursue studies in related disciplines will be developed.This project involves two research topics. The first is the development of a design methodology for optomechanical devices based on metal and dielectric structures that provide pushing (in the direction of the incident beam) and pulling (in the opposite direction) forces. Numerical field solutions yield force density in the material and hence the force and torque on the structure can be determined. This model provides a means for device design. While the primary focus is membrane implementation, generalized principles should ensue. The second topic is the experimental demonstration of key optomechanical device principles. Work with structured films on silicon nitride membranes will lead to implementation strategies with silicon films that will allow large-area devices. The experiments will evaluate pushing and pulling forces, and investigate ways to use the same structure to realize bidirectional forces based on the character of the control light (most simply, wavelength, but potentially the spatial control of the incident light).This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.