Novel laser-driven, short-wavelength light sources

在这个项目中，我们的目标是开发新的短波光源，主要集中在光谱的紫外线（UV）区域。紫外激光源是稀缺的，目前的选择非线性频率转换是有限的。通过解决这些挑战，我们将为明亮的脉冲紫外源开辟令人兴奋的可能性，包括自由空间光通信领域。该项目包括两个令人兴奋的途径来开发新的紫外线源，每一个都有很大的希望取得突破性的成果，可以在顶级期刊上发表。首先，我们将探索利用强可见激光照射的纳米光子目标和超表面来产生紫外谐波辐射。其次，我们将通过双光子吸收泵浦研究紫外激光在宽禁带半导体中的作用。虽然该项目的主要重点在于提高我们对所涉及的基础物理学的理解，但将有机会在使用开发的紫外线源的通信中建立实际应用的原理验证实验。

In this project, we aim to develop novel short-wavelength light sources, with a primary focus on the ultra-violet (UV) region of the spectrum. UV laser sources are scarce, and current options for nonlinear frequency conversion are limited. By addressing these challenges, we will open up exciting possibilities for bright, pulsed UV sources, including the field of free-space optical communications. The project encompasses two exciting avenues to develop novel UV sources, each holding great promise for ground-breaking results that can be published in top-tier journals. Firstly, we will explore the use of nanophotonic targets and metasurfaces illuminated by intense visible lasers to generate UV harmonic radiation. Secondly, we will investigate UV laser action in wide band-gap semiconductors through two-photon absorption pumping. While the project's primary focus lies in advancing our understanding of the fundamental physics involved, there will be opportunities to set up proof-of-principle experiments for real-world applications in communications using the developed UV sources.