Multifunctional Molecular and Polymeric Materials for Nonlinear Optics and Photonics,
Abstract
Molecular units in natural systems are multifunctional in that they exhibit more than one functionalities. This is nature's way of economizing and being efficient. For many technological applications, there is a need for synthetic multifunctional materials which simultaneously exhibit many necessary physical and chemical properties. By appropriate modification of structures both at the molecular and bulk levels, one can incorporate such multifunctionality in molecular and polymeric systems. Our research program focuses on investigations of multifunctional materials for applications in photonics. Photonics describes the emerging new technology in which a photon instead of an electron is used to acquire, process, store and transmit information. Photonics has many distinct merits over electronics. The most important advantage is the gain in speed; this results from the fact that a photon travels much faster than an electron. Also, in photonic circuitry one can use three-dimensional connectivity to produce smaller integrated optical chips. Other advantages are: that there is no electrical or magnetic interference; that the photonic circuits are fully compatible with existing fiber optic networks; and that remote sensing and space applications are possible. Furthermore, there are new applications of photonics, such as sensor protection against laser threats, that are not achievable from electronics alone.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADP007460
Entities
People
- Paras Nath Prasad
Organizations
- University at Buffalo