HYBRID NANOSTRUCTURED POLYMER MATERIALS EXHIBITING RESPONSIVE NONLINEAR OPTICAL AND PHOTONIC BAND GAP PROPERTIES
Abstract
Replacing electronics with photonics is a multifaceted challenge, yet critical for solving current and future demands in telecommunication, computation, and data transmission. One potential materials solution to overcome the technological challenges and transform the field of photonic integrated circuits are nonlinear photonic crystals (NPCs). NPCs combine nonlinear optical (NLO) and photonic band gap properties by creating an optical superlattice in which NLO domains are periodically arranged at a specific length scale, leading to a phase-matched enhancement in the NLO signal. Although previously fabricated NPCs exhibit exceptional second harmonic generation (SHG), the rigid inorganic matrix prevent externally modulating the superlattice domain spacing to control SHG. Therefore, the proposed innovative bottom-up self-assembly approach will template the synthesis of inorganic crystals in nanostructured polymer materials, investigate NLO and photonic band gap properties, and induce responsive structural changes via external stimuli. Specifically, we will synthesize ABA bottlebrush triblock copolymer dielectric elastomers in which the A-end blocks template the growth of NLO component crystals and the B mid-block imparts electroactive properties, resulting in tunable SHG intensity by modulating periodicity length scale via external electric fields. There is untapped potential with respect to responsive and dynamic hybrid materials created from bottom-up self-assembly methods. The fundamental insight gained through the proposed research will reveal how nanostructural changes alters SHG activity in responsive hybrid nonlinear photonic crystals and uncover chemical composition – nanostructure – NLO/photonic band gap property interrelationships to create responsive NPCs with applications in photonic integrated circuits.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 20, 2023
- Source ID
- FA95502210546
Entities
People
- Robert J. Hickey
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Pennsylvania State University
- United States Air Force