Light-Matter Interactions with Spin-Resolved and Twisted Infrared Photons

Abstract

Materials with infrared optical transitions have wide applications in fields of remote sensing, night vision, telecommunications, security and surveillance. In advancing infrared technologies and seeking for fundamental understanding of infrared light-matter interactions, the basic characterization tools are essential. This Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) program proposes to establish research capabilities of understanding and tuning light matter interactions in symmetry-topology-specific materials with infrared (IR) optical transitions by developing an ultrafast laser infrared spectroscopy system with IR photons carrying designed spin (spin-resolved) and orbital angular momenta (twisted). The proposed system mainly consists of an ultrafast infrared laser source with tunable wavelength, infrared detectors, a spatial light modulator and a cryogenic magneto-optical stage. The proposed system will be used to study the band structure, band and subband excitation, carrier dynamics, optoelectronic transport mechanisms and phase transition processes in materials carrying infrared optical transitions and beyond. Two exemplified model materials are- (1) chiral electronic materials and (2) Rasha materials and twisted structures, with respective circular and orbital photogalvanic effects. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms and processes would help advance the knowledge base of infrared science and technology. The research activities and training in developing the proposed system and conducting proposed research would promote education of students in research disciplines important to DoD missions.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Mar 06, 2024
Source ID
FA95502310351

Entities

People

  • Jian Shi

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  • United States Air Force

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Quantum Dot Semiconductor Device Photonics and Graphene Optoelectronic Materials and THz Physics.
  • Research Science/Academic Research

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Graphene
  • Space