THIS GRANT IS A CONTINUATION OF N000141310678 - Near-field Nanophotonics for Energy Efficient Computing and Communication (NECom)
Abstract
Progress ReportComputing and Communication (NECom)???During the reporting period the MURI Team made a number of significant contributions to fundamental research and nanotechnology development of nonlinear optical metamaterials and nanoscale meta-devices, including: (i) creation of second order nonlinear effects in silicon nanostructures by exploiting strain gradient, surface charges, and nonlinearities induced by the space charge fields; (ii) construction of hyperbolic metamaterials exploiting InGaAsP quantum wells and silver nanostructures for operation at telecommunication frequencies; (iii) growth and characterization of nonlinear GaN nanowires on silicon; (iv) creation of second order nonlinearities in polymers integrated with silicon; (v) construction of multiphoton characterization apparatus; (vi) study of optical interactions with magnetooptic nanostructures on femtosecond time scale; (vii) investigation of Bound State in Continuum effects using optical emission in InGaAsP; and (viii) creation of adiabatic elimination in silicon waveguide arrays for ultra-dense photonics integration. The research findings were published in over 50 peer review journal publications, including high impact journals such as Science, Nature, Nano Letters, ASC Nano, Optica and Scientific Reports. The research results on nonlinear metamaterials and meta-devices are compatible with CMOS manufacturing process being developed by American Institute for Manufacturing Photonics, and the developed technology will have an impact on future computing and communication systems.Grant AddendumOPTION 1: 30 JUN 2016 - 28 JUL 2018 $3,000,000.00ObjectiveThe performers intend to maximize the induced asymmetric strain in silicon through several complementary techniques. Team will investigate various material compositions and geometries in an effort to enhance the second order nonlinearity attainable in silicon by at least a factor of ten relative to the state-of-the-art. As an example, we will explore the integration of both tensile and compressive silicon nitride films into silicon waveguides. We predict that the arrangement of both tensile and compressive straining elements, in a push-pull configuration, may additionally boost the induced optical nonlinearity. Combining this with the optimization of various processing parameters, such as those involved in Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) and sputtering, should increase the generated nonlinearities even further. Additionally, research will make use of materials possessing different thermal expansion coefficients, such as silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, gold, and germanium. The last of these has already been used in microelectronics to produce tensile stress in silicon. By exploring a wide range of material compositions and geometries, we anticipate the realization of optical nonlinearities significantly greater than those previously reported. These geometrically-dependent nonlinearities will subsequently be co-optimized with specific device structures. By maximizing the spatial overlap of these nonlinear materials with the optical modes of the nanoresonators, team will demonstrate devices with unparalleled switching speeds, physical dimensions, and energy efficiencies. Overall MeritsThe proposed work is of sufficient technical merit to warrant funding and is in the best interest of the Government. This proposal presents a coherent vision for advances in the science and technology of Nanophotonics with an aggressive but balanced approach to research. Finally, the proposal clearly noted the beneficial impact the effort could have not only on digital systems but also analog systems highly relevant to the DoD.Short Statement of WorkPerformers are to investigate deeply sub-wavelength composites in the optical frequency regime, engineered on atomic and/or the scale of a few atomic layers, which will exhibit a qualitatively different response to radiation than that predicted by the
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 26, 2018
- Source ID
- N000141612232
Entities
People
- Yeshaiahu Fainman
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, San Diego