Tunable electromagnetic surfaces using hybrid semiconductor-plasmonic optoelectronics
Abstract
Tunable electromagnetic surfaces using hybrid semiconductor-plasmonic optoelectronicsStatement of WorkThis platform technology will impact a broad range of applications. One area is communications, where smart optical surfaces can steer, route, and focus light on-chip and in free space. A second area is in sensing, in which optical platforms with wavelength-specific sensitivity at infrared and terahertz frequencies can be used to remotely detect chemicals and materials from a distance. Miniaturized and programmable optical elements will also impact technologies relevant to displays, imaging, detectors, optical traps, information security, and biosensors, as well as futuristic technologies that have not yet been conceived.ObjectiveThe objective of this project is to realize a tunable and scalable optoelectronic platform that can electronically control the amplitude and phase of infrared and terahertz electromagnetic waves.ApproachThe approach is to utilize hybrid semiconductor-plasmonic elements that combine the dynamic response of field-effect electronics with the optical response of subwavelength-scale antennas. Plasmon scattering at semiconductor-metal interfaces will be investigated and minimized, including an examination of plasmonic analogues to electronic contact resistance. Lateral junction schemes will be developed to experimentally realize semiconductor-loaded antennas. Dynamic antenna loading will be generalized to more complex antenna layouts and antenna array schemes to enable a broader range of tunable responses.Merit / RelevanceThis platform technology will impact a broad range of applications. One area is communications, where smart optical surfaces can steer, route, and focus light on-chip and in free space. A second area is in sensing, in which optical platforms with wavelength-specific sensitivity at infrared and terahertz frequencies can be used to remotely detect chemicals and materials from a distance. Miniaturized and programmable optical elements will also impact technologies relevant to displays, imaging, detectors, optical traps, information security, and biosensors, as well as futuristic technologies that have not yet been conceived.Prof. Fan joined Stanford as an assistant professor of electrical engineering in 2014. He is a recipient of the 2015 AFOSR Young Investigator Award and the 2016 Sloan Foundation Award in Physics. This is an excellent proposal which is likely to result in important scientific advances for the ONR Electromagnetic Materials Program. It also demonstrates a good understanding of the technological challenges that will need to be overcome to realize applications. Prof. Fan~s team will be able to take advantage of the resources at Stanford, including colleagues who are world leaders in semiconductor growth and processing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141612630
Entities
People
- Jonathan A. Fan
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Stanford University
- United States Navy