Topology and Magneto-Photonics: Novel Platform for Advanced Metasurface and Magnonic Devices
Abstract
Research Problem Statement and Objectives: New photonic concepts based on time-paritysymmetrybreaking have been proposed for unlocking new physics and device functionalities.However, significant challenges remain for the practical implementation of these concepts inintegrated on-chip devices. The confluence of magnetic, photonic and plasmonic materials in asingle, planar metasurface platform provides opportunities for reversible control of Parity-Time(PT) symmetry breaking, the realization of topological photonics and the generation andmanipulation of magnons (spin waves) on chip. This project aims at investigating the potential ofmagneto-plasmonic nanostructures that exploit the fundamental physics of topology and symmetryfor applications in photonics, communications, computing and information transfer in both classicaland quantum regimes. The program???s objectives are to investigate PT-symmetry-broken magnetoplasmonicmetasurfaces and reconfigurable topological photonic structures as well as on-chipmagnons for quantum information processing.Technical Approach: In this proposal, we will build upon our recent results on ultrafast (fs)generation of intense magnetic fields (>50T) in magneto-plasmonic nanostructure resonators(MPNR) and apply this approach to study new phenomena and device concepts through the use ofdielectric nanoscale magnet structures for nanophotonics. Our objectives are to: 1) investigate, boththeoretically and experimentally, MPNR-based metasurfaces with broken parity-time symmetry forrealization of optical isolators; 2) design and fabricate reconfigurable topological photonicstructures manipulated via MPNR arrays; 3) utilize MPNR structures to generate magnonicexcitations for efficient on-chip spin wave generation. We will explore the possibility ofdemonstrating ultrafast control of symmetry-protected surface states that could lead to newknowledge in optics, condensed matter physics and quantum science and advance both fundamentalunderstanding of the physics of topological states, in particular their dynamic properties, as well asoffer new approaches for realization of sub-wavelength on-chip photonic devices capable ofswitching at THz rates. We will investigate how the interplay between photons, spins and electriccharge in magneto-photonic nanoscale structures could provide a new platform for ultrafast controlof spin (magnetization) to enable the realization of reconfigurable photonic topological insulators,parity-time symmetry broken dielectric magnetic metasurfaces and plasmon-driven magnon (spinwave) generation. The key technical project underpinnings are: the interaction of photons with spins(magnetization) in the context of topology and time reversal symmetry and the control of lightmatterinteraction at the nanoscale in the GHz and THz regimes.Anticipated Outcome: The proposed project aims at unveiling new functionalities and potentialpractical applications using hybrid magneto-plasmonic nanostructures as THz gates for functionalphotonic devices. This could open up new possibilities for harnessing the interaction of photons,spins and magnons in a single on-chip platform and enable active ultrathin metasurfaces for opticalisolators and on-chip topological photonic devices for quantum information.Impact to DOD: The knowledge gained from the proposed will impact science and technologythrough new scientific findings that are directly applicable for the development of novel devicesfor communication, sensing, and information technologies. The project will provide hands-ontraining of students at Purdue University???s state-of-the-art experimental and computational sciencefacilities in order to train the next generation of scientists and engineers for DoD agencies andlaboratories. This innovative research program will contribute to the ONR???s mission to develop anew generation of combat devices/systems that are efficient, compact, versatile, and multifunctional.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 27, 2018
- Source ID
- N000141812481
Entities
People
- Esteban Marinero
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Virginia