Nonlinear topological photonics
Abstract
[Approved for Public Release]Short work statement: Funds are provided to develop and demonstrate new topological phenomena in driven nonlinear optical materials and their optoelectronic applications in light sources, communication, and sensing and sense-making. Approach: A comprehensive approach is taken, integrating analytical theory, numerical simulation, nanofabrication, and optical measurements. On the theory side, we will develop topological band theory in driven materials beyond the existing framework. Designed samples, through numerical simulation, will be fabricated using the Singh Center for Nanotechnology at UPenn. The novel physical phenomena and applications will be demonstrated through ultrafast optical measurements. Objective: The objective of this effort is to introduce novel concepts in topological physics into nonlinear optical materials. This fundamental research will, if successful, be pivotal in efforts to develop fundamentally new families of optoelectronic components and systems that can be (1) instantaneously reconfigured on-demand and, at the same time, (2) topologically protected against disorder in manufacturing or damage that may occur in harsh real-world environments. The robustness of these devices and their new functionalities translate into lower energy cost, more compact and lighter communication and sensing systems for naval applications. Overall Merit and ONR Mission/Relevance: The PI and his research group are highly ideal for this effort. The PI, Dr. Bo Zhen, is a condensed matter physicist with leading experimental and theoretical expertise in nano-photonics, topological photonics, and nonlinear optics. His laboratory at UPenn brings together uniquemethods that can control optical properties of materials and their optoelectronic applications. Dr. Zhen s honors and awards include the Sloan Research Fellowship, Kaufman New Investigator Award, Air Force Office for Scientific Research Young Investigator Award, and Army Research Office (ARO) Young Investigator Award, which was preceded by Army Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (also known as the PECASE). Dr. Zhen is currently an Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania.The proposed program is perfectly aligned with the Naval research and development framework priorities, as the proposed program will establish a critical knowledge base for high quality materials, resonant modes, waveguides, and non-reciprocal devices, which are the foundation of all modern communications, metrology, and positioning-navigation-timing (PNT) technologies. Additionally, the new light sources and on-chip non-reciprocal routing devices proposed program is relevant to the Sensing and Sense-Making and Integratedand Distributed Forces ONR Framework Priorities. More specifically, the expected outcome of the program includes key advances in chip-scale nonreciprocal devices, which can potentially improve current DoD mm-wave, THz and optical communication systems as well as fiber sensing systems. The scientific outcome of the first research thrust will also lead to unique optical parametric amplifiers with significantly reduced noise and linewidth, with far-reaching impacts on LIDARs, navigation, and sensing. The third research thrust will demonstrate novel on-chip agile light sources with narrow linewidth and wide-band tunability. Such devices can easily be reconfigured in real-time and can find applications in photolithography and ultrafast spectroscopy. All these applications are of keen interest to the Navy and DoD at large.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 05, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112703
Entities
People
- Bo Zhen
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Pennsylvania