Quantum-Engineered Light-Emitting Metasurfaces
Abstract
The ability to engineer optical properties at nanoscale dimensions has led to phased-array metasurfaces that provide unprecedented c,ontrol of light waves. Typical metasurfaces manipulate an external light source as it transmits through or reflects from the metasur,face. Designing metasurfaces in this common regime is straightforward, with well-established procedures. If the light source is plac,ed within the metasurface, however, the effects of the metasurface patterning are not easy to predict or understand. Recently, with, ONR support, we demonstrated first-ever examples of phased-array light-emitting metasurfaces. In this novel class of metasurface, l,ight is simultaneously generated and redirected within arrays of nanopatterned pillar structures. However, fundamental understanding, of the optical physics underpinning light-emitting metasurfaces is still lacking. For instance, these metasurfaces exhibit polariza,tion-insensitive transmission and reflection properties but highly polarization-sensitive light emission processes. Furthermore the, ability to build light-emitting metasurface devices has yet to be demonstratedcurrent results are restricted to cases where ligh,t of one color is generated by absorbing light of another color, whereas devices require light generation via electricity. Addressin,g these knowledge and technology gaps requires the design and development of new metasurface device platforms, integration of novel, light-emitting materials with unconventional light-matter interactions, and substantial expansion of our theoretical models and und,erstanding. Here, we propose the development and study of new classes of light-emitting metasurfaces enabled by quantum engineering, of the underlying light-matter interactions. At present, our understanding and control over light-emitting metasurfaces is restrict,ed to classical engineeringi.e., studying and exploiting effects related to the size, shape, and distribution of nanopatterned elem,ents. In quantum engineering we couple this expertise and control with investigations of fundamentally alternative and novel methods, for generating light within these metasurfaces. These proposed studies will provide fundamental insight into the optical physics of, light-emitting metasurfaces, provide new approaches for integrating useful materials within metasurface device platforms, and ultim,ately lead to new classes of metasurface-based LEDs and lasers with new functionality and superior performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 08, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212337
Entities
People
- Jon A Schuller
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, Santa Barbara