Supersymmetry in Linear and Nonlinear Optics
Abstract
The inverse problems, such as the problem of recreating the shape of the original potential distribution from its scattering pattern, attracted significant attention in various areas of science and technology, from gravity to telecommunications and medicine . Supersymmetry (SUSY), first introduced as a possible way to solve a major shortcoming of the standard model in particle physics, was later proved to be a powerful approach to address inverse problems in many other branches of modem physics, including quantum mechanics and condensed matter physics. In the recent years, SUSY transformations have been also proposed as a way to solve inverse scattering problems in optics. According to SUSY approach, any optical structure can be paired with a super partner with similar guided wave and scattering properties. The basic question that the SUSY aims at answering is whether two different operators can have the same or almost the same eigenvalue spectra. In optics language, the same question can be posed as to whether two structures, such as waveguides or cavities with different refractive index profiles can support the same set of modes, or possess the same transmission and reflection properties. For example, in optics, SUSY design can be optimized such that the presence of a defect in an optical structure will not distort any wave packet propagating along the structure or create any change in transmission or reflection, making it a superior candidate for secure optical communications. While supersymmetry concept offers an elegant and rather simple approach to this type of problems, the shape of the calculated SUSY optical potential can be rather complicated and cannot be directly implemented using naturally available materials. Therefore, in the proposed project, we will combine our expertise in the design and fabrication of metamaterials to address this challenge. Moreover, using the synergy of SUSY and metamaterials approaches , we propose to develop a systematic approach to design and optimization of nonlinear optical response. To date, this problem has largely relied on qualitative considerations, physical intuition n, and trial-and-error method. The proposal includes 3 thrusts: Thrust I: Experimental demonstration of the SUSY transformation optics, where we propose to apply the judicious metamaterials design to accurately realize the complicated index distribution of the super-partner photonic structure; Thrust II: Supersymmetry of periodic photonic potentials, where we propose to explore the propagation of the bound states formed between the isospectral super partners by carefully designing the complex permittivity modulation of the photonic lattices; Thrust II: Novel nonlinear, nanoscale , multilayered photonic materials, where we propose to develop a systematic approach to design and optimization of nonlinear optical response guided by the SUSY approach and enabled by new degrees of freedom provided by optical metamaterials. We will combine our expertise in theo ry, fabrication and optical characterization to demonstrate novel linear and nonlinear SUSY-enabled optical materials and structures enabling a new generation of invisibility technologies and low-power switching and wavelength conversion techniques.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1810348
Entities
People
- Natalia M. Litchinitser
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Duke University
- United States Army