First Optics and Laser Laboratory at CSULB
Abstract
Aftab Ahmed, California State University Long Beach (CSULB) Title: First Optics and Laser Laboratory at CSULB This proposal requests for the acquisition of a tunable titanium-sapphire continuous wave and an ultrafast pulsed laser system for establishing the first optics and laser laboratory at California State University Long Beach (CSULB). The laboratory will provide both theoretical modeling capabilities as well as experimental tools for the design, development, and demonstration of optical systems and devices in a wide range of areas from renewable energy to communications. Although, CSULB is one of the largest universities in the state of California by enrollment (nearly 38,000 student population), CSULB currently does not have a dedicated optics and laser laboratory. The acquisition of the requested system will not only mark the first state of the art optics and laser facility at CSULB but will also offer high impactful interdisciplinary research activities in the fields including but not limited to optics, photonic integrated circuits, optical communications, renewable energy conversion/storage, nonlinear optics, THz generation and detection, bio/chemical sensing, sub-diffraction imaging, high resolution spectroscopy, etc. Interaction of light with matter is the focus of PIÕs research group. Understanding these interactions is of paramount importance for controlling and manipulating energy flow in future all-optical and opto-electronic devices. We are interested in learning how the composition of various materials, their structures, and optical properties influence the electromagnetic phenomena at multiple length scales. More specifically, our work focuses on, but not limited to the following applications of light-matter interactions: (i) optical communications, (ii) THz technology, (iii) non-linear optics, and (iv) chemical/bio sensing. Presently, PIÕs group is exploring new methods and designs for the realization of high speed optical modulators, smart antennas exhibiting tunable radiation patterns, and photoconductive antennas for THz technology. The work also explores non-linear optical phenomena by boosting the higher order non-linear optical susceptibilities using the near field of plasmonic nanostructures. In addition, we are exploring a new technique for the development of bio/chemical optical sensors with ultrahigh sensitivity. We believe our work represents a paradigm shift in the field and has the potential to revolutionize future optical technology. Beyond our research work, the versatile nature of the requested laser systems and broad range of applications will open up interdisciplinary collaborations with various departments such as Chemistry, Biology, and Physics both within and outside of CSULB. One of the educational goals of the new laboratory is to train both graduate and undergraduate students and enable them to advance their respective fields. Our research work involves analytical calculations, numerical modeling as well as practical measurements and thus will provide training opportunities in all three aspects of the research work. Students will learn how to theoretically analyze and numerically model optical/electromagnetic phenomena and devices, as well as gain hands on experience using advanced laser systems and optical measurement setups. Furthermore, the PI regularly teaches the subjects of electromagnetics and project based courses at CSULB. The optics laboratory will not only support various courses including electromagnetics, fiber optics, and applied modern physics but also enable the addition of new courses to our curriculum. As such, the requested equipment will significantly improve the quality of the educational program at CSULB. Also, the lab will be used for promoting STEM education to both local high school students as well as the large student body of CSULB via seminars, workshops and lab visits.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910514
Entities
People
- Aftab Ahmed
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- California State University
- Office of the Secretary of Defense