Transdimensional Chiral Metasurfaces: Theory and Applications
Abstract
A theoretical research program in optical metamaterials is proposed to develop the Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) formalism and study the optical properties for chiral ultrathin metasurfaces (MSs) of precisely controlled variable thickness in the transdimensional (TD) regime. The medium-assisted QED approach previously developed by the PI for other nanostructured materials of reduced dimensionality, will be elaborated to explicitly include dissipative magnetodielectric effects associated with the vertical quantum confinement in the ultrathin TD chiral MSs (thinner than the half-wavelength of external beam radiation). Chiral ultrathin nanostructures, particularly finite-thickness densely-packed chiral Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube (SWCN) arrays, offer thickness-controlled optical activity, negative refraction, tunable light-matter coupling and new quantum phenomena such as enabling atomic transitions that are normally forbidden. We propose to study the quantum properties of these planar MS structures to reveal the principles of control of the near-surface chiral electromagnetic (EM) effects originating from the true quantum nature of light and mediated by the intrinsic collective quantum excitations in these chiral nanostructures. Fundamental understanding of the quantum nature of collective quasiparticle excitations and near-field EM effects in highly anisotropic, chiral TD plasmonic MSs is important for the development of the future generation of advanced highly efficient energetic materials with characteristics adjustable on-demand. Such materials could be used in the future optoelectronics technologies for applications such as, quite generally, EM imaging, sensing, control and manipulation, or more practically, as protective stealth coatings to reduce the EM visibility of combat systems, or to enhance EM detection capabilities of directed-energy systems such as night-vision devices, radars, lidars. The latter are of direct relevance to the DoD mission in the areas of Aviation, Force Projection, and Integrated Defense. Other, more fundamental, applications include: (a) highly efficient SERS (Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering) substrates for single atom/ion/molecule detection, trapping, and manipulation; (b) precision directional control of polarized spontaneous emission, absorption and scattering by atomic type emitters trapped near MSs; (c) near-field control of chemical reactivity and Casimir-Polder forces (and thus control of friction and/or stiction) in close proximity to chiral TD films, to mention a few. Rigorous methods of theoretical solid-state physics, QED and quantum optics, combined with computer modeling and simulations, will be used to predict the quantum optical properties, to guide the experiments, and thus to unleash the power and new functionalities of the ultrathin chiral optical MSs for advanced optoelectronics applications. The effort proposed directly addresses the previously stated national priorities of the Materials Genome Initiative (MGI), the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), and the Nation-al Quantum Initiative (NQI). The increased exposure of students from NCCU, nation s first state-supported public liberal arts college for African Americans, to this exciting field of nanotechnology will lead to increased participation of the underrepresented minority students in scientific careers and in graduate studies in scientific fields. This effort will thereby contribute to broadening the diversity of the next generation of scientists, researchers and engineers by providing underrepresented minority graduates groomed in a dynamic academic environment where ideas and perspectives are shared across diverse fields, thus addressing the national priority of promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) educational component across the nation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 28, 2023
- Source ID
- W911NF2310206
Entities
People
- Igor V Bondarev
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- North Carolina College
- Office of the Secretary of Defense