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Faculty Projects
The following is a list of projects proposed by CREOL, The College of Optics & Photonics Professors. After you have been selected for the REU program, you will be asked to choose to work on one of these projects.
Summer 2003
Kevin D. Belfield and David J. Hagan Synthesis and Characterization of Efficient Two-Photon Absorbing Organic Molecules Over the past 50 years, the field of organic photochemistry has produced a wealth of information, from reaction mechanisms to useful methodology for synthetic transformations. Many technological innovations have been realized during this time due to the exploits of this knowledge, including photoresists and lithography for the production of integrated circuits, photodynamic therapy for cancer treatment, photoinitiated polymerization, UV protection of plastics and humans through the development of UV absorbing compounds and sunscreens, and fluorescence imaging, to name a few. These processes involve "single-photon" absorption-based photochemistry. Comparatively few studies of multiphoton-induced (nonlinear) organic photochemistry have been reported. We have undertaken a systematic study of molecular structure and nonlinear absorption for organic molecules. The student will synthesize one of the target molecules in Prof. Belfield's lab and learn to use an ultrafast laser (femtosecond) system to characterize the nonlinear (two-photon) absorption characteristics of the compound in Prof. Hagan's lab.
Peter J. Delfyett Projects in Ultrafast Photonics Using Semiconductor Laser Diodes This project focuses on utilizing ultrafast semiconductor lasers for applications in telecommunications and optical signal processing. We will develop experiments to measure the ultrafast pulse distortions and spectral quality of the laser as they propagate through photonic components. Once characterized, we will employ these pulses in applications of 1 Tb/s optical communication data links and photonic analog to digital converters, photonic arbitrary waveform generators, and optical clocks for timing in digital computing environments.
Aristide Dogariu Remote Detection of the Properties of Liquids Using Fiber Optics Prior research in this lab has demonstrated that it is possible to measure the transmission of water at distances of ~300 m through fiber optics connecting visible laser light sources and detectors to passive sensor cells. In the next phase of this work we will implement differential measurements at remote sites, use short enough cell path lengths to enable measurements in the near infrared (using diode laser sources) and design passive, differential cells that can be submersed in water at a distance. Time permitting, the submersible cell will be built and tested. This project will also enable measurement of scattering in the water at the remote site. It will make possible new systems capable of monitoring water quality, factory effluents and liquid product. The techniques demonstrated in this project may also enable examining the properties of human tissue and monitoring light dosage during laser surgery. It may also provide a means to detect tumors.
Leonid B. Glebov Photoinduced Phenomena and Holographic Elements in Glasses Photoinduced (including nonlinear) phenomena (coloration, refraction, scattering, and diffraction) in glasses attracted high attention last years because of application in optical communication, lasers, and data storage and processing. This project includes linear and nonlinear color center (radiation defects) generation, photoinduced absorption and refraction measurements, and hologram recording in photosensitive glasses. The REU student will work closely with CREOL research staff producing both investigation of photo-induced processes and creation of diffractive optical elements.
David J. Hagan Nonlinear Optical Limiting Devices An optical limiter is a device that transmits low intensity light, such as images, but blocks high intensity laser radiation. One of the most practical ways of achieving such behavior is by using the nonlinear optical properties of certain materials. What is meant by “nonlinear optics” is that light, if its intensity is high enough, can alter the properties of the material through which it propagates. Such properties can include the refractive index of the material, or its optical absorption. By using these effects in clever ways, we can make optical limiters, as well as many other types of optical switch. The student will work with Dr. Hagan and a graduate student on the design, computer modeling, building and testing of limiting devices. Testing will utilize nanosecond and picosecond pulsewidth Nd:YAG lasers.
Florencio Eloy Hernandez Photochemical Synthesis of Different Types of Metal Nanoparticles The interest in the development of new sensor systems with significant impact on national security, health care and the environment has increased in the last years. These systems should meet specific requirements such as: ability to respond to new toxic chemicals, explosives and biological agents, and to enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, speed, and fewer false alarms. Throughout the use of nanoparticles scientists have been exploring the possibilities to improve the performance of sensors taking advantage of the effect of the surface plasmon resonance of metal nanoparticles on the linear and nonlinear optical properties of materials. In Dr. Hernandez laboratory, students will synthesized photo chemically metal nanoparticles (Au and Ag nanosperes and nanorods) with potential applications in biosensors, chemical sensors, fluorescence spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, and optical limiting. Next, they will study the enhancement of optical properties of organic and inorganic dyes in the presence of these nanoparticles. This project will give students the opportunity to learn more about fundamentals in physical chemistry, spectroscopy and optics. They will also have the great opportunity to work with short pulses laser systems, OPA, high sensitivity spectrometer, and learn different methods to measure absorption and refraction coefficients as well as the quantum yield of dyes in the presence of nanoparticles.
Hans P. Jenssen Characterization of Laser Crystals
Aravinda Kar Lasers for Manufacturing and Synthesis of High Technology Materials Lasers have been used for cutting applications for nearly 40 years; it is one of the oldest fields in laser materials processing. From the start, lasers were used for hole drilling in a wide range of materials, from the perforation of baby bottle nipples by a CO2 laser beam to piercing diamonds. Today, aerospace and automobile industries use lasers for production of large-volume holes for cooling and lubrication purposes in engine components. During this time, the focus of research and applications alike was on laser cutting of homogeneous materials, like metals and alloys. Laser cutting of inhomogeneous materials, e.g., concrete with embedded rebar, has been investigated from an applications point of view only in the last years. There are no mathematical models or measured data sets available for the geometrical (e.g., kerf width and depth) and thermodynamical (e.g., vapor/plasma plume temperature) process parameters. Also, no information is available to describe the transient nature of the laser cutting process when the material is changed suddenly. Besides cutting applications, lasers are now used for drilling holes and joining materials. Lasers are also becoming promising tools for processing a new class of materials called wide bandgap compound semiconductors which are good for high temperature and high power applications. We would like to present the following projects that can be investigated: • Thermal and stress modeling of laser-matter interactions during high power laser applications. • Carry out laser cutting, drilling or joining experiments with varieties of materials and understand various effects of laser-matter interactions for manufacturing and materials synthesis applications. • Carry out laser doping, metallization, microstructuring or nanostructuring experiments with wide bandgap or other materials and evaluate the metallurgical, optical and electrical properties of laser-fabricated devices, microstructures or nanostructures.
Guifang Li Fiber Optic Communication Systems Currently we focus on three areas in fiber optic communication systems: 1) all-optical clock recovery and 3R (retiming, reshaping, reamplification) regeneration, 2) new modulation formats for dispersion- and nonlinearity-tolerant WDM transmission, and 3) fiber-optic backbone for 60 GHz wireless systems.
M. G. "Jim" Moharam Beam Profile Distortion in Volume Holography Experimental investigation of the distortion in beam profile upon diffraction by thick volume hologram will be performed. Volume holographic gratings will be recorded in photorefractive lithium niobate crystals. Spatial profiles of the diffracted beam profile will be characterized under various recording configurations.
Yaw Obeng In-Service Performance Stability of Potting Compund (Test Plan For Evaluating Commercially Available Potting Compounds in Polishing Context) Objective: Understand the 'In-Service' Performance of Adhesives used in Polishing of Optical Materials Polishing pads used beneath the work-piece during optical fabrication usually contain optically clear windows for real time monitoring of polishing progress. In many instances these windows are made of cured potting compounds. The resulting quality of the polished optics depends on the chemical stability and the mechanical reliability of the window. This study will examine the changes in the chemistry and the mechanical properties of potting compounds before and after exposure to simulated polishing conditions. Polishing condition variables include pH, abrasives, pressure, and temperature. It is expected that new and unique product technologies will emerge from the understanding this work.
Yaw Obeng Characterization of Plasma-Treated Polymers and Adhesives for Optical Applications Objective: Understand the ‘In-Service’ Performance of Plasma Treated Polymers and Adhesives used in Polishing of Optical Materials Polishing pads (thermoplastic and thermoset polymers) used beneath the work-piece during optical fabrication must be adhered to the platen of the polisher with adhesives. The resulting quality of the polished optic depends on the stability of the pad/workpiece and the pad/adhesive/platen interfaces. This study will examine the changes in the chemistry and the mechanical properties of adhesives before and after exposure to simulated polishing conditions. Polishing condition variables include pH, abrasives, pressure, and temperature. It is expected that new and unique product technologies will emerge from the understanding this work.
Kathleen A. Richardson Femtosecond Laser Written Waveguides in Amorphous Chalcogenide Films This project will involve the construction of an optical system designed to write photo-structural changes in As2S3 glass films. Such writing induces a refractive index modification to the glass, allowing waveguide structures to be written. The student will work with a small group of graduate students work on a project developing a new technique to make on-chip photonic structures with femtosecond lasers. The student will build a special refractive near field interferometer for the analysis of the refractive index of thin glass films. This will be a unique instrument, and will provide data that should be publishable in peer-reviewed journals.
Martin C. Richardson and Nikolai Vorobiev New solid-state laser development Our Laser Development Laboratory is involved in the development of specialized, complex, usually high power, solid-state lasers for specialized applications. For example, this year we are developing two special laser systems, an ultra-high intensity, femtosecond laser system capable of powers of ~10 TW, and a multi-component Alexandrite laser destined to be used in thermonuclear fusion plasma experiments at Princeton University. The high power femtoseond laser will also be used for plasma studies at CREOL, and for novel micro-machining applications this summer. The student who joins this group will obtain hands-on experience in laser building and measuring the characteristics of lasers, under the supervision of a senior scientist. In addition the student will also build a laser interferometer, with real-time image acquisition, for online analysis of solid-state laser crystals.
Martin C. Richardson X-Ray Spectroscopy The next generations of advanced lithography for computer chip manufacture flat follow Moore’s Law with the semiconductor industry, will use laser-produced plasmas as sources of short wavelength radiation. The laser plasma laboratory at CREOL is one of the leading groups in the world developing these sources. The student involved in the project will use special transmission grating, and grazing incidence grating x-ray spectrometers to analyze the spectral emission of these sources. The student will work directly with a senior graduate student on this project. There is a high probability that this project will lead to publications in scientific journals and papers presented at scientific conferences.
Nabeel A. Riza Intelligent Optical Communications Optical communications is an important area for research and commercialization in the 21st century. This project deals with the design, assembly, and experimental testing of novel optical components and sub-systems for optical communications using both fiber and freespace optics. Various material technologies such as MEMS, liquid crystals, and acousto-optics will be exploited to build these innovations.
Jannick Rolland Innovative 3D Head-Mounted Displays The student will learn the fundamentals of imaging in head-mounted displays, including virtual image formation, projected image formation for wearable displays, eye-tracking capability, teleportal capability. The student will contribute to specific developments and assessments of the technology capability, and be exposed to cutting edge technology for high speed video streaming, remote collaborative environments, and biomedical virtual reality and bioinformatics.
Jannick Rolland 3D Microscopic Imaging Infrared light can be used to image biological tissues in 3D in order to achieve optical biopsy. The student will participate to the development of instrumentation and the measurements and the quantification of biological samples for skin cancer diagnosis in nude mice.
Alfons Schulte Near-Infrared Raman Spectroscopy of Phot-Induced Structures in Glasses for Integrated Optics Liquid crystal has become the dominant flat panel display technology for notebook and desktop computers, mobile communications, and multimedia projectors. Replacement of CRT-based TVs is taking off. The major research activities in our group are: New liquid crystal materials, optical phased arrays for laser beam steering and network switching, nano-photonics for variable-focus lenses, bio-photonics, liquid crystal televisions, and transflective displays for mobile communications. Near-infrared waveguide Raman spectroscopy is extremely powerful in the microstructural analysis of thin film devices due to the combination of high molecular specificity and sensitivity. The undergraduate will learn and apply these state-of-the-art techniques to the characterization of photo-induced structures in chalcogenide glasses under various laser writing conditions.
Sudipta Seal Optical Properties of Solgel Derived Nanocrystalline Thin Films Nanomaterials have tremendous potentials in mechanical, thermal and optical applications. Herein, we propose to prepare nanocrystalline metal sulfide thin films on select substrates. Metals will include Cu, Ag, and Au. The films will be heated to various temperatures to follow the particle growth, and subsequently optical properties will be studied as a function of particle size and morphology. The undergraduate student will be involved in optical measurements and synthesis of these nanofilms.
Craig W. Siders Femtosecond Photonic Technologies & Applications Students will gain first-hand experience with the generation, measurement, and manipulation of femtosecond optical pulses, as well as an understanding of chirped-pulse amplification and the unique role femtosecond photonics has played in opening new fields in science.
Shin-Tson Wu Tunable Liquid Crystal Photonic Devices Liquid crystal has become the dominant flat panel display technology for notebook and desktop computers, mobile communications, and multimedia projectors. Replacement of CRT-based TVs is taking off. The major research activities in our group are: New liquid crystal materials, optical phased arrays for laser beam steering and network switching, nano-photonics for variable-focus lenses, bio-photonics, liquid crystal televisions, and transflective displays for mobile communications.
Boris Y. Zeldovich Theoretical Studies of Wave Propagation The student will work one-on-one with Dr. Zel’dovich on several aspects of wave propagation, as applied to optics and to quantum mechanics.
See projects from other years: 2010| 2009| 2008| 2007| 2006| 2005| 2004| 2003| 2002| 2001|
