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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 2001
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 will focus on utilizing ultrafast semiconductors for applications in telecommunications and optical signal processing. We will develop experiments to measure the ultrafast pulse duration, and spectral quality of the laser. Once characterized, we will employ these pulses in applications of 100 Gb/s optical communication data links and photonic analog to digital converters.
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.
Aristide Dogariu Photonics Diagnostic of Random Media You will participate in a research program on wave propagation and scattering in random media dedicated to characterization of complex media such as advanced materials or biomedical tissues. You will find out how the small particles absorb and scatter light and why these phenomena impact on solid-state physics, chemistry, and biophysics. Your work will involve the use of state-of-the art laser-based diagnostic techniques.
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.
David J. Hagan and Ahmed Zayed Experimental implementation of the optical fractional Fourier Transform In this project, the student will perform experiments to perform "fractional Fourier transforms" using gradient index lenses. The fractional Fourier transform is relatively unexplored and its optical implementation has not been demonstrated before. There may be many applications of this in optical signal processing. The student should have a desire to work on understanding the mathematics as well as performing experiments.
Eric G. Johnson Diffractive element fabrication on fiber substrates Optical networking and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) requires the use of fine gratings for coupling light to and from multiple fibers. However, most methods require that light be extracted from the SMF and processed through a passive network and then injected back into the fiber. This project utilizes a novel approach based on an array of fibers. This fiber array will act as the host substrate for the incorporation of micro-optics fabricated directly onto the side of the fiber array. Once this is achieved, multiple optical functions can be realized for signal multiplexing and demultiplexing. This project requires design and fabrication of an array of single mode fibers. The array will be polished and prepared for lithographic fabrication of diffractive structures on the polished side. The resulting optical substrate will be used to demonstrate an all-optical method of signal tapping.
Aravinda Kar Laser Cutting of Inhomogeneous 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. In this context, we would like to present two projects that can be investigated: Development of a mathematical model, to describe the laser cutting process of inhomogeneous materials; describe the transient behavior of the geometrical and thermophysical parameters when the material composition changes suddenly. Carry out cutting experiments of inhomogeneous materials, measurement of vapor/plasma plume temperature; characterization of cut quality (e.g., measurements of kerf width and depth); Labview programming. It would be ideal if two students were interested in these projects, so that each project could be assigned to one student. The investigations should complement each other and the results should be compared for verification. However, each project can be investigated independent of the other.
Guifang Li Fiber Optic On-Ramp to the Information Superhighway This project involves the research and development of access technologies, including fiber-to-the-home and wireless, to the high speed fiber-optic transport networks.
Patrick L. LiKamWa Characterization of Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter The current trend in optical telecommunications is to use wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) as a means of expanding the bandwidth capability of existing optical fibers. For instance if ten wavelengths are used then one single optical fiber can transmit ten communications channels simultaneously hence boosting the capacity ten-fold. In order for the network be remain versatile, components that can select specific wavelengths are required for the signal demultiplexing. Additionally, these components should be electronically tunable so that switching can be performed. One component that has been proposed for such application is the Acousto-Optics Tunable Filter (AOTF). An rf signal is sent through a crystal which creates a dispersive grating. Optical signals diffract off of that grating if certain matching conditions are met. By changing the frequency of the rf signal, one can effectively tune in the required wavelength. However, the main problem with these devices are the fact that to-date, the width of the passband spectrum is too wide to adequately separate the signals that lie on the frequency spacing grid set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). In this project, we will be measuring the characteristics of the AOTF to assess its suitability for demultiplexing WDM signals.
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.
Otto Phanstiel Understanding Peptide Agglomeration Phenomena Using Understanding Peptide Agglomeration Phenomena Using Light Scattering Methods Designing "smart" molecules, which can aggregate constructively into hollow microcapsules has value in many fields of science. Indeed, microencapsulation of drugs using non-covalent self-assembly methods may lead to new methods of drug-delivery. The student will conduct a two-step organic synthesis of a novel diamide diacid and then evaluate the self-assembly kinetics of their "smart" product using light scattering methods.
Kathleen A. Richardson Processing and Characterization of bulk As-S-Se glasses for planar waveguide applications As introduced in the above project, chalcogenide glasses enable novel optical components based on glasses in bulk, film or fiber form. Recent research performed by the Glass Processing and Characterization Laboratory at CREOL and collaborators, has demonstrated vast flexibility and potential these glasses offer for use as integrated optical components for 1.3 and 1.5 micron optical communications systems. Our group synthesizes and characterizes bulk materials used in the fabrication of planar waveguide structures. This project will assist in the chemical synthesis of these non-oxide glasses, as well as their fabrication and analysis of structural and optical properties. Samples prepared will be analyzed using various analytical tools, where the student will gain hands on experience with instrumentation, including UV/VIS/NIR spectroscopy, SEM, RBS, and other structural characterization tools.
Nabeel A. Riza Optical Control of Radar and Antenna Arrays This project involves the use of optical signal processing with liquid crystals and lasers to control radar and antenna arrays.
Alfons Schulte Near-Infrared Raman Spectroscopy of Chalocogenide Glasses Chalcogenide glasses enable novel optical components based on bulk, film or fiber forms. Recent research performed by the Glass Processing and Characterization Laboratory at CREOL and collaborators, has demonstrated vast flexibility and potential these glasses offer for use as integrated optical components for 1.3 and 1.5 micron optical communications systems. To understand the optical performance of components and long term stability of glasses drawn as fibers or deposited as films the relation of structural differences to physical properties must be measured and understood. A technique of choice is Raman spectroscopy, since it provides structural and chemical compositional information using non-destructive and non intrusive sampling. A distinct advantage of near-infrared excitation is the capability to measure Raman spectra in the absence of undesired absorption and photoreactions. The REU student will participate in a project to examine the formation of Se-Se bonds and correlations with the enhanced optical nonlinearities in the system As-S-Se. The emphasis will be on the characterization of film and waveguide samples to probe composition and photo-induced changes. Near-infrared micro-Raman techniques will be developed to obtain spatially resolved information in mulitlayer structures, and these data will be compared to bulk glass results.
F. Stevie and Lucille Giannuzzi Diffusion Characterization of Oxide Layers This project utilizes material characterization tools, specifically Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) to determine diffusion behavior in an oxide layer. With an increasing number of optical and electronic devices based on metal/insulator layers, characterization of low levels of impurities becomes increasingly important. This project will be part of an ongoing collaboration with Cirent Semiconductor. The results obtained with SIMS will provide valuable insight into variation between bulk and film insulator behavior, with an extension to bulk insulators by thinning the bulk insulator to an analyzable thickness. Various methods of analyzing the bulk insulator directly will be employed, including the use of coatings, conductive grids on the surface, and the use of an oxygen primary beam but as a negative ion. Once the sample can be put in an analyzable form, and a suitable analysis method can be refined, the tremendous capabilities of SIMS (depth resolution and sensitivity) can be realized.
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|
