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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 2002
Michael Bass and David J. Hagan Properties of Cr:YAG Cr4+:YAG is a solid state materials that exhibits saturable absorption. This means that its absorption gets smaller as the intensity of light increases. This has proved a useful for tool for the generation of short pulses, and Cr4+:YAG is now used in many commercially available picosecond laser systems. However, some of its properties on picosecond time scales have never been investigated. In this project, the student will perform measurements with picosecond laser pulses on Cr4+:YAG samples, and write and run numerical codes to model the results.
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.
Kevin D. Belfield and David J. Hagan Photo Induced Chirality in Azo-Dye Containing Polymers Azo-dye containing polymers are usually known for the large photoinduced birefringence which makes them attractive for reversive optical storage. Another interesting photoinduced effect in azobenzene polymers is the appearance of surface relief gratings at holographic recording. Recently it was reported that circular anisotropy can also be induced in films with azo compounds. However, the mechanism responsible to this optically induced chirality is not well understood. One of our goals in this project is to contribute to understanding this phenomenon, by studying the optically induced circular anisotropy in disperse Red 1/poly(methyl methacrylate) guest host films.
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.
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.
Hans P. Jenssen Characterization of Laser Crystals
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.
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 and Kathleen A. Richardson Understanding the ‘In-Service’ Performance of Adhesives Used in Polishing of Optical Materials Polishing pads used beneath the work-piece during optical fabrication must be adhered to the platten of the polisher with adhesives. The resulting quality of the polished optic depends on the stability of the pad/adhesive/platten 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 of this work.
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
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 design and build a special, transmission grating, x-ray spectrometer 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.
Martin C. Richardson and Alfons Schulte Laser Written Nanostructures 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 effect of laser writing conditions on resulting glass structural features will be characterized using Waveguide Raman Spectroscopy. The student will do laser development, operation and characterization of the resulting written waveguide.
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 VR.
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 measurements and the quantification of biological samples for skin cancer diagnosis in nude mice.
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.
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.
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|
