The major goal of this project is to explore and develop novel microfluidic devices for enhancing nonlinear optical effects. We intend to use flows in microscopic channels to deliver to active optical areas liquids with engineered linear and nonlinear optical properties to enable and enhance generation, transport, switching, transformation, storage and detection of optical fields. These liquids include suspensions of dielectric, metallic, semiconductor, and metalo-dielectric particles, in particular quantum dots and other nonlinear composites. By means of controlling the number and type of the nonlinear particles, which are delivered to optical cavities, we can adjust the strength of the nonlinear optical effects. We also intend to enhance non-linear interactions using sub-wavelength structures, where the optical field is localized within a very small region. Integration of such nonlinear microfluidic materials and structures with micro-optic and nanophotonic devices is investigated for guided wave and free space applications.


Research Group