|
Nanophotonics and Fiber Optics Group
RESEARCH
The ability to confine and manipulate light at the micro- and nano-scale presents exciting opportunities, impossible to achieve with conventional optics. We explore ways in which light can help us develop extremely sensitive, fast, accurate and environment-friendly devices. This work is being applied to highly-responsive sensing, ultrahigh-speed computing and telecommunications, as well as in the elucidation of new physical phenomena. Our research is focused on plasmonics, silicon and polymer photonics, and also on fiber optics, going beyond the traditional application of optical fibers in telecommunications.
Nanophotonic
bio- and chemical sensors based on Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)
The ability to fabricate nanostructures allows us to develop lab-on-chip sensor
devices capable of detecting extremely small measures. One of the most promising applications of such sensors
is in the detection of single molecules using
SERS phenomenon - which strongly increases the Raman signal of molecules attached to metal nanoparticles.
The SERS signal can be additionally gained by using a resonant structure and
delivered by waveguides, thus allowing ultra-sensitive detection of single molecules such as DNA, trace hazardous chemicals
or bio-agents, and cancer cells. Integration of these lab-on-chips with optical fibers will allow in-situ monitoring
of analytes and early disease diagnoses with the possibility of simultaneously applied local therapy.
Silicon photonics
Silicon is a leading material in nanophotonics. Rapid advances in silicon technology
have facilitated the compatibility of silicon-on-insulator photonic devices with existing silicon
microelectronics. Existing silicon-on-insulator technology allows the
creation of submicrometer optical waveguides due to the high contrast
of refractive indices between silicon and silicon dioxide. This
ensures ultrahigh light confinement, thus enabling the creation of compact
photonic devices and large scale opto-electronic integration.
Silicon photonics is expected to become progressively cost-effective due
to its complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor compatible fabrication
techniques, becoming particularly suitable for ultrafast
telecommunications and computing, and in miniaturized
sensors.
Publications:
1. X. Wang, J. A. Martinez, M. S. Nawrocka, R. R. Panepucci, May 2008,
Compact thermally tunable silicon wavelength switch: modeling and
characterization, IEEE Photonics Technology Letters 20 (11), p.
936-938.
2. M. S. Nawrocka, X. Wang, T. Liu, R. R. Panepucci, Aug. 2006,
Tunable silicon microring resonator with wide free-spectral-range,
Applied Physics Letters 89, 071110(1-3).
Polymer photonics
Polymers possess desirable properties for use in high-dense
and complex photonic devices. Their compatibility with optical fibers
and silicon-on-insulator circuits due to similar index of
refraction, makes them suitable as complementary and hybrid
components. Moreover, the refractive index of polymers is tunable and their
thermo-optic coefficient is high. Due to these properties, polymers can be used
as low-power consumption thermally actuated devices
(modulators, switches, interferometers, tunable Bragg gratings) and also as
compensating elements for temperature-insensitive devices.
Unlike brittle silica, polymers show great flexibility and hold promise for use in 3D-integrated circuitry
and packaging. Their unique mechanical properties allow polymers to be economically and rapidly
processed using unconventional techniques, such as molding, casting, stamping, or embossing.
Publications:
T. Liu, M. Nawrocka, R. Panepucci, Sept. 2007, Short polymer waveguide
resonator with Bragg reflectors, Proceedings of SPIE 6645, 66450H.
Fiber-optic sensors
Sensors based on highly-birefringent fibers in multiplexed
interference-polarization systems are capable of simultaneous,
spatially distributed and remote measurements of static and dynamic pressure, temperature, elongation and mass. Light-based
sensors function successfully under strong electromagnetic
interference and in explosive environments - significantly
outperforming conventional electrical sensors unable to function in
harsh environments. The scientific and entrepreneurial communities are interested in this topic due to multiple applications of
these sensors in various fields, including civil engineering and the aeronautical and automotive
industries.
Publications:
1. M. S. Nawrocka, W. J. Bock, W. Urbanczyk, Oct. 2005, Dynamic
high-pressure calibration of the fiber-optic sensor based on
birefringent side-hole fibers, IEEE Sensors Journal 5 (5), p. 1011-1018.
2. W. J. Bock, M. S. Nawrocka, W. Urbanczyk, Feb. 2004, Universal
readout system for temperature, elongation and hydrostatic pressure
sensors based on highly birefringent fibers, IEEE Transactions on
Instrumentation and Measurement 53 (1), p. 170-174.
3. W. J. Bock, M. S. Nawrocka, W. Urbanczyk, Oct. 2002,
Coherence-multiplexed fiber-optic sensor systems for measurements of
dynamic pressure and temperature change, IEEE Transactions on
Instrumentation and Measurement 51 (5), p. 980-984.
4. M. S. Nawrocka, W. Urbanczyk, Jan. 2001, Optimization of detection
system for low-coherence interferometric sensors based on highly
birefringent fibers, Optica Applicata 31 (1), p. 231-250.
5. W. Urbanczyk, M. S. Nawrocka, W. J. Bock, Dec. 2001, Digital
demodulation system for low-coherence interferometric sensors based on
highly birefringent fibers, Applied Optics 40 (36), p. 6618-6625.
6. W. J. Bock, M. S. Nawrocka, W. Urbanczyk, Highly sensitive
fiber-optic sensor for dynamic pressure measurements, Oct. 2001, IEEE
Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement 50 (5), p. 1085-1088.
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
)