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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Classification of Intensity Distributions of Transmission Eigenchannels of Disordered Nanophotonic Structures Using Machine Learning

Light-matter interaction optimization in complex nanophotonic structures is a critical step towards the tailored performance of photonic devices. The increasing complexity of such systems requires new optimization strategies beyond intuitive methods. For example, in disordered photonic structures, the spatial distribution of energy densities has large random fluctuations due to the interference of multiply scattered electromagnetic waves, even though the statistically averaged spatial profiles of the transmission eigenchannels are universal. Classification of these eigenchannels for a single configuration based on visualization of intensity distributions is difficult. However, successful classification could provide vital information about disordered nanophotonic structures. Emerging methods in machine learning have enabled new investigations into optimized photonic structures. In this work, we combine intensity distributions of the transmission eigenchannels and the transmitted speckle-like intensity patterns to classify the eigenchannels of a single configuration of disordered photonic structures using machine learning techniques. Specifically, we leverage supervised learning methods, such as decision trees and fully connected neural networks, to achieve classification of these transmission eigenchannels based on their intensity distributions with an accuracy greater than 99%, even with a dataset including photonic devices of various disorder strengths. Simultaneous classification of the transmission eigenchannels and the relative disorder strength of the nanophotonic structure is also possible. Our results open new directions for machine learning assisted speckle-based metrology and demonstrate a novel approach to classifying nanophotonic structures based on their electromagnetic field distributions. These insights can be of paramount importance for optimizing light-matter interactions at the nanoscale.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Clearing a path for light through non-Hermitian media

Abstract The performance of all active photonic devices today is greatly limited by loss. Here, we show that one can engineer a low loss path in a metal-clad lossy multi-mode waveguide while simultaneously achieving high-performance active photonic devices. We leverage non-Hermitian systems operating beyond the exceptional point to enable the redistribution of losses in a multi-mode photonic waveguide. Consequently, our multi-mode waveguide offers low propagation losses for fundamental mode while other higher order modes experience prohibitively high losses. Furthermore, we show an application of this non-Hermitian waveguide platform in designing power-efficient thermo-optic phase shifters with significantly faster response times than conventional silicon-based thermo-optic phase shifters. Our device achieves a propagation loss of less than 0.02 dB μm −1 for our non-Hermitian waveguide-based phase shifters with high performance efficiency of P π ⋅ τ = 19.1 mW μs. In addition, our phase shifters have significantly faster response time (rise/fall time), τ ≈ 1.4 μs, compared to traditional silicon based thermo-optic phase shifters.

Materials Science↗
DOE OSTI2024

Inverse design for waveguide dispersion with a differentiable mode solver

Inverse design of optical components based on adjoint sensitivity analysis has the potential to address the most challenging photonic engineering problems. However, existing inverse design tools based on finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) models are poorly suited for optimizing waveguide modes for adiabatic transformation or perturbative coupling, which lies at the heart of many important photonic devices. Among these, dispersion engineering of optical waveguides is especially challenging in ultrafast and nonlinear optical applications involving broad optical bandwidths and frequency-dependent anisotropic dielectric material response. In this work, we develop gradient back-propagation through a general-purpose electromagnetic eigenmode solver and use it to demonstrate waveguide dispersion optimization for second harmonic generation with maximized phase-matching bandwidth. This optimization of three design parameters converges in eight steps, reducing the computational cost of optimization by ∼100x compared to exhaustive search and identifying new designs for broadband optical frequency doubling of laser sources in the 1.3–1.4 µm wavelength range. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the computational cost of gradient back-propagation is independent of the number of parameters, as required for optimization of complex geometries. This technique enables practical inverse design for a broad range of previously intractable photonic devices.

Gray, Dodd (ORCID:000000030469599X)↗
DOE OSTI2026

Dynamically reconfigurable topological routing in nonlinear photonic systems

The propagation path of topologically protected states is bound to the interface between regions with different topology, and as such, the functionality of linear photonic devices leveraging these states is fixed during fabrication. Here, we propose a mechanism for dynamic control over a driven dissipative system’s local topology, yielding reconfigurable topological interfaces and thus tunable paths for protected routing. We illustrate our approach in non-resonantly pumped polariton lattices, where the nonlinear interaction between the polaritons and the exciton reservoir due to non-resonant pumping can yield picosecond-scale changes in the propagation paths of the chiral edge states. To analytically confirm the numerically observed topological dynamics, we generalize the spectral localizer framework to non-linear non-Hermitian Chern materials and apply this framework to a continuous model of the polariton system based on a driven-dissipative Gross-Pitaevskii equation. In doing so, we show that the local changes in the polariton lattice’s topology are captured by a local Chern marker. Looking forward, we anticipate such reconfigurable topological routing will enable the realization of novel classes of topological photonic devices.

Wong, Stephan [Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-N↗
DOE OSTI2025

Lines of Bound States in the Continuum in Monodisperse Microsphere Structures

Incorporating epitaxially grown active semiconductor media into self-assembled microsphere crystals has remained a major challenge as the curved geometry of the spheres is incompatible with conventional planar growth and patterning techniques. As a result, active photonic devices based on such self-assembled structures, which have other desirable properties such as enabling the rapid assembly of large area systems, have been elusive. Here, we numerically demonstrate an alternative route to creating high-Q resonances in microsphere-based nanophotonic assemblies compatible with standard optical gain materials. We show that close-packed layers of monodisperse microspheres can exhibit symmetry bandgaps, regardless of their layer stacking order. Thus, this microsphere environment can be used to create lines of bound states in the continuum (BICs) of an embedded slab made of active material. Using a realistic ZnS@SiO 2 (core-shell) architecture and sphere diameters compatible with scalable colloidal assembly, we predict sharp spectral features in angle-resolved transmission that trace these lines of BICs and persist in the presence of some fabrication disorder. Altogether, in enabling the integration of unpatterned epitaxial gain slabs with large-area colloidal microsphere assemblies, this approach opens a practical path toward active, dynamically reconfigurable photonic devices that leverage BIC physics for narrow-linewidth lasing and enhanced light–matter interactions.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2025

Defect Engineering in Large‐Scale CVD‐Grown Hexagonal Boron Nitride: Formation, Spectroscopy, and Spin Relaxation Dynamics

Recently, numerous techniques have been reported for generating optically active defects in exfoliated hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), which hold transformative potential for quantum photonic devices. However, achieving on-demand generation of desirable defect types in scalable hBN films remains a significant challenge. Here, it is demonstrated that formation of negative boron vacancy defects, V B − , in suspended, large-area CVD-grown hBN is strongly dependent on the type of bombarding particles (ions, neutrons, and electrons) and irradiation conditions. In contrast to suspended hBN, defect formation in substrate-supported hBN is more complex due to the uncontrollable generation of secondary particles from the substrate, and the outcome strongly depends on the thickness of the hBN. Different defect types are identified by correlating spectroscopic and optically detected magnetic resonance features, distinguishing boron vacancies (formed by light ions and neutrons and emitting at 800 nm) from other optically active defects emitting at 650 nm assigned to anti-site nitrogen vacancy (N B V N ) and reveal the presence of additional “dark” paramagnetic defects that influence spin-lattice relaxation time (T 1 ) and zero-field splitting parameters, all of which strongly depend on the defect density. These results underscore the potential for precisely engineered defect formation in large-scale CVD-grown hBN, paving the way for the scalable fabrication of quantum photonic devices.

CVD↗
DOE OSTI2023

Proximity-induced chiral quantum light generation in strain-engineered WSe 2 /NiPS 3 heterostructures

Quantum light emitters capable of generating single photons with circular polarization and non-classical statistics could enable non-reciprocal single-photon devices and deterministic spin–photon interfaces for quantum networks. To date, the emission of such chiral quantum light relies on the application of intense external magnetic fields, electrical/optical injection of spin-polarized carriers/excitons or coupling with complex photonic metastructures. Here we report the creation of free-space chiral quantum light emitters via the nanoindentation of monolayer WSe 2 /NiPS 3 heterostructures at zero external magnetic field. These quantum light emitters emit with a high degree of circular polarization (0.89) and single-photon purity (95%), independent of pump laser polarization. In this study, scanning diamond nitrogen-vacancy microscopy and temperature-dependent magneto-photoluminescence studies reveal that the chiral quantum light emission arises from magnetic proximity interactions between localized excitons in the WSe 2 monolayer and the out-of-plane magnetization of defects in the antiferromagnetic order of NiPS 3 , both of which are co-localized by strain fields associated with the nanoscale indentations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Direct photopatterning of robust and diverse materials

The present invention relates to methods of metathesizing olefins using catalysts previously considered to be practically inactive. The present invention further relates to novel photosensitive compositions, their use as photoresists, and methods related to patterning polymer layers on substrates. Further, modifications to the compositions and method provide for an unprecedented functionalization of the compositions, useful for example in the preparation of sensors, drug delivery systems, and tissue scaffolds. The novel compositions and associated methods also provide for the opportunity to prepare 3-dimensional objects which provide new access to critically dimensioned devices, including for example photonic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Multi-objective, robust constraints enforced global topology optimizer for optical devices

A method for optimization of photonic devices is disclosed. The method includes receiving a set of unconstrained latent variables; mapping the set of unconstrained latent variables to a constrained space to generate a constrained device; calculating the permittivity across each element of the constrained device; determining a permittivity-constrained width gradient based at least partially on the permittivity across each element; and optimizing the set of unconstrained latent variables by at least partially using the permittivity-constrained width gradient.

Fan, Jonathan↗
DOE OSTI2026

Integrated-photonics-based systems for polarization-gradient cooling of trapped ions

Trapped ions are a promising modality for quantum systems, with demonstrated utility as the basis for quantum processors and optical clocks. However, traditional trapped-ion systems are implemented using complex free-space optical configurations, whose large size and susceptibility to vibrations and drift inhibit scaling to large numbers of qubits. In recent years, integrated-photonics-based systems have been demonstrated as an avenue to address the challenge of scaling trapped-ion systems while maintaining high fidelities. While these previous demonstrations have implemented both Doppler and resolved-sideband cooling of trapped ions, these cooling techniques are fundamentally limited in efficiency. In contrast, polarization-gradient cooling can enable faster and more power-efficient cooling and, therefore, improved computational efficiencies in trapped-ion systems. While free-space implementations of polarization-gradient cooling have demonstrated advantages over other cooling mechanisms, polarization-gradient cooling has never previously been implemented using integrated photonics. In this paper, we design and experimentally demonstrate key polarization-diverse integrated-photonics devices and utilize them to implement a variety of integrated-photonics-based polarization-gradient-cooling systems, culminating in the first experimental demonstration of polarization-gradient cooling of a trapped ion by an integrated-photonics-based system. By demonstrating polarization-gradient cooling using an integrated-photonics-based system and, in general, opening up the field of polarization-diverse integrated-photonics-based devices and systems for trapped ions, this work facilitates new capabilities for integrated-photonics-based trapped-ion platforms.

atom optics↗
DOE OSTI2023

Silicon-Lattice-Matched Boron-Doped Gallium Phosphide: A Scalable Acousto-Optic Platform

The compact size, scalability, and strongly confined fields in integrated photonic devices enable new functionalities in photonic networking and information processing, both classical and quantum. Gallium phosphide (GaP) is a promising material for active integrated photonics due to its high refractive index, wide bandgap, strong nonlinear properties, and large acousto-optic figure of merit. Here, this study demonstrates that silicon-lattice-matched boron-doped GaP (BGaP), grown at the 12-inch wafer scale, provides similar functionalities as GaP. BGaP optical resonators exhibit intrinsic quality factors exceeding 25,000 and 200,000 at visible and telecom wavelengths, respectively. It further demonstrates the electromechanical generation of low-loss acoustic waves and an integrated acousto-optic (AO) modulator. High-resolution spatial and compositional mapping, combined with ab initio calculations, indicate two candidates for the excess optical loss in the visible band: the silicon-GaP interface and boron dimers. These results demonstrate the promise of the BGaP material platform for the development of scalable AO technologies at telecom and provide potential pathways toward higher performance at shorter wavelengths.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Epitaxial hexagonal boron nitride with high quantum efficiency

Two-dimensional (2D) hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is one of the few materials showing great promise for light emission in the far ultraviolet (UV)-C wavelength, which is more effective and safer in containing the transmission of microbial diseases than traditional UV light. In this report, we observed that h-BN, despite having an indirect energy bandgap, exhibits a remarkably high room-temperature quantum efficiency (~60%), which is orders of magnitude higher than that of other indirect bandgap material, and is enabled by strong excitonic effects and efficient exciton-phonon interactions. This study offers a new approach for the design and development of far UV-C optoelectronic devices as well as quantum photonic devices employing 2D semiconductor active regions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Neuromorphic Photonics Based on Phase Change Materials

Neuromorphic photonics devices based on phase change materials (PCMs) and silicon photonics technology have emerged as promising solutions for addressing the limitations of traditional spiking neural networks in terms of scalability, response delay, and energy consumption. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of various PCMs used in neuromorphic devices, comparing their optical properties and discussing their applications. We explore materials such as GST (Ge 2 Sb 2 Te 5 ), GeTe-Sb 2 Te 3 , GSST (Ge 2 Sb 2 Se 4 Te 1 ), Sb 2 S 3 /Sb 2 Se 3 , Sc 0.2 Sb 2 Te 3 (SST), and In 2 Se 3 , highlighting their advantages and challenges in terms of erasure power consumption, response rate, material lifetime, and on-chip insertion loss. By investigating the integration of different PCMs with silicon-based optoelectronics, this review aims to identify potential breakthroughs in computational performance and scalability of photonic spiking neural networks. Further research and development are essential to optimize these materials and overcome their limitations, paving the way for more efficient and high-performance photonic neuromorphic devices in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Electrically Reconfigurable Liquid Metal Nanophotonic Platform for Color Display and Imaging

Dynamically tunable optical materials and device architectures are essential for future photonic technologies, yet conventional solid metals lack the intrinsic tunability required for advanced functionalities. Gallium-based liquid metals (LMs) present an appealing alternative thanks to their distinctive mechanical and optical properties; however, their practical integration in tunable photonic elements remains largely unexplored. Here, in this study, an electrochemically controlled nanophotonic platform is demonstrated that integrates a dynamically reconfigurable LM ground plane with gold nanoantenna arrays within a microfluidic system, enabling precise and reversible modulation of optical resonances across the visible to mid-infrared spectral ranges. By employing moderate operational voltages (1.5–3.0 V), real-time tuning of high-resolution structural color patterns is achieved through nanoscale control of the interfacial gap between the LM and Au nanoantennas. This innovative platform facilitates electrically programmable, high-contrast color patterns suitable for dynamic optical displays, secure anti-counterfeiting labels, and imaging applications. Additionally, this platform enables tunable mid-infrared spectral responses, which may be utilized for chemical and biological sensing applications. This versatile integrated LM-based nanophotonic platform opens new paths toward multifunctional, actively tunable/reconfigurable photonic device and system technologies.

Imaging↗
DOE OSTI2020

Understanding lead halide perovskites

It has been ten years since research on lead halide perovskites (LHPs) took off spectacularly and expanded into one of the most active fields today in chemistry, physics, materials science, and engineering. There is no doubt that the rapid growth of this field has been fueled by the exceptional performance of this class of materials in solar cells, light emitting devices, and other electronic, optoelectronic, and photonic devices. Such application oriented advance has been accompanied by major development in mechanistic understanding. Growing mechanistic studies on LHPs have revealed structure–property relationships including, among others, structural instability, unique defect chemistry, dynamic disorder and anharmonicity of phonons, local symmetry breaking, efficient screening of charge carriers in large polaron formation, and the Rashba effect due to spin–orbital coupling and the presence of local electric fields. This special issue collects the cutting edge of our understanding of why LHPs work and what lessons LHPs have taught us about structure and dynamics, in general.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Coupling of a single tin-vacancy center to a photonic crystal cavity in diamond

In this work, we demonstrate optical coupling between a single tin-vacancy (SnV) center in diamond and a free-standing photonic crystal nanobeam cavity. The cavities are fabricated using quasi-isotropic etching and feature experimentally measured quality factors as high as ~11000. We investigate the dependence of a single SnV center's emission by controlling the cavity wavelength using a laser-induced gas desorption technique. Under resonance conditions, we observe an intensity enhancement of the SnV emission by a factor of 12 and a 16-fold reduction of the SnV lifetime. Based on the large enhancement of the SnV emission rate inside the cavity, we estimate the Purcell factor for the SnV zero-phonon line to be 37 and the coupling efficiency of the SnV center to the cavity, the β factor, to be 95%. Our work paves the way for the realization of quantum photonic devices and systems based on efficient photonic interfaces using the SnV color center in diamond.

42 ENGINEERING↗