Slow and Fast Light, Quantum Imaging Techniques, Optical Metamaterials

Prof. Robert Boyd
Slow and fast light
Prof. Boyd and his group are working on the development of methods that will allow them to control the group velocity of light for a variety of materials of interest in photonics. We are presently working on a several topics in this area, including fast and slow light in erbium doped fiber amplifiers, applications of slow and fast light in telecommunications, and the use of surface plasmon polaritons to induce slow-light effects.
Quantum imaging
We are also working on the development of techniques in the field of quantum imaging, which utilizes the quantum nature of light to perform image formation with higher resolution or sensitivity than can be achieved with classical light sources. Two specific projects of current interest include the development of methods for quantum lithography and for achieving enhanced spatial resolution in microscopy.
Composite photonic materials
The goal of this research is to form nanocomposite materials with superior properties for use in nonlinear optics and laser engineering. One aspect of this work entails forming composites in such a manner that, as a consequence of local field effects, the nonlinear response of the composite is larger than that of the constituent materials. Another aspect of the work is to construct composites with a very large response by forming metal/dielectric composites. Still another aspect of this work is to form laser gain media in which the optical properties can be tailored through use of local field effects.

High-Intensity Femtosecond Laser Laboratory

Prof. Chunlei Guo
His group is studying a variety of unique nonlinear optical properties of metals with femtosecond laser technique. Extreme nonlinear optical effects, such as high-order harmonics and ultrashort pulse generation can be studied in strong fields.

Ultrafast Material Processing

Prof. Wayne Knox