Integrated Photonics

By nanostructuring the surface of an optical resonator using a surface chemistry, the threshold and Raman lasing efficiency are improved. Research findings are detailed in: X. Shen, H. Choi, D. Chen, W. Zhao, A. M. Armani, “Raman laser from an optical resonator with a grafted single-molecule monolayer”, Nature Photonics 14, 95-101 (2020).
By correctly engineering the optical dispersion of the AlN device and selecting a higher order mode, supercontinuum generation was achieved. Research findings are reported in: H. Chen, J. Zhou, D. Li, D. Chen, A. K. Vinod, H. Fu, X. Huang, T.-H. Yang, J. A. Montes, K. Fu, C. Yang, C.-Z. Ning, C. W. Wong, A. M. Armani, Y. Zhao, “Supercontinuum generation in high order waveguide mode with near-visible pumping using aluminum nitride waveguides”, ACS Photonics 8 (5), 1344-1352 (2021).
With only a single monolayer of small organic molecule, the threshold for comb generation is dramatically reduced. Published in: X. Shen et al, Science Advances 4 (1), eaao4507, (2018). Link: http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/4/1/eaao4507
An optically deformable diffraction grating is created using a novel stereocomplex polymer with wide optical transparency and large Young's Modulus and a soft-lithography fabrication method. Research findings in: J. He, A. Kovach, Y. Wang, W. Wang, W. Wu, A. M. Armani, “Stretchable optical diffraction grating from poly(acrylic acid)/polyethylene oxide stereocomplex”, Optics Letters 46 (21), 5493-5496 (2021).
By forming a bi-functional molecular monolayer containing an optically triggerable molecule on the surface of a high-Q resonant cavity, an all-optical switch is demonstrated. Research findings are in: J. He, A. Kovach, D. Chen, P. Saris, R. Yu, A. M. Armani, “All-optical reversible control of integrated resonant cavity by a self-assembled azobenzene monolayer“, Optics Express 28 (15), 22462-22477 (2020). and A. Kovach, J. He, P. J. G. Saris, D. Chen, A. M. Armani, “Optically tunable microresonator using an azobenzene monolayer“, AIP Advances 10 (4), 045117, (2020).

Hybrid Devices

We have several projects investigating light-matter interactions between the optical field in waveguides and resonant cavities and different material coatings. For example, we are studying how nanomaterial coatings which exhibit non-linear optical properties can be used to manipulate the optical behavior of the device. We are also investigating using active materials, such as nonlinear optical polymers, organic small molecules, and 2D materials, as coatings to further improve or modify the behavior of integrated devices.

We have projects which are devoted to developing new integrated optical devices, such as low threshold on-chip lasers and photonic circuitry, and using these devices for applications in quantum communications (collaborations with researchers globally). Additional projects are also geared to developing new optical instruments for diagnostics.