Ultrafast Optics and Terhertz Photonics
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sussex
Department Name: Sch of Mathematical & Physical Sciences
Abstract
The project will focus on efforts to access high THz field regimes. It will require access to Sussex's high-energy 100GW-class ultrafast laser infrastructure (readily available only to a limited number of other photonic research labs within the UK) and will involve the necessary training -an extremely valuable skill within the international scenario- for developing active research in the field of the physics of extreme optical excitations.
More specifically, the project targets the investigation of the nonlinear field-matter interaction induced by strong THz fields. In particular the PhD student will develop a low-noise 3uJ-level THz source based on the physics of the so called tilted-wave front nonlinear generation, the new frontier in the specific domain. Such a system will be deployed to gain a better understanding of ultrafast carrier dynamics of electron distributions in many materials diffused in electronics, and to explore novel regime a field induced carrier acceleration.
In addition, the research will investigate ways to enhance the THz field, theoretically and numerically designing devices for subwavelength confinement via the so-called surface-plasmons phenomenon. This project links a novel experimental activity with the ongoing of theoretical development within the research group.
More specifically, the project targets the investigation of the nonlinear field-matter interaction induced by strong THz fields. In particular the PhD student will develop a low-noise 3uJ-level THz source based on the physics of the so called tilted-wave front nonlinear generation, the new frontier in the specific domain. Such a system will be deployed to gain a better understanding of ultrafast carrier dynamics of electron distributions in many materials diffused in electronics, and to explore novel regime a field induced carrier acceleration.
In addition, the research will investigate ways to enhance the THz field, theoretically and numerically designing devices for subwavelength confinement via the so-called surface-plasmons phenomenon. This project links a novel experimental activity with the ongoing of theoretical development within the research group.
Organisations
Publications
Olivieri L
(2020)
Hyperspectral terahertz microscopy via nonlinear ghost imaging
in Optica
Peters L
(2018)
High-energy terahertz surface optical rectification
in Nano Energy
Peters L
(2017)
Optical Pump Rectification Emission: Route to Terahertz Free-Standing Surface Potential Diagnostics.
in Scientific reports
Rong Y
(2019)
Charge Transfer Hybrids of Graphene Oxide and the Intrinsically Microporous Polymer PIM-1.
in ACS applied materials & interfaces
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
EP/N509784/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
1805720 | Studentship | EP/N509784/1 | 01/10/2016 | 31/01/2021 | Jacob Tunesi |
Description | I have investigated how intense optical fields interact with semiconductor surfaces to generate high energy terahertz (THz) pulses. I then exploited the specific physical mechanism behind the nonlinear conversion to study how the electrons diffuse at the surface. As upon ultrafast illumination, many hot electrons are generated which move to inhibit the emitted THz pulse and by mapping this screening of the THz pulse over time I can observe the dynamics highly specific to the surface. I have then used this technique to study the surface electron dynamics to demonstrate the fundamental limits on the optical to THz conversion efficiency. Discovering that at extreme excitations it is possible to overcome the negative impact of the hot electrons at the surface. The direct observation of electron motion at surfaces further enabled me to look at how charges transfer inside of new organic LED technologies. I have also used these techniques to investigate rough, structured surfaces where the excited electron motion isn't trivial and many complex interactions can occur. Lastly my work on THz generation and imaging systems has been used to develop a new camera operating at THz frequencies. |
Exploitation Route | My research group is currently further investigating the nonlinearities at surfaces as these structures represent essential breakthroughs in THz imaging where the image resolution is fundamentally determined by the thickness of the interaction region (thinner than the optical wavelength). My work on the THz generation and charge motion in structured surfaces can be put forward to develop a new project line in the lab, where the structures are resonant at multiple wavelengths. |
Sectors | Chemicals,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Electronics,Energy,Government, Democracy and Justice,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology,Security and Diplomacy |
URL | http://www.sussex.ac.uk/broadcast/read/44372 |
Description | I am the inventor of a soon to be published patent. |
First Year Of Impact | 2017 |
Sector | Security and Diplomacy |
Impact Types | Societal,Economic |