Ass. Prof. Yuriy Gladush

There are various well-established approaches for optical gas detection, most of them designed for mid-IR spectral region, where gas absorption is maximized. We will use alternative approach with a gas sensor on chip, relying on evanescent field interaction in visible and NIR regions. We will develop multisensor systems capable of recognition the mixtures of the gases by combing machine learning algorithms with modern optical technologies. The work is done in tight collaboration with electronic nose group of Nanomaterials lab. On the project you will learn fiber and free space optics, gas sensing methods, you will work with various nanomaterials and implement machine learning algorithms. Previous knowledge in any of these areas are beneficial, but not necessary.

Integrated optics offer wide opportunities for many applications from all-optical signal processing in data centers to miniature detectors and spectrometers. Most well-developed platforms have at their dispose wide set of passive elements – splitters, multiplexers, etc. – but active elements, like detectors, emitters, optical switches, nonlinear wavelength convertors, cannot be fabricated with the same materials as a passive waveguide. One of the approaches for active control of light is to integrate the nanomaterial on top of the waveguide, which will provide new functionalities. On this project we will test various approaches for application of the carbon nanotubes for light detection and nonlinear wavelength conversion in integrated optics. You will learn how to work with integrated optical chips, get hand on experience with nanomaterials and modeling in Comsol.

Nanomatrials has proven to demonstrate very high optical nonlinearity. However, its practical application is limited by low length of interaction and lack of phase matching, which prevents from obtaining high converted signal. One of the approaches to address this problem is to use nanomaterials on a two-dimensional photonic crystal – a thin periodically structured slab – which can enhance electric field near its surface under illumination in a spectral region of interest. In fact, the change of refractive index of nanomaterial will cause the back action on the photonic crystal, providing route to control the response of the structure. In this work we will implement carbon nanotubes and graphene on the photonic crystal with quasi-bound state in continuum resonance, measure its optical response and construct tunable devices with enhanced nonlinearity. Student will dive into fascinating world of photonic crystals and nanomaterials, learn free space optic measurement and perform simulations.