We are studying nonlinear materials and systems for use in novel photonic devices. These devices include image processors, multiplexers, optical switches, optical modulators, and optical logic gates. These devices are all presently electronic devices. However, optical counterparts have advantages over the electronic devices. These advantages include increased speed and higher component densities and efficiency. They are similar to the advantages of replacing copper cable with fiber optical cables in the communications industry.

There are several techniques used in our lab to identify and characterize nonlinear materials. The principal techniques are four wave mixing, self phase modulation, and third harmonic generation. In order to characterize and efficiently utilize the material, the nonlinear systems and processes that occur in them must be fully understood. To this end we are carrying out studies of various nonlinear effects such as quantum stokes confinement, saturation absorption, and excited state absorption all of which take place in the materials.

Once the materials have been identified and characterized, the materials are used in systems to investigate their potential for novel photonic devices. Presently, we are working with dye doped organic thin films and multiple quantum well thin films. These films are being tested in image processing and logic systems.

The effects of distributed feedback on the nonlinear processes taking place in the materials is also under study. This work should give a clear understanding of the nonlinear process that take place in thin films.

The tools used in our endeavors are an argon ion laser, a Nd:YAG laser, a diode laser, a lock-in amplifier, a 500 MHz digital oscilloscope, a micropositioner system and a monochromator. Most of this equipment is interfaced to either a 166 MHz Dell PC or a 100 MHz Power Macintosh running Labview.