Opportunities are available to participate in our research, which focuses on investigating the subdiffraction limit confinement and manipulation of light within the optical frequency regime (ultraviolet to midinfrared) using nanostructures. This involves either the use of random or periodic arrays of plasmonic or surface phonon polariton materials, such as plasmonic metals (silver, gold) or dielectric materials (e.g., silicon, silicon carbide, III-N).
We are looking for an experimentalist who will handle both the fabrication and characterization processes, which will involve electron beam and optical lithography, reactive ion etching, metal deposition processes along with other standard lithographic steps. The characterization will involve the use of reflection/transmission microscope measurements, near scattering optical microscopy, FTIR, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and SEM imaging. We are also looking for a theorist who has experience in modeling optical modes within sub-diffraction limit systems, such as those discussed above. The applicant should be familiar with Comsol and/or FDTD calculations; a bonus is placed on experience with surface phonon polariton work.
References
Caldwell JD, et al: ACS Nano 5: 4046, 2011
Caldwell JD, et al: Optics Express 19(27): 26056, 2011 (Chosen for Spotlight on Optics; Cross-listed Virtual journal of Biomedical Optics)
Plasmonics; Phonon polariton; Polar dielectric; Nanostructure; Optical confinement; Silicon carbide; Localized surface Plasmon; Resonator; Sub-diffraction limit;