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Articles 1 - 30 of 38
Full-Text Articles in Physics
Universal Far-From-Equilibrium Dynamics Of A Holographic Superconductor, Julian Sonner, Adolfo Del Campo, Wojciech H. Zurek
Universal Far-From-Equilibrium Dynamics Of A Holographic Superconductor, Julian Sonner, Adolfo Del Campo, Wojciech H. Zurek
Physics Faculty Publications
Symmetry-breaking phase transitions are an example of non-equilibrium processes that require real-time treatment, a major challenge in strongly coupled systems without long-lived quasiparticles. Holographic duality provides such an approach by mapping strongly coupled field theories in D dimensions into weakly coupled quantum gravity in Dþ1 anti-de Sitter spacetime. Here we use holographic duality to study the formation of topological defects—winding numbers—in the course of a superconducting transition in a strongly coupled theory in a 1D ring. When the system undergoes the transition on a given quench time, the condensate builds up with a delay that can be deduced using the …
Practicality Of Compensating The Loss In The Plasmonic Waveguides Using Semiconductor Gain Medium, Jacob B. Khurgin, Greg Sun
Practicality Of Compensating The Loss In The Plasmonic Waveguides Using Semiconductor Gain Medium, Jacob B. Khurgin, Greg Sun
Physics Faculty Publications
We consider the issue of compensating the loss in plasmonic waveguides with semiconductor gain material and show that, independent of specific geometry, full loss compensation in plasmonic waveguides with significantly sub-wavelength light confinement (less than λ/4n) requires current density well in excess of 100 kA/cm2. This high current density is attributed to the unavoidable shortening of recombination time caused by the Purcell effect inherent to sub-wavelength confinement. Consequently, an injection-pumped plasmonic laser that is truly sub-wavelength in all three dimensions (“spaser”) would have threshold current densities that are hard to obtain in any conceivable semiconductor device.
Scaling Of Losses With Size And Wavelength In Nanoplasmonics And Metamaterials, Jacob B. Khurgin, Greg Sun
Scaling Of Losses With Size And Wavelength In Nanoplasmonics And Metamaterials, Jacob B. Khurgin, Greg Sun
Physics Faculty Publications
We show that, for the resonant metal-dielectric structures with sub-wavelength confinement of light in all three dimensions, the loss cannot be reduced considerably below the loss of the metal itself unless one operates in the far IR and THz regions of the spectrum or below. Such high losses cannot be compensated by introducing gain due to Purcell-induced shortening of recombination times. The only way low loss optical meta-materials can be engineered is with, as yet unknown, low loss materials with negative permittivity.
Optimization Of The Nanolens Consisting Of Coupled Metal Nanoparticles: An Analytical Approach, Greg Sun, Jacob B. Khurgin
Optimization Of The Nanolens Consisting Of Coupled Metal Nanoparticles: An Analytical Approach, Greg Sun, Jacob B. Khurgin
Physics Faculty Publications
Using a simple and intuitive analytical approach, we perform optimization of a nanolens composed of coupled metal nanoparticles capable of subwavelength focusing of light inside the narrow gap separating the particles. Specifically, we optimize the structure of two nanospheres of different sizes to achieve maximum field enhancement at an off-center position in the gap. We demonstrate that the nanolens of two or more spheres acts simultaneously as an efficient antenna with large dipole and an efficient cavity with small effective volume.
Theory Of Optical Emission Enhancement By Coupled Metal Nanoparticles: An Analytical Approach, Greg Sun, Jacob B. Khurgin
Theory Of Optical Emission Enhancement By Coupled Metal Nanoparticles: An Analytical Approach, Greg Sun, Jacob B. Khurgin
Physics Faculty Publications
We present an analytical “coupled mode” model explaining enhancement of emission by an emitter placed within complexes of metal nanoparticles and apply it for an important case of an emitter placed inside the gap of two coupled Au nanospheres. This approach has dual advantages of exposing the underling physics of the enhancement and revealing a straightforward path toward optimization.
Comparative Study Of Field Enhancement Between Isolated And Coupled Metal Nanoparticles: An Analytical Approach, Greg Sun, Jacob B. Khurgin
Comparative Study Of Field Enhancement Between Isolated And Coupled Metal Nanoparticles: An Analytical Approach, Greg Sun, Jacob B. Khurgin
Physics Faculty Publications
We present an analytical model that takes into account the coupling between the surface plasmon modes in complex metal nanostructures. We apply this model to evaluate the field enhancement in the gap of two coupled Au metal spheres embedded in GaN dielectric and compare the result with that obtained by the single sphere. The results show additional improvement can be obtained in the gap depending on the width of the gap. This approach offers a clear physical insight for the enhancement and a straightforward method for optimization.
Carrier Dynamics Of Terahertz Emission Based On Strained Sige/Si Single Quantum Well, K. M. Hung, J.-Y. Kuo, C. C. Hong, Greg Sun, R. A. Soref
Carrier Dynamics Of Terahertz Emission Based On Strained Sige/Si Single Quantum Well, K. M. Hung, J.-Y. Kuo, C. C. Hong, Greg Sun, R. A. Soref
Physics Faculty Publications
We report analysis of the carrier distribution during terahertz emission process with carrier–phonon interaction based on p-doped strained SiGe/Si single quantum-well. The results of this analysis show that a considerable number of carriers can penetrate the phonon wall to become “hot” carriers on an approximately picosecond timescale. These hot carriers relax after the removal of the applied voltage, generating a “second” emission in the measurement. This investigation provides an understanding of the carrier dynamics of terahertz emission and has an implication for the design of semiconductor terahertz emitters.
In Search Of The Elusive Lossless Metal, Jacob B. Khurgin, Greg Sun
In Search Of The Elusive Lossless Metal, Jacob B. Khurgin, Greg Sun
Physics Faculty Publications
We show that when one looks beyond the Drude model of metal conductivity, the metals that may be extremely lossy for low frequency electromagnetic waves can become perfectly lossless in the mid-IR region or higher, while retaining the essential metallic characteristic of negative permittivity even at those frequencies. We identify that the transition to the lossless regime occurs when the interatomic distances in the lattice exceed certain values, typically a factor of two larger than those occurring in nature. We believe that advances in nanoassembly may render lossless metals feasible with revolutionary implications for the fields of plasmonics and metamaterials.
Nonlinear Photoacoustics For Measuring The Nonlinear Optical Absorption Coefficient, Chandra S. Yelleswarapu, Sri-Rajasekhar Kothapalli
Nonlinear Photoacoustics For Measuring The Nonlinear Optical Absorption Coefficient, Chandra S. Yelleswarapu, Sri-Rajasekhar Kothapalli
Physics Faculty Publications
We report a novel photoacoustic Z-scan (PAZ-scan) technique that combines the advantages offered by the conventional Z-scan method and the sensitivity of the photoacoustic detection. The sample is scanned through the focused laser beam and the generated photoacoustic signal is recorded using a 10 MHz focused ultrasound transducer. Since the signal strength is directly proportional to the optical absorption, PAZ-scan displays nonlinear behavior depicting the nonlinear optical absorption of the material. Among many advantages, our experiments on mouse blood show that PAZ-scan can potentially be used as a standard technique to calibrate contrast agents used in theranostics in general and …
Radiation Emission From Wrinkled Sige/Sige Nanostructure, A. I. Fedorchenko, H. H. Cheng, Greg Sun, R. A. Soref
Radiation Emission From Wrinkled Sige/Sige Nanostructure, A. I. Fedorchenko, H. H. Cheng, Greg Sun, R. A. Soref
Physics Faculty Publications
Semiconductor optical emitters radiate light via band-to-band optical transitions. Here, a different mechanism of radiation emission, which is not related to the energy band of the materials, is proposed. In the case of carriers traveling along a sinusoidal trajectory through a wrinkled nanostructure, radiation was emitted via changes in their velocity in a manner analogous to synchrotron radiation. The radiated frequency of wrinkled SiGe/SiGe nanostructure was found to cover a wide spectrum with radiation power levels of the order of submilliwatts. Thus, this nanostructure can be used as a Si-based optical emitter and it will enable the integration of optoelectronic …
Impact Of High-Order Surface Plasmon Modes Of Metal Nanoparticles On Enhancement Of Optical Emission, Greg Sun, Jacob B. Khurgin, C. C. Yang
Impact Of High-Order Surface Plasmon Modes Of Metal Nanoparticles On Enhancement Of Optical Emission, Greg Sun, Jacob B. Khurgin, C. C. Yang
Physics Faculty Publications
We consider the impact of high-order surface plasmon modes supported by the metal nanoparticles on the efficiency enhancement of optical emission. Using the example of Au nanosphere embedded in the GaN dielectric, we show that for an emitter with certain original radiative efficiency, placing the emitter too close to the metal sphere does not always produce additional enhancement. Thus our model provides analytical treatment of the luminescence quenching and can be used to optimize both nanoparticle size and its separation from the emitter to yield maximum enhancement.
Impact Of Disorder On Surface Plasmons In Two-Dimensional Arrays Of Metal Nanoparticles, Jacob B. Khurgin, Greg Sun
Impact Of Disorder On Surface Plasmons In Two-Dimensional Arrays Of Metal Nanoparticles, Jacob B. Khurgin, Greg Sun
Physics Faculty Publications
We study the impact of disorder on the properties of surface plasmons (SP) in metal nanoparticle arrays and develop analytical expressions enabling us to ascertain the degree of localization and mixing between the SP states. We show that it might be advantageous to intentionally introduce a certain degree of disorder in order to engineer the improved sensors and detectors.
Enhancement Of Light Absorption In A Quantum Well By Surface Plasmon Polariton, Jacob B. Khurgin, Greg Sun
Enhancement Of Light Absorption In A Quantum Well By Surface Plasmon Polariton, Jacob B. Khurgin, Greg Sun
Physics Faculty Publications
We investigate analytically the degree to which the absorption of light in a single quantum well can be enhanced in the proximity of a structured metallic surface and show that the wavelength at which the maximum enhancement of about one order of magnitude is attained depends on metal loss and the initial absorption in a quantum well.
Practical Enhancement Of Photoluminescence By Metal Nanoparticles, Greg Sun, Jacob B. Khurgin, R. A. Soref
Practical Enhancement Of Photoluminescence By Metal Nanoparticles, Greg Sun, Jacob B. Khurgin, R. A. Soref
Physics Faculty Publications
We develop a simple yet rigorous theory of the photoluminescence (PL) enhancement in the vicinity of metal nanoparticles. The enhancement takes place during both optical excitation and emission. The strong dependence on the nanoparticle size enables optimization for maximum PL efficiency. Using the example of InGaN quantum dots (QDs) positioned near Ag nanospheres embedded in GaN, we show that strong enhancement can be obtained only for those QDs, atoms, or molecules that are originally inefficient in absorbing as well as in emitting optical energy. We then discuss practical implications for sensor technology.
Practical Limits Of Absorption Enhancement Near Metal Nanoparticles, Jacob B. Khurgin, Greg Sun, R. A. Soref
Practical Limits Of Absorption Enhancement Near Metal Nanoparticles, Jacob B. Khurgin, Greg Sun, R. A. Soref
Physics Faculty Publications
We consider the enhanced absorption of optical radiation by molecules placed in the vicinity of spherical metal nanoparticles in the realistic situation that includes perturbation of the optical field by the absorbing molecules. We show that there is an optimal nanosphere radius that gives the strongest enhancement for each combination of the number of absorbing molecules, their absorption strength, and their distance from the nanosphere surface and that the enhancement is strong only for relatively weak and diluted absorbers.
Electron Tunneling In A Strained N-Type Si1−Xgex/Si/Si1−Xgex Double-Barrier Structure, K. M. Hung, T. H. Cheng, W. P. Huang, K. Y. Wang, H. H. Cheng, Greg Sun, R. A. Soref
Electron Tunneling In A Strained N-Type Si1−Xgex/Si/Si1−Xgex Double-Barrier Structure, K. M. Hung, T. H. Cheng, W. P. Huang, K. Y. Wang, H. H. Cheng, Greg Sun, R. A. Soref
Physics Faculty Publications
We report electrical measurements on an n-type Si1−xGex/Si/Si1−xGex double-barrier structure grown on a partially relaxed Si1−yGey buffer layer. Resonance tunneling of Δ4band electrons is demonstrated. This is attributed to the strain splitting in the SiGe buffer layer where the Δ4 band is lowest in energy at the electrode. Since the Δ4 band electrons have a much lighter effective mass along the direction of tunneling current in comparison with that of the Δ2 band electrons, this work presents an advantage over those …
Electroluminescence Efficiency Enhancement Using Metal Nanoparticles, Jacob B. Khurgin, Greg Sun, R. A. Soref
Electroluminescence Efficiency Enhancement Using Metal Nanoparticles, Jacob B. Khurgin, Greg Sun, R. A. Soref
Physics Faculty Publications
We apply the “effective mode volume” theory to evaluate enhancement of the electroluminescence efficiency of semiconductor emitters placed in the vicinity of isolated metal nanoparticles and their arrays. Using the example of an InGaN/GaN quantum-well active region positioned in close proximity to Ag nanospheres, we show that while the enhancement due to isolated metal nanoparticles is large, only modest enhancement can be obtained with ordered array of those particles. We further conclude that random assembly of isolated particles holds an advantage over the ordered arrays for light emitting devices of finite area.
Passive All-Optical Diode Using Asymmetric Nonlinear Absorption, Reji Philip, M. Anij, Chandra S. Yelleswarapu, D.V.G.L.N. Rao
Passive All-Optical Diode Using Asymmetric Nonlinear Absorption, Reji Philip, M. Anij, Chandra S. Yelleswarapu, D.V.G.L.N. Rao
Physics Faculty Publications
Saturable and reverse saturable absorptions are well-known phenomena, originating from the imaginary component of the third order nonlinear optical susceptibility. We note that structures with an axially asymmetric nonlinear absorption can be easily realized from saturable and reverse saturable absorption materials arranged in tandem. In this paper, the basic transmission behavior of such a structure is worked out. Detailed numerical simulations demonstrate passive all-optical diode behavior, and the results are verified experimentally. The principle will work for all light polarizations, has no phase-matching restrictions, and can be extended to a large number of available nonlinear media for possible applications.
Observation Of Type-I And Type-Ii Excitons In Strained Si/Sige Quantum-Well Structures, K. Y. Wang, W. P. Huang, H. H. Cheng, Greg Sun, R. A. Soref, R. J. Nicholas, Y. W. Suen
Observation Of Type-I And Type-Ii Excitons In Strained Si/Sige Quantum-Well Structures, K. Y. Wang, W. P. Huang, H. H. Cheng, Greg Sun, R. A. Soref, R. J. Nicholas, Y. W. Suen
Physics Faculty Publications
The authors report photoluminescence (PL) measurement on a series of Si/SiGequantum-well structures that had different internal strain distributions. When each sample was placed in a high magnetic field, the field-dependent energy shift of the relevant PL peaks revealed either type-I or type-II exciton formation depending on the strain distribution. This observation is in agreement with theoretical modeling. The present investigation shows that type-I band alignment—desired for electroluminescent devices—can be achieved by strain engineering.
Strain-Free Ge/Gesisn Quantum Cascade Lasers Based On L-Valley Intersubband Transitions, Greg Sun, H. H. Cheng, J. Menéndez, Jacob B. Khurgin, R. A. Soref
Strain-Free Ge/Gesisn Quantum Cascade Lasers Based On L-Valley Intersubband Transitions, Greg Sun, H. H. Cheng, J. Menéndez, Jacob B. Khurgin, R. A. Soref
Physics Faculty Publications
The authors propose a Ge/Ge0.76Si0.19Sn0.05 quantum cascade laser using intersubband transitions at L valleys of the conduction band which has a “clean” offset of150 meV situated below other energy valleys (Γ,X). The entire structure is strain-free because the lattice-matched Ge and Ge0.76Si0.19Sn0.05 layers are to be grown on a relaxed Ge buffer layer on a Si substrate. Longer lifetimes due to the weaker scattering of nonpolar optical phonons reduce the threshold current and potentially lead to room temperature operation.
Practicable Enhancement Of Spontaneous Emission Using Surface Plasmons, Greg Sun, Jacob B. Khurgin, Richard A. Soref
Practicable Enhancement Of Spontaneous Emission Using Surface Plasmons, Greg Sun, Jacob B. Khurgin, Richard A. Soref
Physics Faculty Publications
The authors develop a rigorous theory of the enhancement of spontaneous emission from a light emitting device via coupling the radiant energy in and out of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) on the metal-dielectric interface. Using the GaN/Ag system as an example, the authors show that using SPP pays off only for emitters that have a low luminescence efficiency.
Phase Contrast Imaging Using Photothermally Induced Phase Transitions In Liquid Crystals, Chandra S. Yelleswarapu, Sri-Rajasekhar Kothapalli, Francisco J. Aranda, D.V.G.L.N. Rao, Yvonne Vaillancourt, Brian R. Kimball
Phase Contrast Imaging Using Photothermally Induced Phase Transitions In Liquid Crystals, Chandra S. Yelleswarapu, Sri-Rajasekhar Kothapalli, Francisco J. Aranda, D.V.G.L.N. Rao, Yvonne Vaillancourt, Brian R. Kimball
Physics Faculty Publications
Phase contrast imaging is performed for live biological species using photothermal induced birefringence in dye doped liquid crystals. Using typical 4-f configuration, when liquid crystal cell is at back focal plane of Fourier lens, low spatial frequencies at center of Fourier spectrum are intense enough to induce local liquid crystal molecules into isotropic phase, whereas high spatial frequencies on the edges are not intense enough and remain in anisotropic phase. This results in π/2 phase difference between high and low spatial frequencies. This simple, inexpensive, all-optical, user-friendly, self-adaptive phase contrast imaging technique using low-power laser offers several distinct advantages.
Nonlinear All-Optical Gan/Algan Multi-Quantum-Well Devices For 100 Gb/S Applications At Λ = 1.55 Μm, Greg Sun, Jacob B. Khurgin, Richard A. Soref
Nonlinear All-Optical Gan/Algan Multi-Quantum-Well Devices For 100 Gb/S Applications At Λ = 1.55 Μm, Greg Sun, Jacob B. Khurgin, Richard A. Soref
Physics Faculty Publications
Using quantum-mechanical analysis, a strain-balanced stack of coupled GaN/AlGaNquantum wells has been engineered for bandwidth-optimized all-optical switching at low switching powers. Intersubband transitions between three conduction subbands provide the basis for the large, fast, nonlinear optical response. Optimized performance for a given symbol rate is obtained by engineering the response time and nonlinear phase shift.
Medical Image Processing Using Transient Fourier Holography In Bacteriorhodopsin Films, Sri-Rajasekhar Kothapalli, Pengfei Wu, Chandra S. Yelleswarapu, D.V.G.L.N. Rao
Medical Image Processing Using Transient Fourier Holography In Bacteriorhodopsin Films, Sri-Rajasekhar Kothapalli, Pengfei Wu, Chandra S. Yelleswarapu, D.V.G.L.N. Rao
Physics Faculty Publications
Real time image processing is demonstrated by recording and reconstructing the transient photoisomerizative grating formed in the bR film using Fourier holography. Desired spatial frequencies including both high and low band in the object beam are reconstructed by controlling the reference beam intensity. The results are in agreement with a theoretical model based on photoisomerization grating. We exploit this technique to process mammograms in real-time for identification of microcalcifications buried in the soft tissue for early detection of breast cancer. A feature of the technique is the ability to transient display of selected spatial frequencies in the reconstructing process which …
Reduced Threshold Current Of A Quantum Dot Laser In A Short Period Superlattice Of Indirect-Band Gap, Greg Sun, Richard A. Soref, Jacob B. Khurgin
Reduced Threshold Current Of A Quantum Dot Laser In A Short Period Superlattice Of Indirect-Band Gap, Greg Sun, Richard A. Soref, Jacob B. Khurgin
Physics Faculty Publications
We propose the idea of making quantum dot lasers by embedding direct-band gap quantum dots in a short period superlattice whose band gap is indirect. This technique reduces the threshold current and its temperature dependence. We show that a higher characteristic-temperature T0 can be achieved in a quantum dot laser with indirect GaAs/AlAs superlattice barriers compared to that with direct GaAs barriers.
Enhancement Of Photoinduced Anisotropy And All-Optical Switching In Bacteriorhodopsin Films, Pengfei Wu, D.V.G.L.N. Rao, B. R. Kimball, M. Nakashima, B. S. Decristofano
Enhancement Of Photoinduced Anisotropy And All-Optical Switching In Bacteriorhodopsin Films, Pengfei Wu, D.V.G.L.N. Rao, B. R. Kimball, M. Nakashima, B. S. Decristofano
Physics Faculty Publications
Large enhancement of photoanisotropic effects is demonstrated in thin films of the biomaterial Bacteriorhodopsin by using two exciting beams of orthogonal polarization. The mechanism of the enhancement originates from optimization of direction-selected photoisomerization of the biomaterial controlled by the polarized exciting beams. The technique is applied for achieving an all-optical switch with the additional feature of output sign control.
Terahertz Gain In A Sige/Si Quantum Staircase Utilizing The Heavy-Hole Inverted Effective Mass, Richard A. Soref, Greg Sun
Terahertz Gain In A Sige/Si Quantum Staircase Utilizing The Heavy-Hole Inverted Effective Mass, Richard A. Soref, Greg Sun
Physics Faculty Publications
Modeling and design studies show that a strain-balanced Si1−xGex/Si superlattice onSi1−yGey-buffered Si can be engineered to give an inverted effective mass HH2 subband adjacent to HH1, thereby enabling a 77 K edge-emitting electrically pumped p–i–pquantum staircase laser for THz emission at energies below the 37 meV Ge–Ge optical phonon energy. Analysis of hole-phonon scattering, lifetimes, matrix elements, and hole populations indicates that a gain of 450 cm−1 will be feasible at f = 7.3 THz during 1.7 kA/cm2 current injection.
Phonon-Pumped Terahertz Gain In N-Type Gaas/Algaas Superlattices, Greg Sun, Richard A. Soref
Phonon-Pumped Terahertz Gain In N-Type Gaas/Algaas Superlattices, Greg Sun, Richard A. Soref
Physics Faculty Publications
Local population inversion and far-IR gain are proposed and theoretically analyzed for an unbiased n-doped GaAs/Al0.15Ga0.85As superlattice pumped solely by phonons. The lasing transition occurs at the Brillouin zone boundary of the superlattice wave vector kzbetween the two conduction minibands CB1 and CB2 of the opposite curvature in kzspace. The proposed waveguided structure is contacted above and below by heat sinks at 300 K and 77 K, respectively. Atop the superlattice, a heat buffer layer confines longitudinal optical phonons for enhanced optical-phonon pumping of CB1 electrons. A gain of 345 cm …
Nonvolatile Grating In An Azobenzene Polymer With Optimized Molecular Reorientation, Pengfei Wu, D.V.G.L.N. Rao, B. R. Kimball, M. Nakashima, B. S. Decristofano
Nonvolatile Grating In An Azobenzene Polymer With Optimized Molecular Reorientation, Pengfei Wu, D.V.G.L.N. Rao, B. R. Kimball, M. Nakashima, B. S. Decristofano
Physics Faculty Publications
We demonstrated a nonvolatile grating using an azobenzene polymer film with polarized two color beams. The reorientation of azobenzene molecules can be optimized when the two color light beams are polarized perpendicularly. The stored information can be read repeatedly without volatility with the same wavelength as the writing beam.
Sige/Si Thz Laser Based On Transitions Between Inverted Mass Light-Hole And Heavy-Hole Subbands, L. Friedman, Greg Sun, Richard A. Soref
Sige/Si Thz Laser Based On Transitions Between Inverted Mass Light-Hole And Heavy-Hole Subbands, L. Friedman, Greg Sun, Richard A. Soref
Physics Faculty Publications
We have investigated a SiGe/Si quantum-well laser based on transitions between the light-hole and heavy-hole subbands. The lasing occurs in the region of k space where the dispersion of ground-state light-hole subband is so nonparabolic that its effective mass is inverted. This kind of lasing mechanism makes total population inversion between the two subbands unnecessary. The laser structure can be electrically pumped through tunneling in a quantum cascade scheme. Optical gain as high as 172/cm at the wavelength of 50 μm can be achieved at the temperature of liquid nitrogen, even when the population of the upper laser subband is …