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Plasmonic Cavity Spectroscopic Polarimeter

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Air Force 		Award ID:
90164 		Program Year/Program:
2010 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
F08A-027-0139 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
AF 08T027 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
ITN Energy Systems, Inc.
8130 Shaffer Parkway  Littleton , CO 80127-4107
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 2
Fiscal Year: 2010
Title: Plasmonic Cavity Spectroscopic Polarimeter
Agency / Branch: DOD / USAF
Contract: FA9550-10-C-0024
Award Amount: $750,000.00
 

Abstract:

This Small Business Technology Transfer program will develop a spectroscopic polarimeter-on-a-chip using novel plasmonic resonant cavities sensitive to linear polarization over a narrow wavelength range. Spectral selection will be possible through geometric scaling, with this work concentrating on the visible to near infrared wavelength band. Dielectric gratings with subwavelength period will act as a quarter wave plate to convert circularly polarized light into linear polarization on selected pixels. This will allow complete measurement of the polarization state with no moving parts. Detailed performance predictions will be obtained through finite element modeling (FEM) of the harmonic Maxwell's equations. The FEM provides detailed field information, including E field, B field, energy density, and time dependent information with subwavelength resolution, which greatly aids in understanding the underlying physical mechanisms. Test structures will be made using well established nanofabrication facilities, and characterized with spectral and polarization sensitive far field techniques. Work will conclude with the fabrication of a 2x2 array engineering demonstration unit with full polarization sensitivity. BENEFIT: This program will develop spectroscopic polarimeters for advanced imaging applications in visible to near IR wavelengths. However, the basic structures can readily be scaled to longer wavelengths. The plasmonic resonant cavities can be adapted for a wide range of other applications including surface enhanced RAMAN spectroscopy, optical modulators, and electric field sensors among others.

Principal Investigator:

Russell Hollingsworth
Senior scientist
3032855154
rhollingsworth@itnes.com

Business Contact:

Debra Werges
Contract administration
3032855129
dwerges@itnes.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

ITN Energy Systems, Inc.
8130 Shaffer Parkway Littleton, CO 80127

EIN/Tax ID: 841582609
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
Research Institution Information:
Colorado School of Mines
1500 Illinois St.
Golden, CO 80401
Contact: Ralph Brown
Contact Phone: 3032733411