You are here

Plasmonic Cavity Spectroscopic Polarimeter

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA9550-10-C-0024
Agency Tracking Number: F08A-027-0139
Amount: $750,000.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF08-T027
Solicitation Number: 2008.A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2008
Award Year: 2010
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2009-11-30
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2011-11-30
Small Business Information
8130 Shaffer Parkway
Littleton, CO 80127
United States
DUNS: 040245305
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Russell Hollingsworth
 Senior scientist
 (303) 285-5154
 rhollingsworth@itnes.com
Business Contact
 Debra Werges
Title: Contract administration
Phone: (303) 285-5129
Email: dwerges@itnes.com
Research Institution
 Colorado School of Mines
 Ralph Brown
 
1500 Illinois St.
Golden, CO 80401
United States

 (303) 273-3411
 Nonprofit College or University
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.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government