Nonlinear photonics: spectroscopy and advanced processing of materials

Abstract

The technological impact of Photonics is present from devices for optical communications to applications in medicine, also having a significant economic repercussion worldwide. Photonics is closely linked to nonlinear optics, which studies processes resulting from the interaction of light with matter in the regime of high light intensities. In this way, the development of new devices or applications in Photonics requires a comprehensive approach, ranging from fundamental studies in nonlinear optics to advanced materials processing. In this sense, this project aims, in a general way, to investigate nonlinear processes in photonic materials in different spectral regimes, from the ultraviolet to the medium infrared, as well as the processing of materials with ultrashort pulses for the development of integrated platforms in Photonics and Biophotonics. Thus, in a first strand nonlinear optical methods will be used, in a wide spectral range, to study and develop photonic materials, addressing aspects of fundamental and applied interest. New organic materials, semiconductors, special vitreous systems (chalcogenetos and tellurides) and gases will be targets of this project. Therefore, this sub-area proposes scientific challenges regarding the nonlinear interaction of light with matter in novel materials and in unexplored spectral regions. A second strand of the project will be devoted to the advanced processing of materials with femtosecond pulses, specifically the production of waveguides in special materials, obtaining color centers, fabrication of complex three-dimensional structures, including polymeric micro-resonators, etc. Also in this context, platforms will be developed for Biophotonics, aiming at applications in biosensors, drug tests and studies of fundamental aspects of the development of cells and bacteria in micro-environments. Therefore, the proposed project is aligned with the overall research progress in the area of nonlinear Photonics, a fundamental area for the generation of new technologies, also involving aspects of interest from a fundamental point of view. (AU)