NonLinear Optical Materials and Applications
Mission
The Nonlinear Optical Materials and Applications Group uses nonlinear optics for the generation and detection of coherent radiation from the THz through the ultraviolet for applications in gas sensing, non-destructive evaluation, detection of hazardous materials, industrial process control, infrared countermeasures, projection display systems, and optical communications.
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Wafer of periodically poled stoichiometric lithium tantalate (PPSLT). |
Core Competencies
Core competencies include design and fabrication of engineered nonlinear optical materials, design and fabrication of optical waveguides, fiber pigtailing, generation of THz radiation using ultrafast lasers, using THz pulses for spectroscopic detection of explosives, using THz pulses for measuring film thicknesses, optical communications using THz quantum cascade lasers and gas sensing based on mid-infrared generation in waveguides.
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Broadly tunable mid-infrared laser spectrometer. |
Current Research Thrusts Include:
- Non-Contact Paint Sensor:
- Sponsor: ONR
- Objectives: Develop Portable THz-Based Instrument for Automated Control of Paint Thickness.
- Diode-Pumped High Power Laser
- Sponsor: NSF (through a subcontract to Q-Peak)
- Objectives: Develop Compact THz Spectrometer Based on an Ultrafast Cr:LiSAF Laser.
- Laser-Based Diagnostics for Arc Heated Flows
- Sponsor: Arnold Engineering Development Center
- Objectives: Develop Laser-Based System for Measuring Number Density, Velocity, and Temperature of Atomic Oxygen in a Hypersonic Wind Tunnel.
- Crystal Fabrication
- Objectives: Provide Specialty Electro-Optic Components and Testing Services.
Area Leadership
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Dr. Douglas Bamford |
The Nonlinear Optical Materials and Applications Group is led by Dr. Douglas Bamford. Dr. Bamford has 27 years of experience in laser-related research in the fields of spectroscopic gas detection, wind tunnel diagnostics, free electron laser development, non-linear optics, and gas-phase chemical reaction dynamics.
Contact
Douglas Bamford
Physical Sciences Inc.
6652 Owens Drive
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Telephone: (925) 743-1110
Fax: (925) 460-0110