Optical Device and Technologies
Mission
The mission of the Optical Devices and Technologies area is to exploit or invent new optical devices that enable sensor or system applications in defense, environmental, security, and industrial markets. These include, but are not limited to, laser-based sensors employing novel laser, optical, or material systems. Applied research in atomic physics, photonics, plasmonics, laser devices, and electromagnetics are conducted to support this mission.
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SEM image of PSI-designed anti-reflection coating applied to the emitting facet of a room-temperature, continuous wave quantum cascade laser. These coatings are enabling development of high performance, broadly tunable infrared lasers for a variety of sensing applications. |
Core Competencies
Core competencies include: optical system design, electro-optic materials, spectroscopy of gases, laser-based sensing modalities, diode lasers, quantum cascade lasers, optical THz sources, surface plasmon modeling and devices, cold and ultracold atomic systems, and integrated photonics.
Current areas of emphasis and investment are: MWIR/LWIR/THz quantum cascade lasers and applications; non-linear optical materials based on compound semiconductors; integrated optical components based on surface plasmons, and cold / ultracold atom systems. ODT technologies and programs support application-driven sensor/system efforts in many of PSI's business areas.
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Nomarski micro-graph of orientation-patterned crystal domains in GaAs. Using PSI-designed fabrication processes, new classes of non-linear optical materials are being developed to enable efficient laser wavelength conversion throughout the visible and infra-red spectral regions. Commercial products are available at OP-GaAs Frequency Comverter Devices |
Current Research Thrusts Include:
- Surface-Plasmon-Enhanced Optical Isolator
- Sponsor: DARPA/MTO
- Objective: To develop a compact, efficient optical isolator for integrated optics applications.
- Miniature Ultracold Atom Chamber
- Sponsor: NAVAIR
- Objective: To develop a compact, portable source of cold atoms without active pumps for atom
optics sensors.
- Commercial Methods for Production of OP-GaAs
- Sponsor: AFOSR
- Objectives: To demonstrate commercial fabrication processes for production of non-linear optical
materials based on orientation-patterned compound semiconductors.
- UV Beam Conditioner for Quantum Computing
- Sponsor: ARO
- Objective: To develop a versatile ultraviolet laser beam frequency and amplitude control system for
trapped ion quantum computing experiment.
- Solariton - Solar Energy Generation using Plasmon Layers in Flexible Organic Solar Cells
- Sponsor: AFOSR
- Objective: To enhance the efficiency of organic photovoltaic cells using embedded periodic metallic
gratings.
Area Leadership
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Dr. Joel Hensley |
The Area is lead by Dr. Joel Hensley who received a B.S. degrees in Physics and Mathematics summa cum laude in 1992 from Duke University. He then spent a year as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Constance in Germany conducting research in atomic physics. In 2001, Dr. Hensley received his Ph.D. degree in Physics from Stanford University. Since joining PSI in 2001 as a Principal Scientist, Dr. Hensley has contributed to and led projects involving sonar ranging, optical diagnostics for microfluidic devices, standoff detection of chemical agents, and in-situ monitoring of trace amounts of atmospheric, industrial, and medically relevant gases using laser sources from the midwave- to far-infrared.
Contact
Joel Hensley
Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810-1077
Telephone: (978) 689-0003
Fax: (978) 689-3232
hensley@psicorp.com