Nonlinear Optical Materials and Applications

Mission

The Nonlinear Optical Materials and Applications Group conducts research and development in the areas of engineered nonlinear optical materials, optical waveguides, and terahertz technology for applications in gas sensing, detection of explosives and other hazardous materials, process control in defense industries, infrared countermeasures, visible lasers for projection display systems, and optical communications.

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.

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

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.

Douglas Bamford Physical Sciences Inc. 2110 Omega Road/Suite D San Ramon, CA 94583 Telephone: (925) 743-1110 Fax: (925) 743-1117 bamford@psicorp.com

 

 

Nonlinear Optical Materials and Applications Publications Noninear Optical Materials and Applications Presentations