Multilayer nanostructured coatings with non-linear optical response for manipulation of high energy coherent beams

The proposed work will investigate unique multilayer coating design architectures utilizing 2-Dimensional (2D) layered materials with giant two-photon absorption, such as WS2 and WSe2, placed between multilayer Bragg mirrors to produce reflective optical limiters. These optical limiters will transition from transparent to reflective when the incoming intensity exceeds a critical value. This represents a unique approach to manipulation high energy coherent beams, as most approaches rely on a transition to a high absorption level to protect underlying materials or components which typically results in significant damage of the absorber, and therefore limited durability. In addition, our approach offers significant improvements to the dynamic range and enables a tailored broadband response, while the transmission frequencies can be tailored to act as a filter at low irradiance levels, thereby providing increased functionality. If successful, this technology can help mitigate threats from high energy coherent beams of multiple wavelengths in a single system, with high durability, representing a unique asymmetric advantage over potential adversaries or threats. In addition, this technology has uses throughout the optics and electronics fields for transmission and redirection of coherent beams.