Fabrication of aberration-free gradient index nonlinear optical materials

ABSTRACT: A fast, 1-cm diameter cylindrical gradient index (GRIN) nonlinear optical (NLO) refractive index lens, with large radial linear and nonlinear optical index gradients in all three optical axes will be fabricated using ink jet printing (IJP). The goal is to demonstrate the ability to modulate the third-order susceptibility by 1000x over silica. To achieve the desired performance, existing nanocomposite optical inks will be improved by including organic and inorganic chromophores in the inks. IJP deposition processes will be enhanced to allow micron-scale volumetric-control over the refractive index gradients. A series of linear, radial, and torsional Wood lens test structures will be modeled and tested, before the final 1-cm Wood lens prototype, demonstrating nonlinear and self-focusing, is fabricated, characterized, and delivered to the sponsor. BENEFIT: Markets benefiting from the innovation include: low-profile cell phone camera lenses, smart glasses, solar concentrators, eye glasses & ophthalmic goods, night vision goggle lenses, 3D LED films, microlens arrays, 3D imaging, CMOS photonics & optical backplanes, endoscopy & medical optical instrumentation, and military optics.