Plasmonic Beamsteering

The plasmonic beamsteering device proposed by EOS Photonics to meet the requirements of the present SBIR topic is an evolution of the plasmonic collimators developed at Harvard University. It includes several novel components and design improvements that will augment the capability of the original technology. In particular, we will use electro-optic materials in conjunction with plasmonic nanostructures to allow for fast beamsteering. In Phase I we will develop the concepts and designs for active beamsteering devices with integrated plasmonic nanostructures. At the end of Phase I we will deliver a prototype demonstrating the feasibility of our approach for beamsteering. In Phase II, we will explore soft-lithography fabrication techniques which will allow for high throughput and low-cost fabrication. We will also engineer active devices with two-dimensional beamsteering capabilities. BENEFIT: Specific applications within the Infrared spectroscopy market segment are as numerous as they are varied. Support by the Air Force"s SBIR program would allow EOS to produce ultra-compact and rugged sensors that can help to fill several commercial market needs while at the same time addressing a number of critical non-commercial and homeland security objectives. The technology proposed here would allow us to further reduce the size of our sensors, make them more rugged, and, most importantly, to enhance their capabilities. Beamsteering using plasmonic nanostructures is an excellent example for an application where integration of plasmonic nanostructures not only reduces the device footprint but also enables new functionalities. Compact and rugged laser based sensors from EOS Photonics have already garnered great interest from industry leaders (Bruker, Thermo) and the DOD through its affiliated laboratories. These partnerships allow EOS to focus on its core competencies while benefiting from the existing sales, marketing, and distribution capabilities of larger entities.