Nano-scale Optical Components

For Phase 1, NanoOpto proposes to fabricate and demonstrate a pixellated polarimeter, designed to be used in conjunction with image sensors such as focal plane arrays, for purposes of enhancing existing and future imaging technology. A 6-pixel array will have the capability of determining four linear polarization states (Stokes vectors), as well as two circular polarization states; this array will be repeated throughout the device, and will cover the spectral region 300-2000nm. The pixels will consist of robust nanoscale gratings fabricated using dielectric materials. Materials will be deposited using nanoscale (monolayer) deposition techniques, and structures will be defined using nanoimprint techniques. A 1024 x 768 array device (10.24mm x 7.68mm) will be demonstrated. The University of Michigan will, in parallel, develop materials and roller-based nano-imprinting systems designed to allow the demonstrated polarimater, and similar devices, to be mass-produced for commercial purposes.