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Multifunctional Volumetric Metaoptics

Citation

Ballew, Conner Kiley (2022) Multifunctional Volumetric Metaoptics. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/dn7h-6r72. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:08272021-165922711

Abstract

Optical systems are often comprised of modular arrangements of components, and the improvement of these systems has historically leaned on the precise manufacturing and alignment of the comprising elements. This provides an intuitive pathway to optical design, but ultimately yields systems that are far bulkier than required by the laws of physics. It is often the case that the required degrees of freedom to achieve complex tasks is present within dielectric volumes that are only several wavelengths per side, and these degrees of freedom can be accessed by patterning the dielectric volume with subwavelength resolution. Even in such small volumes, all of the fundamental properties of light (wavelength, polarization, k-vector) can be controlled which opens the possibility for extremely multifunctional, compact image sensor elements. The determination of the refractive index distribution of these devices has historically been a challenging inverse-design problem, and the fabrication of 3D dielectric devices is a challenge unique to different regimes of the electromagnetic spectrum. This thesis utilizes current state-of-the-art optimization techniques to design multifunctional volumetric devices, and theoretically expands upon the techniques to facilitate the optimization of high index contrast structures. Multiple microwave prototypes are measured, devices operating at terahertz frequencies are fabricated using silicon micromachining, and optical devices with resolutions achievable with CMOS processing techniques are studied for next-generation camera sensors.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Optics; metaoptics; optical metamaterials; inverse design; volumetric; adjoint method; multifunctional; multi-functional
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Electrical Engineering
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Faraon, Andrei
Thesis Committee:
  • Yang, Changhuei (chair)
  • Bouman, Katherine L.
  • Faraon, Andrei
  • Golwala, Sunil
Defense Date:3 August 2021
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:08272021-165922711
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:08272021-165922711
DOI:10.7907/dn7h-6r72
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
https://arxiv.org/abs/2107.09468arXivAdapted for part of Chapter 2.
https://doi.org/10.1364/OPTICA.384228DOIAdapted for part of Chapter 3.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-88785-5DOIAdapted for part of Chapter 3.
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Ballew, Conner Kiley0000-0003-4854-8342
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:14344
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Conner Ballew
Deposited On:31 Aug 2021 16:02
Last Modified:04 Aug 2022 18:24

Thesis Files

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