Speaker: Nelson Tabiryan, CEO, Beam Engineering for Advanced Measurements Corporation (BEAM Co.)
Topic: “The Fourth Generation Optics, The Concept, Materials, Technology, and Applications”
Abstract: The Seminar provides an intuitive introduction into the underlying principles of the new generation of optical components and systems, requiring only basic knowledge (or just an interest) in optics. The course will make it evident for attendees that:
- a micrometer-thin film may perform as a lens, prism, spiral phase plate, beam shaper, etc., and in a broadband of wavelengths comparable to that of optical materials transparent in different bands of spectrum, from UV to infrared;
- optical functions can be switched on and off with low voltage controls;
- modular thin film optical components can be combined to provide versatile beam control functions such as all-electronic beam steering, switching between multiple focal points, spectral tuning, variable transmission, etc.;
- ultralight and ultrathin films may be used as primary optics for large telescopes, both for deep space communication as well as imaging, power beaming and space travel.
The first generation of optics relied on shaping an optically transparent material such as glass. Modulating, instead of shape, refractive index in the bulk of the material – the second generation of optics – allows thinner components but compromises bandwidth. Anisotropic materials make available two more parameters for controlling light beams. LCD industry is exploring one of them, modulation of effective birefringence − the third generation of optics. A recent breakthrough, the fourth generation of optics, relates to patterning optical axis orientation in the plane of anisotropic films [1]. Obtained as thin film coatings on any desired substrate, including plastic, flat or curved, all different varieties of optical functions can now be performed using the materials and processes in green, fast, and inexpensive manufacturing processes.
4G lenses, prisms, vortex waveplates, etc., are thin films of continuous structure overcoming performance and fabrication limitations of metasurface optics. 4G optics technology is at high level of maturity and is adapted for modern applications including LiDARs for modern and emerging applications such as auto-navigation, power beaming, augmented reality displays, adaptive ophthalmic lenses, space telescopes, and solar sails.
Biography: Dr. Nelson Tabiryan is the CEO of Beam Engineering for Advanced Measurements Corporation (BEAM Co.) co-founded with Dr. Boris Zeldovich in 1996. The company pioneered and is leading the development of the Fourth Generation Optics technology having demonstrated the first 4G planar lenses and related breakthrough optics and photonics components and devices for augmented reality glasses, non-mechanical beam steering systems for auto-navigation and free-space optical communication, high power laser beam control systems, and for other modern and emerging applications. Dr. Tabiryan is OSA Fellow, NIAC Fellow, recipient of the Frederiks Medal, and the American Chemical Society’s Cooperative Research Award (with T.J. Bunning and T.J. White). He is the chairman/co-chairman, program committee member, keynote, plenary and invited speaker in numerous conferences with over 300 published papers and 50 issued patents covering all key aspects of geometrical phase optics.
The Seminars is open to the public free of charge.
*For further information, please contact Dr. Yifei
Science & Engineering Building (SENG), Room 222
: Zoom Link: https://umassd.zoom.us/j/97061256166 Meeting ID: 970 6125 6166 Passcode: 181054
Yifei Li
5089998841
yifei.li@umassd.edu
https://umassd.zoom.us/j/97061256166