Speaker
Description
Functional materials embedded in three-dimensional photonic microstructures offer new routes for advanced photonic devices. We present two different approaches towards such devices: the incorporation of colloidal quantum dots (QDs) into 3D-printed microstructures for hyperspectral sensing applications, and the integration of the nonlinear organic molecule DDMEBT into 3D microstructures to realize all-optical functionalities.
Quantum dots with size-dependent electronic properties are attractive as wavelength-selective optical materials for sensing applications. One key application benefiting from the spectral selectivity is hyperspectral imaging, where a complete optical spectrum is acquired for each image pixel, enabling the identification of materials in fields ranging from environmental monitoring to forensic analysis.
However, current systems rely on bulky dispersive optics with limited quantum efficiency and poor performance at low light levels. This restricts measurements on weakly illuminated or strongly absorbing samples and hampers integration into compact devices. To address these limitations, this project integrates size-tuned QDs into 3D-printed photonic waveguide structures, where stacked QD layers provide wavelength-resolved detection without large optical components.
In this contribution, suitable photoresists and polymer host materials are screened regarding QD compatibility and spectroscopic functionality as prerequisites for efficient waveguide infiltration.
In a complementary approach, DDMEBT is investigated in photoresist and polymer composite systems. Combining strong optical Kerr nonlinearity with a comparatively high refractive index, it offers potential for all-optical signal processing and switching. Here, the compatibility with different host materials and the resulting nonlinear optical properties are studied as a first step towards 3D-printed microstructures for integrated nonlinear photonic devices.
