Description of current projects

Electronic properties of organic semiconductors  (Jonathan Day)

Collaborations: Prof. J. E. Anthony (Dept. of Chemistry, University of Kentucky), Prof. R. J.  Twieg (Dept. of Chemistry, Kent State University)

This project involves exploring photoconductive properties of functionalized acene derivatives doped with dicyanomethylenedihydrofuran (DCDHF) derivatives on time scales from picoseconds to many seconds after photoexcitation. The goal of the project is to understand physical mechanisms of charge photogeneration, transport, trapping and recombination in these high-performance organic electronic materials, to explore structure-property relationships, and to access feasibility of using these materials in optoelectronic applications.   [Supported by PRF and ONAMI/ONR.]

Photophysical properties of organic semiconductors  (Andrew Platt)

Collaborations: Prof. J. E. Anthony (Dept. of Chemistry, University of Kentucky), Prof. R. J.  Twieg (Dept. of Chemistry, Kent State University)

This project involves probing time-resolved dynamics of excited states in doped polyacenes in thin films (bulk) and on the single-molecule level. The goal of this project is to understand energy- and charge-transfer dynamics on a molecular level, to develop a molecular model describing exciton and charge-carrier dynamics in high-performance organic semiconductors, and to demonstrate single-molecule optoelectronic devices.   [Supported by PRF and ONAMI/ONR.]

Simultaneous optical tweezer trapping and fluorescence spectroscopy  (Mark Kendrick)

In this project, we investigate resonantly enhanced optical tweezer trapping forces and use them for improving sensitivity of fluorescence detection, as well as for probing inhomogeneity of various properties in complex media such as biological cells.   [Supported by ONAMI/ONR.]

Autocorrelation and frequency-resolved optical gating (FROG) of ultrashort pulses  (Sam Peterson)

This project involves design, calibration, and testing of an autocorrelator/FROG combo, which allows for measurement of the time-dependent intensity and phase of ultrashort light pulses. The purpose of this setup is to monitor pulse shapes of the sub-25 fs pulses produced by our Ti:Sapphire oscillator at various locations to ensure proper dispersion compensation and beam characterization.

Frequency-selective polymer nano-structures  (Oksana Ostroverkhova)

Collaborations: Prof. S. Atre (Dept. of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Oregon State University), Prof. B. Shanker (Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University)

This project involves developing nanostructured polymer composites with frequency-selective optical transmission and reflection characteristics. The goal of the project is to theoretically model, fabricate, and characterize efficient thin-film filters with ultra-high reflectivity at certain wavelengths.

Response of bumble bees to various light conditions   (Oksana Ostroverkhova)

Collaborations: Prof. S. Rao, Prof. W. P. Stephen (both at Entomology departments, Oregon State University), W. Hetherington (Physics, Oregon State University).

In this project, we probe wavelength sensitivities of bees. Field studies are combined with optical characterization of bee traps.

3D photorefractive updateable holographic displays   (Oksana Ostroverkhova)

Collaborations: Profs.  N. Peyghambarian, R. A. Norwood (College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona)

In this project, we develop, test and model performance of novel photorefractive polymers and adapt them for applications in 3D displays.   [Supported by AFOSR.]