Glasses for Terahertz Optics and Photonics

Dr. S. K. Sundaram, Inamori Professor of Materials Science and Engineering (Endowed Chair) and Chair of the Mechanical, Electrical, and Renewable Energy Engineering, Alfred University

Presented on Zoom

Zoom Information

Zoom:https://rochester.zoom.us/j/95276747247?pwd=WlBieEFIWUg2N0Y3bDFsa25KcFZCQT09
Meeting ID: 952 7674 7247
Passcode: 964579

Abstract

We have studied borosilicate, tellurite, and chalcogenide glass families, performing in-depth structural and THz optical property, e.g., refractive index and absorption coefficient, studies, resulting in structure-THz property relationships for each individual glass family. We have used THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) to measure the refractive index and absorption coefficient. THz spectral changes can be used to identify material composition and crystallographic and microstructural changes. Once such a relationship is established, THz-TDS can become a powerful non-destructive examination tool for evaluation of materials under a wide range of service conditions. We have shown how common silicate glasses can revolutionize the field of integrated THz optics and photonics. These glasses can also be commercially produced in wide range of shapes and sizes. Imagine a world of clear transparent glasses with multiple THz functionalities embedded in them!

Biography

Dr. S. K. Sundaram is an Inamori Professor of Materials Science and Engineering (Endowed Chair) at Alfred University. He is also the Chair of the Mechanical, Electrical, and Renewable Energy Engineering. Before joining Alfred University in 2011, he was a Chief Materials Scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). He joined PNNL after earning his Ph. D. from School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology in 1994. In the past 22 years, he has made major contributions in the areas of millimeter/terahertz (THz) wave science and technology, ultrafast materials science and engineering, multi-scale materials processing, and infrared materials and devices. He is an elected Fellow of the American Association of Advancement of Sciences (2006), an elected Fellow (2006) and Life Member (2016) American Ceramic Society, and a Fellow of Society of Glass Technology UK (2009), an elected Senior (2012) and Life (2016) Member of The International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE), and a Life Member (2016) of Optical Society of America (OSA). He is a member of the New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS), Materials Research Society (MRS), American Society of Metals (ASM), American Physical Society (APS), and American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). He is also a life member of Indian Ceramic Society and Materials Research Society-India.