Natalia Litchinitser

Biography

My research interests include linear and nonlinear optics in metamaterials (MMs), photonic devices, and optical fiber communications. Two current research directions of our Nanophotonics and Nonlinear Optics group are as follows: i. Theoretical, numerical, and experimental investigations of fundamental properties and potential applications of photonic MMs Photonic MMs are artificial nanostructures that emerge as a source of nearly unlimited opportunities for the realization of material properties that were not previously accessible, including positive, negative, and even zero indices of refraction. Unique applications of MMs include super-lenses that beat the fundamental diffraction limit and enable high-resolution optical imaging, and cloaking devices that render macroscale objects invisible ii. Theoretical, numerical, and experimental studies of photonic crystal fiber (PCF) and waveguide based devices Photonic crystal fibers are a new class of optical fibers containing air-holes ranging in diameter from 25 nanometers to 50 micrometers. The air-holes run along the fiber length and are distributed in the cladding in either periodic or random fashion. These fibers offer exceptional opportunities for the manipulation of light propagation and the realization of novel photonic devices. Potential device applications include sensor arrays, tunable filters, and biosensors that can readily be combined with microfluidic functionality

Research Interest

Nanophotonics; Photonic Metamaterials; Nonlinear Optics; Fiber Optics; Photonic Crystal Fibers