Nonlinear Photonics: Tailoring Light at the Nanoscale - Open a new horizon of light

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Abstract:

The goal of our activities is to combine the areas of nanophotonics and nonlinear photonics to open new horizons for optical structuring, manipulation and control by light. By this means, new photonic structures that allow engineering light in an innovative way will be possible, new techniques for optical micromanipulation of particles and fluids will be developed, and the non-invasive investigation and manipulation of biomedical systems, e.g. biological molecular motors or cells will become reality. The key to these ground-breaking techniques is the combination of material structuring with all-optical, phase-engineered wave front control by the unconventional combination of nonlinear micro- and nanoscopic manipulation tools, thereby resolving a series of actual challenges in the field of nanophotonics, biophotonics, and neighbouring areas. The potential impact on technology includes advanced devices for non-dispersive and diffractive information processing by nonlinear spatio-temporal beam engineering, the nondestructive and non-invasive manipulation and imaging of micro-objects, patterning and templating of micro-devices, and novel sensor and analysis devices for nanodevices, cells and microfluids. This ground-breaking project will contribute considerably to scientific understanding and technological advancement in nanoinformation, and nanobiotechnology.