Carbon Nanotube Polymer Composite
Saturable Absorbers in
Photonic Bandgap Fibers
By: Jennifer Black
Advisor: Dr. Brian Washburn
Kansas
State University Physics Department REU Program, sponsored by NSF
Carbon nanotubes have
received much interest recently because they posses some very useful
properties. These properties are of the non-linear optical sort. Meaning, they
can be used as what is called a saturable absorber (SA). Lasers can be
mode-locked with these SA – this is known as passive mode-locking. A
mode-locked laser is different from your typical laser because it produces a
train of ultrashort pulses which then have the potential to be used as a
frequency comb. Frequency combs are the bee’s knees! In fact, the 2005 Nobel
Prize for Physics was given to three fellows for their contributions to
developing the technology!
Project
Goals: To create a unique carbon nanotube (CNT) polymer saturable absorber (SA)
to passively mode-lock an all fiber laser.
Click here for the project method!
·
Spin-coater: I have taken an old CPU fan
(purchased online for $10) and converted it into a spin-coater which we can use
to coat optics with different CNT/polymer solutions to test their properties! Click for more info.
·
Fiber
saturable absorber: A
wonderful work in progress…
Final Presentation: Poster! Final Presentation (PPT)!
About Me: I'm really interesting! I
was born in Marietta, GA where I attend Southern
Polytechnic State University. I plan to graduate in December of 2010 and
after that I intend on pursuing a Ph.D. in physics.
Useful
Links: