This project aims to design a new class of engineered artificial materials, commonly known as metamaterials, that exhibit a high refractive index in ways not possible with naturally occurring substances. Refractive index determines the velocity of light, with a higher index resulting in a lower velocity. A high index helps guide light better and also bends it by a larger angle. This is crucial to get better optical components, such as lenses, which need to bend light to focus. A high nonlinear index also allows one light beam to control another light beam.

These capabilities can help create faster computers, build better cameras, enhance augmented reality displays, and enable high-speed communication. These materials will be created by arranging nanometer length scale artificial materials (“nanocrystals”) in a periodic structure. Additional patterning at longer length scales will enable the development of new optical hardware. While the concept of creating such artificial materials is compelling, realizing it in practice is extremely challenging. This project addresses these challenges through a unique, multi-scale inverse design approach, driven by advanced computational modeling and machine learning.

The project will also empirically validate the designed material properties, creating two testbeds: thermal imaging and nonlinear optical activation for optical information processing. Along with advancing the frontiers of optical imaging and computing, the program will train a new generation of scientists and engineers through hands-on interdisciplinary research experiences that span physics, chemistry, computation, artificial intelligence (AI), and materials science. By engaging high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, the project will broaden participation in cutting-edge science.