Manipulating and Transforming Photons with Nanotechnology: From Photo-Physics to Emerging Technologies

By Prof. Paras N. Prasad

at the Institute for Lasers, Photonics and Biophotonics, Departments of Chemistry, Physics, Electrical

Engineering and Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo

Time:Thursday, 02:00 pm, May 31, 2012

Location:Sunny Hall, Yingjie Exchange Center

Contact:胡永云 (YongyunHu)，62754291，yyhu@pku.edu.cn

Abstract：This lecture aims to provide a thought provoking account of recent breakthroughs in nanoscale manipulation of photons that create emerging opportunities for both fundamental research and revolutionary technologies with global societal impact.

Nanophotonics is a 21st-century emerging field created by the fusion of photonics with nanotechnology. New phenomena are made possible by confining optical interactions and their dynamics to the nanoscale which promotes new physical effects even in non-traditional photonic materials, such as metals. Historically, photonics has manipulated the oscillating electric field of propagating light, without paying much attention to the accompanying magnetic field. Metaphotonics is a rapidly emerging new direction in nanophotonics that deals with manipulation of both electric and magnetic fields with a particular focus on their coupling in nanoengineered materials to control the photon field distribution and propagation. These emerging dimensions of photonics will be discussed. Their applications range from telecommunications, to solar energy harvesting, to sensor technology, to biomedical technology and health care, in addition to more futuristic directions, such as cloaking, photonic black holes and focusing beyond diffraction limit.

This talk will conclude with a discussion of new opportunities.

CV of Prof. Paras N. Prasad：

Dr. Paras N. Prasad is a SUNY Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, Physics, Medicine and Electrical Engineering, the highest rank in the New York State university system. He also holds the Samuel P. Capen Chair at the University at Buffalo and is the Executive Director of the multidisciplinary Institute for Lasers, Photonics and Biophotonics. Dr. Prasad has published over 670 scientific papers, co-edited six books, and co-authored a monograph (with D.J. Williams), “Introduction to Nonlinear Optical Effects in Molecules and Polymers.” Dr. Prasad published “Introduction to Biophotonics,” the first monograph in this field, which authoritatively defines the field, details its scope and identifies emerging opportunities. He has also published another monograph, “Nanophotonics,” which includes its impact on Nanomedicine. Dr. Prasad also holds a number of patents.

Dr. Prasad has received much recognition for his pioneering contributions. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and a Fellow of the Optical Society of America. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Sloan and Guggenheim fellowships. Dr. Prasad has received the Schoellkopf Award of the Western New York American Chemical Society for his academic achievements. He was also awarded the Technology/Discovery award from the Western New York Health Care Industries Association for his pioneering work on “Nanoclinics” for Biophotonics. He has been awarded by the Chancellor of the State University of New York system the "Excellence in Pursuit of Knowledge" award. He was a recipient of the Morley Prize of the Cleveland Section of the American Chemical Society in 2004, a Fellow of the SPIE (2005) and has been chosen Scientific America’s Top 50 Scientists (2005).

Dr. Prasad has also been a leader in promoting international scientific infrastructures. He organized six “International Conferences on Frontiers of Polymers and Advanced Materials (India, 1991; Indonesia, 1993; Malaysia, 1995; Egypt, 1997; Poland, 1999; Brazil, 2001).” Each of these conferences brought together top level scientists, engineers and government representatives from more than 20 countries to develop a global infrastructure for advanced materials and emerging technologies.