Topics

Description: This track will cover some of the most exciting emerging sciences in photonics.

Ultrafast and Nonlinear Nanophotonics:
Optical and electronic properties of materials are strongly modified at reduced dimensions. The scope of this session will be to attract contributions that leverage these new properties to study novel nonlinear and ultrafast effects at the nanoscale.
Emerging Material Platforms for Plasmonics: An urgent challenge currently faced by researchers in plasmonics is the ability to identify the next generation of low-loss, tailorable, dynamically switchable, cost-effective, robust and semiconductor-compatible materials for implementation of advanced nanophotonic designs and realization of practical plasmonic devices for applications in on-chip circuitry, imaging, sensing, energy conversion and quantum information technologies.

Active Plasmonics and Nanophotonics:
This session seeks original contributions in the general area of active optical devices and architectures enabled by advanced plasmonic and/or nanophotonic concepts. Examples include, but are not limited to, electron-plasmon interactions, novel ways to generate/detect or amplify light, and to modulate/tune the optical properties of nano-scale photonic devices using an external transduction.

Integrated Quantum Photonics:
This session seeks original contributions in the area of integrated quantum photonics including, but not limited to: chip-scale quantum photonic integration platforms; nonlinear integrated optics for quantum photonics; on-chip quantum emitter synthesis, integration and characterization; cavity quantum electrodynamics with single emitters; hybrid and heterogeneous integrated quantum photonics; on-chip quantum light sources and detectors; entanglement generation and characterization; quantum cavity optomechanics; integrated photonic quantum simulation, computation, metrology and communications; scalable integrated quantum photonic devices; novel materials for integrated quantum photonics.

Description: This track will cover some salient applications of photonics and related technologies to the defense and commercial arena. The Topics include: applications of photonics to sensing, blast/shock wave imaging and spectroscopic techniques, and displays holography and projection.

Devices and Systems for Sensors:
This track will focus on multidisciplinary research that investigates optical systems in order to understand and apply the principles that enable such high performing systems. Topics covered will include optical technologies/architectures, sensors, signal and information processing. Areas of interest include gradient index and free-form optics, novel transducers, integrated sensing and processing, natural polarization and spectral signatures, materials and structures, multi-aperture architectures, size weight and power (SWAP) issues, performance metrics/figures of merit for unconventional approaches, etc.

Blast/Shock Wave Imaging and Spectroscopic Techniques:
This topic will cover imaging and spectroscopic techniques relevant to blast/shock waves, explosive events, and/or defense system characterization. Techniques include but are not limited to refractive imaging and laser-based methods. Techniques that are innovative, provide new physical insights, and/or address emerging defense systems are strongly encouraged. Survey and review presentations on the current state of the art are also desired.

Displays, Holography and Projection:
Infrared (IR) optoelectronic emitters hold the potential for a wide array of applications such as infrared scene projection (IRSP) for hardware-in-the-loop testing. The requirements for such emitters include high operational efficiency, emission within designated wavebands, and high power output. Emitter arrays for IRSP systems must be able to emulate real-world phenomena by emitting scenes of high radiometric, spatial, and temporal fidelity. Such systems have fundamental limitations related to response time and maximum simulated apparent temperature, making them unsuitable for emulation of very hot (>700K) and rapidly evolving scenes. Papers that address phenomenology, design, theoretical modeling/simulation, and experimental demonstrations materials, devices and systems for displays, holography and scene projection are invited. Examples include, but is not limited to, new display and projection screen technologies including 3D and holographic displays, alternative material structures and emitters, surface coatings for enhanced extraction efficiencies, as well as device algorithms and driving electronics.

Optical Methods for Characterizing Propulsion Systems:
This session will address efforts to apply optical and/or spectroscopic methods for characterization of the physical and chemical processes in propulsion. Propulsion systems include turbine engines, detonation engines, ramjets, scramjets, and rockets, for example. Measurements of chemical species, temperature, pressure, velocity, flow fields, spray characteristics, and other scalar and vector measurements are of interest. Active and passive optical/spectroscopic approaches utilizing linear or non-linear light–matter interactions (e.g. absorption, emission, scattering) will be explored.

Description: This track will address enabling technologies for photonics including microwave optics, Optical MEMS/NEMS, optical sensing and computational imaging systems and dynamic control of plasmonic nanostructures.

Microwave Optics and RF Photonics:
This session will present the latest research in the emerging areas of: 1. RF/microwave-Photonic links; High SFDR and low NF optical modulator and photodetectors; 2. Integrated RF-Photonic circuits at the board and chip levels; 3.Ultrafast optical-microwave system including optical frequency combs and optoelectronic oscillators; 4. Ultrahigh bandwidth and ultrahigh Q photonic devices and subsystems for microwave generation and sensing; 5. Integrated photonic processors for analogue microwave signal processing; 6. Optical beamforming/steering for microwave phased array antenna and novel RF-Photonic antenna concept; 7. Novel optical concept for microwave, millimeter, THz imaging and optical conversion.

Optical MEMS/NEMS:
This session covers the area of optical micro and nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) ranging from new device concepts to applications. These solutions can enable various optical beam control and passive sensing concepts as well as facilitate both on-chip and heterogeneously integrated photonic devices and components.  Topics of submission include but are not limited to: optical scanners and micromirrors, optical MEMS sensors and photoactuators, optomechanical oscillators, adaptive and tunable micro-optic components, MEMS/NEMS optical beam steering and phased arrays, biomedical micro optical devices, MEMS devices and components tailored for highly integrated photonic circuits, and advancements in related fabrication, packaging, and system integration.

Optical Sensing and Computational Imaging Systems:
This session will focus on recent advances in the theoretical, computational and algorithmic methods underpinning the development of optical imaging systems for applications in consumer, industrial, military, medical, scientific, astronomical imaging applications and beyond. To cater for such a broad range of application domains, this session therefore welcomes submissions from equally diverse areas including – but not limited to – astronomical imaging, biomedical imaging, coded-aperture imaging, coded illumination, compressive sensing and imaging, computational microscopy, (hyper)spectral imaging, imaging through scattering media, infrared imaging, lensless imaging, LiDAR, light-field sensing, machine learning for computational imaging and optical systems design, non-line-of-sight imaging, phase imaging, ptychography, remote sensing, SAR, super-resolution and tomography.

Dynamic Control of Plasmonic Nanostructures:
This session seeks submissions focused on the directed self-assembly of one, two, or three dimensional plasmonic nanoparticle assemblies in suspensions or on surfaces. The optical, chemical, or biological responses of these assemblies resulting from controlling the nanoparticle size, shape, order, geometry, material, or charge-transfer as well as the dynamic tunability of both the linear and nonlinear optical processes from ultra-fast to steady-state is also of interest.

Description: This track covers advances in the development of photonic materials including: non-Epitaxial Optoelectronic Devices, nonlinear organic materials, infrared organic materials and properties, and hybrid organic-inorganic materials and devices. Broadly these materials are being developed for defense applications including photovoltaics, OLEDs, nonlinear absorbers, frequency conversion, photorefractives, IR detectors, antennas, photodectectors, and sensing.

Non-Epitaxial Optoelectronic Devices:
Solution-processed optoelectronic materials and devices have continuously garnered significant interest due to their low-cost and process accessibility relative to epitaxy. This session focuses on the modeling, simulation, fabrication, and characterization of optoelectronic materials and devices made from solution-processed inorganic materials and nanostructures. Topics include, but are not limited to, solution-processed colloidal quantum dots for infrared applications, nanophotonic devices, emitters and lasers, phase-change materials, and perovskites.

Nonlinear Organic Materials:
This Session will focus on the design, spectroscopy, and performance characteristics of organic and organometallic materials possessing nonlinear photonic properties. This includes both solution and solid state materials and covers effects induced by nonlinear absorption (such as two-photon absorption or reverse-saturable absorption), nonlinear refraction, and frequency conversion.

Infrared Organic Materials & Properties:
Polymers and small molecules with bandgaps and other direct electronic transitions in the infrared spectral regions between 1 um – 14 um (shortwave infrared – longwave infrared) are a newly emerging area of organic materials. This topic will cover the infrared properties of organic polymers and small molecules intended for use into domains traditionally dominated by inorganic materials. It will include fundamental photophysical studies, device work, thin film processing, and organic materials with other interesting infrared, optical, electrical, spin, and magnetic properties.

Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Materials & Devices:
This session invites submissions related to the rapidly growing field of organic and organic-inorganic materials for flexible, conformal optoelectronics. Topics to be covered include, but are limited to, advances in materials to improve and better control the electrical, mechanical, chemical, and optical properties in thin films and at interfaces, and advances in the design, modeling, and characterization of devices. Papers are also sought on new methods to adjust the properties of these organic or hybrid materials for the manufacturing of printable, flexible devices.

Description: This track will focus on technologies that are pertinent to the human element in defense using biological and human centered capabilities. The topics will include materials and devices for biosensing, biosensing methods, human state measurement and human analyst augmentation.

Materials and Devices for Biosensing:
This session will focus on the enabling technologies of materials and devices as they pertain to the development of biosensing platforms. Particular interest will be given to topics that include new/emerging materials and devices that enable: novel biosensor design and fabrication, new or enhanced signal transduction methods, improved analyte sensitivity/selectivity, and new bioreceptor immobilization schemes.

Biosensing Methods:
This session will focus on the interfacing of biologically-inspired sensing elements and sensor platforms for detection and quantification of different biomarkers beyond the current state-of-the-art. Especial emphasis will be placed on the development of new technologies that allow multi-analyte quantification with high sensitivity in low biofluid volumes for next generation biomarker signature quantification.

Human State Measurement:
This session will focus on emerging Human State Measurement methodologies and models including, but not limited to, wearable/epidermal devices, motion capture, chemical/biochemical biomarker sensing, data analytics and machine learning. The human states of interest to measure include, but not limited to, the cognitive, psychological, physiological, and stress levels of individual or group of human. In addition, finding means and mechanisms to correlate the measured human states to the various human performance levels, such as fatigue, sleep deprivation, physical/psychological strength, are explored throughout the session.

Human Analyst Augmentation:
This session will focus on enabling technologies and techniques that assist a human-in-the-loop monitoring multiple real-time biosensors assessing a human state. This includes novel/emerging processes, analytics, multimodal notifications, graphical interfaces, and predictive approaches towards reducing the cognitive workload of a human operator monitoring one to multiple patients.

Description: This track will focus on low-dimensional materials for applications in photonics. Topics will include the discovery, synthesis, modeling, simulation, characterization and processing of two-dimensional (2D) and topological materials, as well as, their applications.

Two-Dimensional Materials & Topological Photonics:
This session seeks submissions broadly related to: i) topological waveguides, photonic crystals and meta-materials, ii) optical gyrotropy, iii) chiral effects iv) non-reciprocity across electromagnetic spectrum. This session also seeks submissions broadly related to novel properties of 2D systems, atomic layered systems for spintronics and optoelectronics, plasmonics and polaritonics, state of the art the synthesis, assembly and heterostructuring of 2D materials.

Modeling and Simulation for Advanced Photonics:
This session seeks submissions related on theoretical and computational research of low-dimensional materials, including 2D photonic and topological materials, among others. Classical, semi-classical and quantum electromagnetic methodologies that seek to explain experimental observables and to design advanced concepts are of interest. Topics on development, application and implementation of computational numerical and analytical methods, also coupled to optimization methods, data analysis tools, including machine learning algorithms, or derivation of appropriate materials properties are sought. M&S for advanced applications, include, for example, photonic or electronic devices, quantum phenomena, or metamaterials design.

Synthesis and Fabrication of 2D Materials:
This session focuses on synthetic approaches to creating high quality two-dimensional thin film materials including graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, black phosphorous, heterostructures, and the ever-expanding list of van der Waals layered materials. Growth and fabrication methodologies including mechanical and chemical exfoliation, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, and molecular beam epitaxy will be discussed with a focus towards enabling novel materials and properties for defense-related photonic applications.

Two Dimensional and Topological Materials:
This session seeks submissions related to 2D and topological materials and heterostructures for photonics. 2D materials, Topological insulators, Weyl semimetals, Dirac semimetals, and novel materials exhibiting topological behavior are of interest. Topics on the synthesis, characterization and incorporation of these materials into photonic applications are sought. The exploration and development of new 2D and topological materials is also relevant.

Description: This track will focus on the materials, processes, and manufacturing technologies required for advanced photonics.

Novel Materials for Photonics:
This session seeks submission related to various materials for photonic applications. Of great interests are novel materials and structures that are enabling new functions relevant to DoD applications. Potential examples include (not limited to) amorphous or disordered materials, graphene and beyond 2D materials, complex oxides, etc. Also sought are synthesis, growth and fabrication techniques that address these materials.

Semiconductor Materials and Quantum Nanoscience:
This session seeks submissions on quantum devices containing wells, dots, wires, etc. and related modeling, fabrication and characterization. Particular emphasis should be on the processing and material characteristics that limit or extend their use for their intended application. Examples are nanoscale quantum optics and optomechanics devices, novel single photon detector materials, novel plasmonic structures, etc.

Scalable Manufacturing and Rapid Prototyping for Photonics:
Fundamental process innovations are needed to enable a range of next-generation photonic technologies. This session will focus on challenges in the area of photonic materials and device fabrication, especially for large-area applications. This session will emphasize manufacturing methods including or related to 3-D printing, bottom-up synthesis of hierarchical nanoscale materials and devices, self-assembly, separation/purification processes, and high-throughput characterization.

Optical Metasurfaces and Applications:
Optical metasurfaces are ultra-thin optical devices that have enabled unprecedented control over the phase, amplitude, or polarization of light. This session will cover optical frequency (infrared, visible, and ultraviolet) metasurface designs and applications. The emphasis will be on active devices and approaches that enable dynamic tunability, gain, or nonlinear response of the metasurface elements or device. Presentations connecting applications to the design flexibility of metasurfaces to offer thin and flat optics, functional optical coatings, and reconfigurable optical systems will be encouraged.

Description: This track will examine devices and materials that enable imaging and sensing platforms. The topics covered will include UV optoelectronics, lasers/emitters, and epitaxial growth/characterization.

UV Optoelectronics: In this session, we will discuss recent advancements in the development of UV optoelectronic devices (λ < 400 nm). The target is to highlight major recent achievements in the field, foster an exchange of ideas and collaborations, and accelerate future development of such technology. Topics will include recent advancements in the field of epitaxial growth of III-nitrides and oxides for UV emitters, doping and control of defects, device design and novel devices, fabrication and contacts for electrically injected lasers and LEDs, and characterization and properties of state-of-the-art emitters. This also includes improved light extraction in UV LEDs, photonics crystals, UV detectors, and new materials for UV optoelectronic applications. Finally, contributions highlighting developments beyond the device level such as wave guiding, integrated photonic circuits, and UV based optoelectronic systems will be included.

Lasers/Emitters: This session will showcase original work on emitters operating across the electromagnetic spectrum (UV to THz).  Topics include lasers operating from THz to UV, dynamics and noise in semiconductor lasers and systems, nano- or subwavelength- scale lasers and emitters, emitters based on low-dimensional materials (quantum wires, dots and layered materials), vertical cavity emitters, fiber lasers, high power and high brightness sources and source arrays, ultrafast lasers, and emitters for integrated photonic applications.  In addition, we seek results demonstrating novel materials systems for light emitters and approaches for leveraging enhanced light-matter interaction for new forms of light emitters, including emitters to generate non-classical light.  Finally, submissions demonstrating applications of emitters and sources for security, defense, and sensing applications, as well as the development of optical systems based on new types of light sources, are encouraged.

High Peak and Average Power Laser Technology Solid State: Submissions are sought on next generation technology for developing higher peak and average power lasers, from petawatt (1015 W) and exawatt (1018 W) class lasers to high average power lasers with > kW output at various wavelengths. (CW to pulsed at ns to fs pulse durations). Interest is in new laser gain media, novel amplifier, stretcher-compressor and optics design with optimization of parameters like group velocity dispersion and heat-load management.

Nonlinear Optical and Photonic Materials for High Power Lasers and Applications: This track seeks submissions focused high power USPL based radiation and particle sources and the science of source generation, including beamlike GHz-THz to x/gamma ray directed radiation, MeV to GeV electron and ion acceleration, and neutron generation are of interest.

Description: This track will cover optical imaging and sensing technology that supports detection, recognition, classification and characterization for defense applications. Topics include spectral, polarimetric, and multimodal imaging; optical detectors and focal plane arrays; terahertz photonics; and target detection and pattern recognition.

Spectral, Polarimetric, and Multimodal Imaging:
This session will explore emerging developments in sensor concepts and designs, system analysis, target and background phenomenology, and signal and image processing methods relating to hyperspectral, multispectral, and polarimetric imaging systems. Defense applications ranging from close-proximity non-destructive evaluation to remote sensing for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting will be considered. Additionally, sensors and systems that enable multi-modal measurements across space, spectrum, time, angle, polarization, and distance, and their associated tradespaces, will be discussed.

Optical Detectors and Focal Plane Arrays:
Topics include photoconductive and photovoltaic devices from UV to THz; novel detector materials; quantum confined detectors; thermal and photon detectors; high speed detectors; novel detection mechanisms including plasmonic and metamaterials; polarization sensors; multispectral and hyperspectral sensors; and phase-change materials for photodetection; MEMS-based components; focal plane arrays, novel hybridization and heterogeneous integration techniques; multicolor and tunable focal plane arrays.

RF and Optical Target Imaging, Identification, and Pattern Recognition:
We seek papers on new techniques for extracting target information from RF or optical sensor data. Extracted target information may include location, velocity, constituent electrical properties, shape, class, or any other distinguishing characteristic. Papers focusing on advancements in algorithms, signal processing techniques, or hardware strategies are welcome. Techniques of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: image formation and image processing, compressive sensing, machine learning, artificial intelligence and automatic target recognition, inverse scattering and inverse problems, computational electromagnetics, synthetic aperture radar, array signal processing, micro-Doppler analysis, sensor fusion, and polarimetric and interferometric processing.

Terahertz Photonics:
This session seeks new research results related to fundamental science and broad applications of THz photonics. Generally defined in the frequency range of 0.3–10THz, THz photonics has attracted tremendous interest owing to potential applications in imaging and spectroscopy, communications, security, defense, and non-destructive testing. Interested topics include, but not limited to; THz communication, THz metamaterials/metasurfaces, THz Imaging, THz spectroscopy, THz quantum technology, THz generation and detection, Novel materials, Nonlinear THz. Special topic on Terahertz Photonics: THz Quantum Science: We are inviting interested researchers to submit an abstract for Invited and contributed talks to address the future direction of THz Quantum Science, including but not limited to quantum information technology, quantum sensing, and quantum network with THz technologies.

Description: The track will cover micro- and nano- technologies that have enabled unprecedented control of light – matter interactions on the subwavelength scale. The track will have dedicated sessions focusing on experimental, theoretical and device application aspects of nanophotonics, photonic lattices, plasmonics, optical metamaterials and metasurfaces.

Resonant Photonic Lattices:
Principles and Applications: Subwavelength scale optical devices with 1D or 2D pattering constitte generalized optical lattices facilitating complex transformations of electromagnetic fields in spectral and spatial domains. In modern parlance, this device class contains metamaterials, metagratings, and photonic crystals. This session addresses linear and nonlinear resonant optical interactions enabled by lightwave confinement and/or scattering in such structures. Topics of submission include guided-mode resonance physics and effects, novel subwavelength resonator concepts, nonreciprocity in photonic lattices, effects of highly confined optical modes, nonlinear phenomena in periodic waveguides, metamaterial reflector physics, resonant optical sensor concepts and related topics.

Optical Metamaterials Based Devices and Applications:
This session will highlight the most recent advancements on metasurfaces, metamaterials, metamaterial structures, source transformations and transformation electromagnetics. Papers on new applications of metamaterial-based designs are also invited, including antennas, source transformations, frequency selective surfaces, novel prototyping techniques, measurement methods and characterization of these designs; ranging from PCB designs to nanometer scale approaches as well as Advanced electromagnetic modelling, especially on topics such as propagation in complex media and electromagnetic scattering.

Plasmonic Devices and Applications:
This session covers the area of plasmonics and nanophotonics from new device concepts to applications. Surface plasmons in metal nanostructures enable manipulation of light at the subwavelength scale for increasing levels of integration and miniaturization of integrated photonic devices and components. This will potentially lead to ultrafast devices and circuits with significantly reduced sizes. Topics of submission include but not limited to: dynamically tunable plasmonics and nanophotonics, nano-gap structure plasmonics for sensing and energy harvesting, plasmon resonance enhanced nonlinear optics, optical filters with plasmonic nanostructures, polarization and phase control with plasmonic nanostructure metasurfaces, ultra-violet (UV) plasmonics, plasmonics for biosensing and spectroscopy, photon and atom trapping in plasmonic nanostructures, and other plasmonic based devices and components for highly integrated plasmonic/photonic circuits for information processing and sensing applications.

Chiral and Nonlinear Nano/meta-materials:
Chiral and Nonlinear nano/meta-materials: Because of the possibility to tune the geometric and optical chirality parameters in artificial nano/meta-materials, the general area of chirality is currently undergoing a remarkable revolution. Due to the favorable power-law scaling of near-field enhancements, new nonlinear optical properties are emerging in chiral metasurfaces and metamaterials as well. Topics: Fabrication of chiral metamaterials, including top-down and bottom-up approaches; Experimental characterization of nonlinearities in metamaterials and metasurfaces; Fabrication techniques for metamaterials with enhanced nonlinear response; Experimental characterization of chiral metamaterials; Chirality of nonlinear optical interactions in metamaterials; Optical nonlinearities in graphene and other 2D materials; Theoretical modelling of nonlinear metamaterials, including material properties characterizing the second and third harmonic generated light; Theoretical frameworks for chiral metamaterials, including design of metamaterials with enhanced chirality; Computational methods for chiral and nonlinear metamaterials; Superchiral light and chiral metasurfaces; Interactions between (super)chiral meta/nanomaterials and quantum systems (atoms and molecules).

Description: This track will assess the state-of-the-art of photonics technologies to applications and systems that are relevant in defense. The topics covered will include EO/IR/LADAR, hardware and software testing of optical systems, instrumentation and control for test and evaluation, T&E tools, challenges, and opportunities in photonics, and special operations interests.

EO/IR/LADAR:
This session focuses on the use of state of the art EO/IR passive imaging and LADAR sensor systems for defense applications such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting. EO/IR passive and active imaging systems are required to accomplish these goals for moving and stationary targets in a diverse range of settings including desert, forest, and urban environments. Sensors need to be able to robustly differentiate between background objects and targets of interest. Modeling and/or experimental investigation of the performance of these systems for detecting, tracking, recognizing, and identifying targets is of interest. Operational spectral bands may include visible to the long wave IR. LADAR systems considered for this section may include multispectral, polarimetric, as well as other sensing modalities.

Instrumentation and Control for Test and Evaluation:
Modern systems are critically dependent on verification and validation of their parts, as well as the sum of their parts in order to be used with the highest possible confidence. It is critical that test and evaluation be accomplished with not only the highest degree of accuracy possible, but also with the greatest degree of certainty possible. Uncertainties in test data translate directly into uncertainties in the item under test. This session welcomes submissions discussing innovative test control and monitoring techniques, processes and procedures from hardware and software perspectives, in real time and post processing. The goal is to optimize how tests can be controlled, monitored and evaluated to estimate and reduce uncertainty and maximize confidence in the results.

T&E Tools, Challenges, and Opportunities in Photonics:
The National Defense Strategy shares increased emphasis on new technologies to include: advanced computing, “big data “analytics, artificial intelligence, autonomy, robotics, directed energy, hypersonics, and biotechnology. These new technologies will need to be tested effectively and in relevant contexts and domains. New technologies, methods and standards to enable future T&E are needed to keep pace with today’s rapid developments, as well as the need to protect cyber data flows in an increasingly contested environment.

Integration of Photonic Technologies for the Warfighter:
Photonics are a key enabling technology for new capabilities that build the foundation for a future Joint Force that conducts complex, multi-domain operations, even under the most difficult scenarios. The Air Force Warfighting Integration Capability (AFWIC) aims to look across the Air Force’s diverse warfighting portfolio and drive enterprise-wide solutions to develop new ways of operating as a joint force. Additionally, the Air Force Transformational Capabilities Office (TCO) was established as a formal entity to accelerate the planning and execution of transformational science and technology (S&T) for our warfighters now and in the future. This session overviews strategic drivers shaping the DAF S&T portfolio and how photonics play a key role to solve these challenges.