CAREER: Multidimensional THz Imaging and Collaborative Research Oriented Education

Oklahoma State University, Stillwater OK

Investigators

Abstract

9984896 Cheville A research program using optoelectronically generated pulses for imaging and characterization in the far infrared (FIR) spectral region will be integrated into a curriculum providing research opportunities for undergraduate students. Research Career Goals: A technique for broad bandwidth imaging in the far infrared spectral region will be developed based on phase coherent detection of scattered radiation. Applications include biomedical imaging, nondestructive evaluation, and noncontact semiconductor characterization. This new approach will address spatial resolution, sample limitations, and chemical content mapping. The proposed technique is based on the existing ability to generate well characterized pulses of THz radiation.?? Specifically the research program will: Increase the power available in a compact, reliable THz source by at least two orders of magnitude through enhancement of existing technologies, and collaborative work on magnetically enhanced THz sources. Develop new sources including dipole antenna arrays to be integrated with a programmable phase modulator to generate optically steerable far infrared radiation. These array sources combined with electro-optic imaging systems will generate free space electromagnetic waves with soliton-like properties and applied to applications inTHz tomographic imaging. Existing work utilizing a THz impulse range for direct scattering measurements will be extended to measure inverse scattering using multiple sources and detectors. This proposal seeks to open an underutilized region of the electromagnetic spectrum to practical engineering applications with profound impact across a wide spectrum of disciplines. Educational Career Goals: The thesis of the educational component of this proposal is that most students lack practical preparation for the demanding and cross-disciplinary tasks required in research. A unique photonics curriculum, based on a model implemented by the PI on a small scale for three years, will be developed in which students will be given practical technical skills during the freshman or sophomore years. This curriculum will provide training in the cross-disciplinary area of photonics and specifically: Make use of practical, hands-on research training in an apprenticeship model, similar to the teaching hospital of medicine at the freshman and sophomore level. Introduce students at the junior level to photonics research through a problem based learning laboratory course. Provide independent research opportunities for senior students. Use effective pedagogies for education including scaffolding, collaborative learning, and communities of research practice to target under-represented students in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology (SMET) to improve retention. Particular efforts will be made to recruit women for the program. Be based on a structure that is easily exportable to other programs or subject areas, involve the use of representatives from industry and educational consultants for assessment, and provide for the dissemination of the developed educational materials. ***