Alexander D.Q. Li, Dept. of Chemistry Current optical fiber technology is hampered by some network protocols that require optical fiber signals to be processed electronically. There is a demand for low-cost miniaturized optical scanners, used in applications such as medical imaging, barcode scanning and remote sensing.
Current technology uses mirror-based microelectromechanical systems.
This research will develop a new approach for the creation of miniaturized, low-cost image scanners using micromachined optical fibers. This first research project will develop new processing methods based on self-assembly for generating optical devices using PBG crystals. Dr. Xia's second project will look at developing simple, cost-effective materials and techniques that can be combined to produce PBG structures. Scott Dunham, Dept. of Electrical Engineering PBG structures have tremendous potential for applications that require transmission of a large number of different signals on the same channel. This research will develop PBG structures whose properties can be rapidly tuned for use in high efficiency switches, sensors and lasers.