Dr. Henry's lab studies the various nonlinear effects that take place in the materials such as quantum starks confinement, saturation absorption, and excited state absorption. Once the materials have been identified and characterized, they are used in systems that will lead to devices. These films will be tested in image processing, modulation and logic systems. On the second front, Dr. Henery is examining the various nonlinear interactions of the materials in the hopes of manipulating the interaction in order to make it more efficient. The effects of optical feedback on the nonlinear processes taking place in the materials are being studied.
Optical feedback can stem from processes such as fluorescence distributive feedback.
The process is dependent on the physical material. This work should give a clearer view of nonlinear process in these thin films. There is also an effort to begin a research program in optical fibers. Dr. Henry is interested in nonlinear processes in fibers. These nonlinear processes include four-wave mixing, and Raman and Brillouin scattering.