Stable Polariton LiDAR

Introduction

In the realm of advanced optical systems, particularly within the emerging field of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology, which are pivotal for 3D sensing applications across various sectors, a significant commercial challenge emerges from the inherent limitations posed by optical interference in thin-film filters.

Challenge Overview

The core of this challenge lies in the phenomenon known as 'angular dispersion,' a fundamental constraint of interference-based structures in thin-film filter design. Angular dispersion refers to the shift in transmission wavelength of optical filters as the angle of incidence changes, typically resulting in a pronounced blue-shift.

This effect, while intrinsic to the operation of optical interference, undermines the performance of LiDAR systems by requiring the filters to have sufficiently broad pass bands to accommodate the angular shift.

SPLiDAR Initiative

The SPLiDAR initiative is set to revolutionize the landscape of photonic applications by introducing a groundbreaking approach that transcends the traditional constraints of angular dispersion. This approach harnesses the quantum optical phenomenon of merging light and matter states to create angle-independent transmissive filters, referred to as polariton filters here.

Project Goals

This project is poised to redefine optical filtering and sensing by introducing a novel class of spectrally sharp and angle-independent transmission filters, thereby overcoming the fundamental limitations of angular dispersion in conventional optical devices.

Expertise and Resources

The SPLiDAR project will leverage the team's profound expertise in thin-film optics, including:

1. Transfer matrix and FDTD calculations
2. Structure design optimization
3. A deep understanding of organic absorber properties
4. A wealth of experience in optoelectronics