Time Keeping with Epsilon-Near-Zero Metamaterials

Introduction

Accurate time interval measurement and synchronization between two or more pulses are highly desirable in different fields of science and technology. Electronic components-based approaches cannot measure the time difference between two events precisely below the two-digit picosecond scale.

Limitations of Current Approaches

Additionally, the use of highly expensive electronic components and temperature increases due to the heat generated within the system are other drawbacks, limiting its long-term use and performance.

Proposed Solution

To address these issues, we propose to develop a novel, extremely high precision, low energy, all-optical timekeeping methodology and Timekeeper device with epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) metamaterials.

Broader Implications

Besides timekeeping, the technologies developed in this project can also become a powerful toolbox or an optical metamaterials technology platform, contributing to the creation of low-cost, accurate, practically light-based computing processes in future devices. Our work will have substantial implications on various areas of science and technology, including:

1. Time and frequency metrology
2. Geodesy
3. Astronomy

Technical Advancements

The developed all-optical time interpolation will enable extremely high precision of time events up to the femtosecond scale using ultra-low power and exclude the high-speed electronics and high-temperature complications.

Applications of Project Results

The project results will apply novel metasurface-enhanced epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) materials to realize all-optical time-to-frequency converters and optical switches that can be used to realize low-cost, high-resolution (femtosecond) time-interval counters and optical gates.