Grant: Alliance Grants

We propose a collaboration involving three academic researchers at uOttawa and Iridian Spectral Technologies, an Ottawa-based company with 150+ employees, which globally supplies diversified optical filters based on thin-film technology. The overarching goal of the proposed project is to develop new optical filtering technologies based on metamaterials targeting a wide spectral window, from the visible to the terahertz (THz) region in the far-infrared (far-IR). This Alliance collaboration aspires to improve the company's existing filtering technology especially in the mid-infrared wavelength range. The approach we seek to implement relies on metamaterials, that is, artificial 2D and 3D structures produced by micro and nanofabrication. The outcomes of the proposed project include the demonstration of new optical filtering components that will enable faster wireless communication and improve imaging contrast of imaging systems and lower cost of material characterization equipment. The proposed project will also have an economic impact through the improvement of fabrication techniques and the commercialization of new products. Optical filters are used in some of the largest markets including telecom and entertainment industries (photography and a new generation of spectrally selective 3D movie glasses). Because of their essential role in spectral imaging apparatus, they also found a niche in many expanding markets such as biomedical imaging, food monitoring and chemical sensing. Metasurface-based optical filters have shown great potential to replace some of the current filtering technology. For example, the process of fabricating these devices can be much simpler and lower cost than the commonly used multi-dielectric coating devices, especially for THz-related applications. This Alliance collaboration will result in the demonstration of new metasurface filter designs, fabrication techniques and applications that will be crucial to the future commercialization of this new product group.