Prof. Paul Rochon
Physics Department
Royal Military College of Canada
| Organizer: IEEE Toronto Section, Circuits and Devices Chapter |
| Title: Azopolymers in photonics |
| Speaker: Prof. Paul Rochon Physics Department Royal Military College of Canada |
| Abstract: We have been investigating the potential of azobenzene containing polymers for applications in photonics. The two main phenomena that we wish to take advantage of are the optically induced birefringence and the optically induced surface relief gratings. We are investigating the fundamental properties of the materials that we synthesise as well as making prototype devices that take advantage of some of the novel properties found in these polymer films. I will review the phenomena that we are investigating. I will summarise the models that were formulated to explain the phenomenon, with emphasis on the formation of the surface relief. I will give examples of some prototype devices that we have tested. These devices included holographic image recorders, polarization selectors, optical cross correlators, optical amplifiers, optically written/erasable wave-guide channels, optical couplers and optical filters. |
| Biography: Dr. Paul Rochon - Professor, Physics Department, Royal Military College of Canada. Dr. Rochon graduated from the University of Ottawa in 1976 with a specialization on the magneto-optical properties of photovoltaic cells. He then went to the University of Montreal in a postdoctoral position. In 1977, he accepted a permanent position in the physics department at the Royal Military College. His research was mainly on the optical properties of materials. In 1991 he began a research effort on optical imaging and nonlinear optics in azobenzene polymer films in collaboration with Dr. A. Natansohn of the chemistry department at Queen?s University. He discovered that stable / erasable birefringence could be optically written in the films. This led to numerous studies on various azopolymers to establish the mechanisms and to characterize the effect. In 1994 he discovered that surface relief sDr. Paul Rochon - Professor, Physics Department, Royal Military College of Canada. Dr. Rochon graduated from the University of Ottawa in 1976 with a specialization on the magneto-optical properties of photovoltaic cells. He then went to the University of Montreal in a postdoctoral position. In 1977, he accepted a permanent position in the physics department at the Royal Military College. His research was mainly on the optical properties of materials. In 1991 he began a research effort on optical imaging and nonlinear optics in azobenzene polymer films in collaboration with Dr. A. Natansohn of the chemistry department at Queen?s University. He discovered that stable / erasable birefringence could be optically written in the films. This led to numerous studies on various azopolymers to establish the mechanisms and to characterize the effect. In 1994 he discovered that surface relief structure could be directly optically induced on the azopolymer films. This was an unexpected and (still) unexplained phenomenon. This also led to many endeavors in fundamental research to attempt to model the effect and in applied research where prototype devices are studied. Dr. Rochon continues his work in this field and recent collaborative efforts continue to generate new phenomena. tructure could be directly optically induced on the azopolymer films. This was an unexpected and (still) unexplained phenomenon. This also led to many endeavors in fundamental research to attempt to model the effect and in applied research where prototype devices are studied. Dr. Rochon continues his work in this field and recent collaborative efforts continue to generate new phenomena. |
| Time and Location: Friday, April 7, 2000 at 11:00 am. University of Toronto Roseburg Building, ROOM 208 4 Taddlecreek Road, Toronto |
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