Microaxicons for ultrashort wave packets II - MAXWELL II

• Applicant: Dr. Rüdiger Grunwald
• Subject Area: Microsystems
• Term: from 2011 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 200131745

In the second phase of the project MAXWELL (Microaxicons for ultrashort wavepackets), novel types of low-dispersion MEMS actuators for shaping and characterizing nondiffracting ultrashort-pulsed laser radiation will be developed and studied in close collaboration with IMTEK. On the basis of the currently most successful approaches, an essential extension of the parameter field of such components is intended. The planned working packages of the MBI are focused onto the spatio-temporal analysis of the propagation of the generated wavepackets in few-cycle regime and important applications. In particular, systematic fundamental research will be performed on those applications which directly correspond to the specific mew properties of the actuators in design and functionality. In essential, this comprises experiments with fast (in kilohertz range) steerable piezo-actuators, in particular (i) simultaneous space-time-focusing (SSTF) with diffrative Fresnel mirrors, (ii) phase-shift autocorrelation with Fresnel mirrors, (iii) adaptive 2D-pulse duration and wavefront measurements with individually addressable axicons, as well as experiments with slowly (on second scale) thermally tunable actuators like (iv) the shaping of pulsed vortex beam maps with arrays of miniaturized spiral phase plates, and (vi) the generation of ultrashort-pulsed Airy-beams and related types of wavepackets with asymmetric MEMS-mirrors. The milestone cover significant steps of the technological and applied fundamental research as well as joint publications concerning the most important topics of the working plan. All investigations at MBI have to be performed in synchronization with the required technological steps at IMTEK.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants