This three-year award for US-France cooperative research in applied mathematics involves Gang Bao, William Hager and Shari Moskow of the University of Florida and H. Ammari and J.C. Nedelec of the Ecole Polytechnique. The investigators propose to examine mathematical issues and develop computational methods for solving problems in modeling and design of micro diffractive optics. Micro diffractive optics is a fundamental, emerging technology in which optical devices are micromachined with very small structural features. Diffractive optical structures perform functions unattainable with conventional optics. In developing these mathematical models, the investigators will attempt to describe accurately the diffraction of complicated structures; to compute the electromagnetic vector fields; and to predict the performance of a given diffractive structure in linear and nonlinear optical media. The models may enable optimal design of new optical structures.
The US investigators bring to this collaboration expertise in the applied mathematical aspects of micro diffractive optics. French expertise in theory and their computational work in wave propagation complement the US effort. The project will advance understanding of mathematical models and analysis as applied to optics and may lead to the development of new optical devices for the telecommunication and information technology sectors.
