Technical Program

This track will address enabling technologies for photonics. Topics include: microwave optics and RF photonics, higher level devices and integrated systems for photonics, and position navigation and time technologies, as well novel fabrication and characterization methods that enable advanced functionality in photonics.

Chairs: Mr. Alex Gracia (Air Force Research Laboratory), Dr. Monica Allen (Air Force Research Laboratory)

Session 1: Microwave optics and RF photonics: This session will present the latest research in the emerging areas of: (1) optical microwave- and millimeter-wave links, (2) electro-optic circuits at the board and chip levels, (3) ultrafast optical-microwave and millimeter-wave system topologies, (4) ultrahigh bandwidth devices for optical systems, (5) photonic integration for microwave processing (integrated microwave photonics) and (6) antenna and array designs in the microwave, millimeter, THz and optical bands.
Chairs: Prof. Benjamin Eggleton (University of Sydney), Prof. Benjamin Braaten (North Dakota State University)

Session 2: Epitaxial Growth, Fabrication and Characterization: This session seeks submissions related to the epitaxial growth of materials, characterization and fabrication into photonic devices. Novel growth techniques, fabrication approaches and material characterization that enable new functionality are of interest. Representative topics include growth and characterization of III-V semiconductors such as arsenides, phosphides, nitrides and antimonides, material characterization using various microscopy techniques and fabrication techniques including bottom-up self-assembly and top-down lithography for novel photonic devices.
Chairs: Prof. Sanjay Krishna (The Ohio State University), Capt. Derek Jelinek (Air Force Research Laboratory)

Session 3: Devices and Systems for Sensors: This session is focused on the application of enabling/emerging photonic devices and components for sensors for defense applications including fiber-based sensors, reconfigurable photonic integrated circuits (RPIC) sensor on chip, photonic waveguide sensors, EO/IR transmitters and receivers and/or metamaterial or plasmonic-enhanced sensors. Topics include recent advances in photonics that extend or expand current sensor system capabilities or provide novel architectures for both passive and active (direct detect and coherent) EO/IR sensor applications and RF sensor photonic applications. Capability enhancements may include performance improvements as well as cost, size, weight and power reductions or improvement to sensor manufacturability.
Chairs: Mr. Brian Stadler (Air Force Research Laboratory), Mr. Mark Schmitt (Air Force Research Laboratory)

Session 4: Position, Navigation and Time Technologies: The Global Positioning System (GPS) has revolutionized PNT by bringing extremely low-cost GPS receivers to the consumer market – i.e., cell phones. However, due to inherent vulnerabilities associated with its low power RF signal, the GPS signal is easily jammed or obstructed. Therefore, current PNT sensor research seeks to develop alternative technologies that could augment the GPS. This session seeks submissions related to the development and implementation of photonic sensor technologies (i.e., LADAR, IR, etc.) for use in PNT applications. Topics on the development, application and implementation of photonic sensors and any associated optimization methods and algorithms are sought.
Chairs: Dr. Mikel Miller (IS4S), Prof. David Bevly (Auburn University)

This track will focus on the materials, processes, and manufacturing technologies required for advanced photonics. Topics will include novel materials, nano and quantum science, nonlinear phenomena, as well as bottom-up/additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping.

Chairs: Dr. Ruth Pachter (Air Force Research Laboratory), Prof. Michael Filler (Georgia Institute of Technology)

Session 1: Novel materials for photonics: This session seeks submission related to various materials for photonic applications. Of great interests are novel materials and structures that are enabling new functions relevant to DoD applications. Potential examples include (not limited to) amorphous or disordered materials, graphene and beyond 2D materials, complex oxides, etc. Also sought are synthesis, growth and fabrication techniques that address these materials.
Chairs: Dr. John Boeckl (Air Force Research Laboratory), Prof. Weidong Zhou (University of Texas at Arlington)

Session 2: Nonlinear Materials and phenomena: This session seeks submission related to development, characterization and understanding of nonlinear optical materials for applications such as frequency conversion, guided wave communications, optical switching, damage to laser optics, etc. Submission on related advanced computational techniques for the mitigation of the nonlinear effects in optical fiber communications systems such as the nonlinear Fourier transforms are also welcome.
Chairs: Dr. Shekhar Guha (Air Force Research Laboratory), Prof. Ivan Lima (North Dakota State University)

Session 3: Scalable Manufacturing and Rapid Prototyping for Photonics: Fundamental process innovations are needed to enable a range of next generation photonic technologies. This session will focus on challenges in the area of photonic materials and device fabrication, especially for large-area applications. This session will emphasize manufacturing methods including or related to 3-D printing, bottom-up synthesis of hierarchical nanoscale materials and devices, self-assembly, separation/purification processes, and high-throughput characterization.
Chairs: Dr. Christopher Tabor (Air Force Research Laboratory), Prof. Michael Filler (Georgia Institute of Technology)

Session 4: Semiconductor materials and quantum nanoscience: This session seeks submissions on quantum devices containing wells, dots, wires, etc. and related modeling, fabrication and characterization. Particular emphasis should be on the processing and material characteristics that limit or extend their use for their intended application. Examples are nanoscale quantum optics and optomechanics devices, novel single photon detector materials, novel plasmonic structures, etc.
Chairs: Dr. Kurt Eyink (Air Force Research Laboratory), Prof. Parag Deotare (University of Michigan)

This track will examine devices and materials that enable imaging and sensing platforms. The topics covered will include integrated photonics and optical devices, lasers/emitters, UV optoelectronics, and optical detectors and focal plane arrays.

Chairs: Mr. Ronald Rapp (Air Force Research Laboratory), Prof. Daniel Wasserman (University of Texas)

Session 1: Integrated photonics and optical devices: Topics include silicon photonic integration, waveguides, diffractive elements for guiding and manipulating light, grating couplers, subwavelength periodic devices, hybrid integration schemes, input/output coupling methods, electronic-optical interfacing, laser dynamics and noise in integrated systems, quantum confined devices and technology, nanophotonic devices, plasmonic devices, microcavities, integrated lasers, modulators, etc. Papers addressing the physics, design, numerical modeling, and experimental realization of integrated optical devices and systems are sought.
Chairs: Prof. Robert Magnusson (University of Texas at Arlington), Prof. Frederic Grillot (University of New Mexico)

Session 2: Lasers/emitters: This session will showcase original work on emitters operating across the electromagnetic spectrum (UV to THz). Topics include lasers operating from THz to UV, dynamics and noise in semiconductor lasers and systems, nano- or subwavelength- scale lasers and emitters, emitters based on low-dimensional materials (quantum wires, dots and layered materials), vertical cavity emitters, fiber lasers, high power and high brightness sources and source arrays, ultrafast lasers, and emitters for integrated photonic applications. In addition, we seek results demonstrating novel materials systems for light emitters and approaches for leveraging enhanced light-matter interaction for new forms of light emitters, including emitters to generate non-classical light. Finally, submissions demonstrating applications of emitters and sources for security, defense, and sensing applications, as well as the development of optical systems based on new types of light sources, are encouraged.
Chairs: Prof. Daniel Wasserman (University of Texas), Prof. Arka Majumdar (University of Washington)

Session 3: UV Optoelectronics: In this session, we will discuss recent advancements in the development of UV optoelectronic devices (λ < 400 nm). The target is to highlight major recent achievements in the field, foster an exchange of ideas and collaborations, and accelerate future development of such technology. Topics will include recent advancements in the field of epitaxial growth of III-nitrides and oxides for UV emitters, doping and control of defects, device design and novel devices, fabrication and contacts for electrically injected lasers and LEDs, and characterization and properties of state-of-the-art emitters. This also includes improved light extraction in UV LEDs, photonics crystals, UV detectors, and new materials for UV optoelectronic applications. Finally, contributions highlighting developments beyond the device level such as wave guiding, integrated photonic circuits, and UV based optoelectronic systems will be included. Chairs: Dr. Michael Gerhold (Army Research Office), Prof. Ramón Collazo (North Carolina State University)

Session 4: Optical detectors and focal plane arrays: Topics include photoconductive and photovoltaic devices from UV to THz; novel detector materials; quantum confined detectors; thermal and photon detectors; high speed detectors; novel detection mechanisms including plasmonic and metamaterials; polarization sensors; multispectral and hyperspectral sensors; and phase-change materials for photodetection; MEMS-based components; focal plane arrays, novel hybridization and heterogeneous integration techniques; multicolor and tunable focal plane arrays
Chairs: Dr. Justin Cleary (Air Force Research Laboratory), Prof. Andrew Sarangan (University of Dayton)

The track will cover micro- and nano- technologies that have enabled unprecedented control of light – matter interactions on the subwavelength scale. The track will have dedicated sessions focusing on experimental, theoretical and device application aspects of nanophotonics, plasmonics, optical metamaterials and metasurfaces.

Chairs: Dr. Jeffery Allen (Air Force Research Laboratory), Prof. Joshua Caldwell (Vanderbilt University) and Prof. Jason Valentine (Vanderbilt University)

Session 1: Plasmonic devices and applications: This session covers the area of plasmonics and nanophotonics from new device concepts to applications. Surface plasmons in metal nanostructures enable manipulation of light at the subwavelength scale for increasing levels of integration and miniaturization of integrated photonic devices and components. This will potentially lead to ultrafast devices and circuits with significantly reduced sizes. Topics of submission include but not limited to: dynamically tunable plasmonics and nanophotonics, nano-gap structure plasmonics for sensing and energy harvesting, plasmon resonance enhanced nonlinear optics, optical filters with plasmonic nanostructures, polarization and phase control with plasmonic nanostructure metasurfaces, ultra-violet (UV) plasmonics, plasmonics for biosensing and spectroscopy, photon and atom trapping in plasmonic nanostructures, and other plasmonic based devices and components for highly integrated plasmonic/photonic circuits for information processing and sensing applications.
Chairs: Dr. Monica Allen (Air Force Research Laboratory), Prof. Junpeng Guo (University of Alabama at Huntsville)

Session 2: Optical metamaterials based devices and applications: Optical Metamaterials have opened the door to unprecedented control of the electromagnetic material properties and created a remarkable platform for manipulating and enhancing light-matter interactions by design. In addition, they enabled the realization of many material properties that cannot be found in natural materials. This ability has led to novel and counter-intuitive concepts, devices, and creative solutions to long-standing technological challenges. This session seeks submissions that cover a broad range of metamaterials-related topics, including but not limited to: novel device concepts; nonlinear, tunable, and reconfigurable metamaterials; chiral and bianisotropic metamaterials; nonreciprocal and topological metamaterials; quantum metamaterials; homogenization and effective medium models; transformation electromagnetics; metamaterials for chemical and biological sensing; experimental techniques and characterization of metamaterials, and system-level devices integration that is enabled/enhanced by metamaterials.
Chairs: Dr. Jeffery Allen (Air Force Research Laboratory), Prof. Gennady Shvets (Cornell University)

Session 3: Optical Metasurfaces and applications: Optical metasurfaces are ultra-thin optical devices that have enabled unprecedented control over the phase, amplitude, or polarization of light. This session will cover optical frequency (infrared, visible, and ultraviolet) metasurface designs and applications. The emphasis will be on active devices and approaches that enable dynamic tunability, gain, or nonlinear response of the metasurface elements or device. Presentations connecting applications to the design flexibility of metasurfaces to offer thin and flat optics, functional optical coatings, and reconfigurable optical systems will be encouraged.
Chairs: Dr. Augustine Urbas (Air Force Research Laboratory), Prof. Mikhail Kats (University of Wisconsin)

Session 4: Dynamic control of self-assembled plasmonic nanostructures: This session seeks submissions focused on the directed self-assembly of one, two or three dimensional plasmonic nanoparticle assemblies in suspensions or on surfaces. Their optical, chemical or biological responses resulting from controlling their size, shape, order, geometry, material, or charge-transfer. Dynamic tunability of both the linear and nonlinear optical processes, from ultra-fast to steady-state, is also of interest.
Chairs: Dr. Jake Fontana (Naval Research Laboratory)

This track will assess the state-of-the-art of photonics technologies to applications and systems that are relevant in defense. The topics covered will include EO/IR/LADAR, hardware and software testing of optical systems, instrumentation and control for test and evaluation, devices and systems for sensors and displays, holography and projection.

Chairs: Mr. Robert Orgusaar (Air Force Research Laboratory), Mr. Mark Schmitt (Air Force Research Laboratory)

Session 1: EO/IR/LADAR: This session focuses on the use of state of the art EO/IR passive imaging and LADAR sensor systems for defense applications such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting. EO/IR passive and active imaging systems are required to accomplish these goals for moving and stationary targets in a diverse range of settings including desert, forest, and urban environments. Sensors need to be able to robustly differentiate between background objects and targets of interest. Modeling and/or experimental investigation of the performance of these systems for detecting, tracking, recognizing, and identifying targets is of interest. Operational spectral bands may include visible to the long wave IR. LADAR systems considered for this section may include multispectral, polarimetric, as well as other sensing modalities.
Chairs: Dr. Christian Keyser (Air Force Research Laboratory), Mr. Steve Marlow (Air Force Research Laboratory)

Session 2: Instrumentation and control for test and evaluation: Modern systems are critically dependent on verification and validation of their parts, as well as the sum of their parts in order to be used with the highest possible confidence. It is critical that test and evaluation be accomplished with not only the highest degree of accuracy possible, but also with the greatest degree of certainty possible. Uncertainties in test data translate directly into uncertainties in the item under test. This session welcomes submissions discussing innovative test control and monitoring techniques, processes and procedures from hardware and software perspectives, in real time and post processing. The goal is to optimize how tests can be controlled, monitored and evaluated to estimate and reduce uncertainty and maximize confidence in the results.
Chairs: Dr. Michael Johnson (Seek Eagle Office), Mr. Robert Orgusaar (Air Force Research Laboratory)

Session 3: Enabling Tools for Testing Rapidly Evolving Electro-Optical/Infrared Systems: Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) systems are expanding rapidly in all areas of defense; including, but not limited to: fire control, aircraft self-protection, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Directed Energy (DE), and diagnostics of systems to ensure combat readiness and information assurance of vast data streams. Test and Evaluation requires a large toolbox that crosses the spectrum of: (1) Digital Modeling and Simulation, (2) Measurement Testing, (3) Systems Integration Testing, (4) Hardware-in-the-Loop, (5) Installed Systems Testing, and (6) Open Air Range testing. It is in this context, that innovation is needed in enabling key areas such as: understanding environmental effects, field of regard, defensive and offensive systems effectiveness, target interactions, flight envelope limitations, collateral effects, cyber considerations and test policy in the area of testing current and future optical systems.
Chairs: Mr. Andreas Keipert (46th Test Squadron), Mr. Jason Vosatka (46 th Test Squadron)

Session 4: Displays, holography and projection: Displays, holography and projection: Infrared (IR) optoelectronic emitters hold the potential for a wide array of applications such as infrared scene projection (IRSP) for hardware-in-the-loop testing. The requirements for such emitters include high operational efficiency, emission within designated wavebands, and high power output. Emitter arrays for IRSP systems must be able to emulate real-world phenomena by emitting scenes of high radiometric, spatial, and temporal fidelity. Such systems have fundamental limitations related to response time and maximum simulated apparent temperature, making them unsuitable for emulation of very hot (>700K) and rapidly evolving scenes. Papers that address phenomenology, design, theoretical modeling/simulation, and experimental demonstrations materials, devices and systems for displays, holography and scene projection are invited. Examples include, but is not limited to, new display and projection screen technologies including 3D and holographic displays, alternative material structures and emitters, surface coatings for enhanced extraction efficiencies, as well as device algorithms and driving electronics.
Chairs: Mr. Ronald Rapp (Air Force Research Laboratory), Prof. Fouad Kiamilev (University of Delaware)

This track will focus on technologies that are pertinent to the human element in defense using biological and human centered capabilities. The topics will include materials and devices for biosensing, biosensing methods, human state measurement and human analyst augmentation.

Chairs: Dr. Rajesh Naik (Air Force Research Laboratory), Dr. Brett Wenner (Air Force Research Laboratory)

Session 1: Materials and devices for Biosensing: This session will focus on the enabling technologies of materials and devices as they pertain to development of biosensing platforms. Particular interest will be given to topics that include new/emerging materials and devices that enable: novel biosensor design and fabrication, new or enhanced signal transduction methods, improved analyte sensitivity/selectivity, and new bioreceptor immobilization schemes.
Chairs: Dr. Brett Wenner (Air Force Research Laboratory)

Session 2: Biosensing methods: This session will focus on the interfacing of biologically-inspired sensing elements and sensor platforms for detection and quantification of different biomarkers beyond the current state-of-the-art. Especial emphasis will be placed on the development of new technologies that allow multi-analyte quantification with high sensitivity in low biofluid volumes for next generation biomarker signature quantification.
Chairs: Dr. Jorge Chavez-Benavides (Air Force Research Laboratory)

Session 3: Human State Measurement: This session will focus on emerging analytics and assessment techniques capable of ingesting data from multiple biosensor types in order to assess human state. This includes cognitive and physical states such as fatigue, workload, stress, and health that negatively impact ability to perform. Selection of measures, processing, and models capable of linking measures to underlying state are all of interest.
Chairs: Dr. James Christensen (Air Force Research Laboratory)

Session 4: Human Analyst Augmentation: This session will focus on enabling technologies and techniques that assist a human-in-the-loop monitoring multiple real-time biosensors assessing a human state. This includes novel/emerging processes, analytics, multimodal notifications, graphical interfaces, and predictive approaches towards reducing the cognitive workload of a human operator monitoring one to multiple patients.
Chairs: Dr. Greg Burnett (Air Force Research Laboratory)

This track will cover optical imaging and sensing technology that supports detection, recognition, classification and characterization for defense applications. Topics include spectral, polarimetric, and multimodal imaging; blast/shock imaging and spectroscopic techniques; terahertz photonics; and target detection and pattern recognition

Chairs: Dr. Michael Eismann (Air Force Research Laboratory), Prof. Robert Magnusson (University of Texas at Arlington)

Session 1: Spectral, Polarimetric, and Multimodal Imaging: This session will explore emerging developments in sensor concepts and designs, system analysis, target and background phenomenology, and signal and image processing methods relating to hyperspectral, multispectral, and polarimetric imaging systems. Defense applications ranging from close-proximity non-destructive evaluation to remote sensing for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting will be considered. Additionally, sensors and systems that enable multi-modal measurements across space, spectrum, time, angle, polarization, and distance, and their associated tradespaces, will be discussed.
Chairs: Dr. Michael Eismann (Air Force Research Laboratory), Prof. Michael Kudenov (North Carolina State University)

Session 2: Blast/Shock Wave Imaging and Spectroscopic Techniques: This topic will cover imaging and spectroscopic techniques relevant to blast/shock waves, explosive events, and/or defense system characterization. Techniques include but are not limited to refractive imaging and laser-based methods. Techniques that are innovative, provide new physical insights, and/or address emerging defense systems are strongly encouraged. Survey and review presentations on the current state of the art are also desired.
Chairs: Dr. Chi Mai (Air Force Research Laboratory), Dr. Angela Diggs (Air Force Research Laboratory)

Session 3: Terahertz Photonics: This session seeks submissions related to broad applications of THz photonics. Generally defined in the frequency range of 0.3–10THz, THz photonics has attracted tremendous interest owing to potential applications in imaging and spectroscopy for medical diagnostics and biology, broadband communications, security, defense, and non-destructive testing. Theoretical, numerical, and experimental papers are sought that cover advances in THz sources and detectors, devices, components and imaging systems; novel materials, such as ferroelectrics, superconductors, nanostructures, and low- and two-dimensional materials; new phenomena in THz metamaterials, plasmonics, waveguides, photonic crystals, phonons, and nonlinearities; and applications of spectroscopic techniques and other THz radiation in radiation in physical and life sciences and industry.
Chairs: Mr. George Goldsmith II (Air Force Research Laboratory), Prof. Margaret Kim (University of Alabama)

Session 4: Target Detection and Pattern Recognition: This session invites papers in the areas of target detection and pattern recognition for imaging regimes spanning RF to optical wavelengths. The session scope covers techniques or enabling technology related to the extraction of meaningful information from sensor data, such as target geometry, orientation, class, or ID. Technologies of interest include, but are not limited to, real-time target tracking and image formation, synthetic aperture radar, synthetic scene generation, transfer learning using synthetic data, and automatic target recognition.
Chairs: Dr. Matthew Burfeindt (Air Force Research Laboratory), Dr. David Gray (Air Force Research Laboratory)

This track will focus on multidisciplinary research that investigates biological optical systems in order to understand and apply the principles that enable such high performing systems. Topics covered will include optical technologies/architectures, sensors, signal and information processing. Areas of interest include curved FPAs, GRIN optics, novel transducers, integrated sensing and processing, natural polarization and spectral signatures, bio-inspired materials and structures, multi-aperture architectures, performance metrics / figures of merit for unconventional approaches, etc.

Chairs: Mr. Ric Wehling (Air Force Research Laboratory)

Session 1: Bioinspired optical technologies: The optical technologies/architectures session will focus on biologically-inspired novel optical technologies and systems. These include but are not limited to wide field of view, multiaperture systems; optical materials with novel properties such as gradient index optics; surface treatments such as corneal nipple arrays or technologies motivated thereby; and bio-motivated materials such as achromatic retarders. Novel approaches and architectures that enable or improve downstream processing methods such as sparse sensing are of interest. Innovative cross-modal investigations such as applications of optical principles to acoustic systems are of interest. Interests range from pure biological to pure engineering applications or anywhere between these two extremes.
Chairs: Prof. Thomas Cronin (University of Maryland), Dr. Francis Reininger (Spectral Imaging Laboratory)

Session 2: Bioinspired sensors: Phototransductive approaches that sample physics contained in the electromagnetic field across the spectrum of interest for the investigator: approaches that include spectral and polarization sensitive pixels; innovations in focal plane technology such as curved focal planes, smart focal planes (to include on focal plane preprocessing), and event-based and/or sparse sampling focal planes. Interests range from pure biological to pure engineering applications or anywhere between these two extremes.
Chairs: Prof. Gregor Belusic (University of Ljubljana), Mark Massie (Raytheon Vision Systems)

Session 3: Biobased Signal and Information Processing: Assuming any or all information contained in the electromagnetic radiation field (spectral, intensity, polarization, temporal) is available from the sensor, there is interest in schemes for preprocessing and preconditioning; approaches for extracting useful, relevant information from the detector outputs; interest in encoding, spike trains, analogue encoding, and hybrid schemes. “Algorithms” are of interest that use information from the sensors to identify and track objects of interest. Topics of interest range from pure biological to pure engineering applications or anywhere between these two extremes.
Chairs: Dr. Geoff Barrows (Centeye)

This track will cover some of the most exciting developments in light-matter interaction in new materials of interest for advanced photonics. Topics include: quantum sensing and spin-related effects, topological phenomena and photonics, 2D materials and heterostructures, nano-optics and polaritons, as well as non-linear photonics.

Chairs: Prof. Dmitri Basov (Columbia University), Prof. Yohannes Abate (University of Georgia, Athens)

Session 1: Quantum sensing and spintronics: This session seeks submissions related to experimental advances in controllable quantum phenomena, photon entanglement, quantum interface between spins and photons.
Chair: Prof. Michael Flatté (University of Iowa)

Session 2: Topological insulators and photonics: This session seeks submissions broadly related to: i) topological waveguides, photonic crystals and meta-materials, ii) optical gyrotropy, iii) chiral effects iv) non-reciprocity across electromagnetic spectrum.
Chair: Prof. Nicholas Fang (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Session 3: Two-dimensional materials: This session seeks submissions broadly related to novel properties of 2D systems, atomic layered layered systems for spintronics and optoelectronics, plasmonics and polaritonics, state of the art the synthesis, assembly and heterostructuring of 2D materials.
Chair: Prof. James Hone (Columbia University)

Session 4: Modeling and simulation for advanced photonics: This session seeks submissions related on theoretical and computational research in photonics. Classical, semi-classical and quantum electromagnetic methodologies that seek to explain experimental observables and to design advanced photonics concepts are of interest. Topics on development, application and implementation of computational numerical and analytical methods, also coupled to optimization methods, algorithms and data analysis tools, or derivation of appropriate materials properties are sought. M&S for advanced applications, include, for example, quantum photonics phenomena, metamaterials design, or exciton-plasmon coupling.
Chairs: Dr. Ruth Pachter (Air Force Research Laboratory), Dr. Simeon Trendafilov (Air Force Research Laboratory)

Recent years have seen rapid advances in nanophotonics research which have led to new promising applications. This track will cover these emerging approaches and platforms and lead the discussions in novel nanophotonic materials, functionalities and designs.

Chair: Prof. Hayk Harutyunyan (Emory University)

Session 1: Ultrafast and nonlinear nanophotonics: Optical and electronic properties of materials are strongly modified at reduced dimensions. The scope of this session will be to attract contributions that leverage these new properties to study novel nonlinear and ultrafast effects at the nanoscale.
Chair: Prof. Hayk Harutyunyan (Emory University)

Session 2: High refractive index enabled nanophotonics: High refractive index materials have enabled numerous low-loss and tunable platforms for optical antennas and metasurfaces. This session seeks submissions focused on fundamentals, characterization, and applications of high index materials in nanophotonics. Systems where dynamic or reconfigurable control is achieved are of particular interest.
Chairs: Prof. Jon Schuller (University of California-Santa Barbara), Prof. Joshua Caldwell (Vanderbilt University) and Dr. John Boeckl (Air Force Research Laboratory)

Session 3: Emerging material platforms for plasmonics: An urgent challenge currently faced by researchers in plasmonics is the ability to identify the next generation of low-loss, tailorable, dynamically switchable, cost-effective, robust and semiconductor-compatible materials for implementation of advanced nanophotonic designs and realization of practical plasmonic devices for applications in on-chip circuitry, imaging, sensing, energy conversion and quantum information technologies.
Chairs: Prof. Alexandra Boltasseva (Purdue University), Prof. Stephanie Law (University of Delaware)

Session 4: Active Plasmonics and Nanophotonics: This session seeks original contributions in the general area of active optical devices and architectures enabled by advanced plasmonic and/or nanophotonic concepts. Examples include, but are not limited to, electron-plasmon interactions, novel ways to generate/detect or amplify light, and to modulate/tune the optical properties of nano-scale photonic devices using an external transduction.
Chairs: Dr. Amit Agrawal (National Institute of Standards and Technology), Prof. Palash Bharadwaj (Rice University)