DINE · Dimensionally driven Insights for Nonlinear Optics and Engineered materials

This proposal aims to establish a staff exchange program between laboratories specializing in nonlinear optics and ultrafast spectroscopy to foster interdisciplinary expertise in advanced material characterization in 1D, 2D and 3D materials. Nonlinear optics and ultrafast spectroscopy are crucial for understanding light-matter interactions in 2D nanostructures (e.g., MXenes, transition dichalcogenides, and 2D heterostructures) plasmonic materials (e.g., nanoparticles and 3D metamaterials), molecular systems (e.g., photoresists), and 3D microstructure (e.g., photomechanical microstructures), driving advances in photonics, energy, telecommunications, quantum technologies, materials science, and beyond. Our research will use well-established methodologies from nonlinear optics and ultrafast spectroscopy to explore how structure-property relationships dictate optical responses in these categories of materials. Engineering of electronic properties through chemical modifications and structural modifications, as well as localization of electric field, excitation of excitons, plasmon-polariton and exciton-polariton coupling, anisotropy engineering and external stimuli application (e.g., strain) are some of the strategies that will be employed for enhancing and/or tuning the NLO properties and enable precise control of carrier dynamics in view of advanced technologies. Furthermore, our project will promote sustainability in 3D printing by estimating the energy deposition in eco-friendly resists without the use of toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon photoinitiators. In the same direction, (100) oriented perovskites will be synthesized and engineered to achieve prolonged carriers’ lifetime and enhanced charge transport, critical properties for energy applications, such as solar cells. This interdisciplinary approach brings together 12 esteemed and academic partners and a leading laser company (OPTOGAMA), to bridge fundamental research with real-word applications.