Related papers: Nanoengineered Astronomical Optics
The addition of an optically absorptive layer to otherwise standard dielectric mirrors enables a set of laser direct writing nanostructuring methods that can add functionality to such mirrors while retaining their high reflectivity. These…
We report on successful tests of holographically arranged grating-structures in nanoparticle-polymer composites in the form of 100 microns thin free-standing films, i.e. without sample containers or covers that could cause unwanted…
Crystalline noble metal flakes are emerging as versatile platforms in nanophotonics, enabling a broad range of optical phenomena and applications. Their atomically flat surfaces, high crystallinity, and superior optical quality open new…
Liquid mirror telescopes are of interest to Astronomy because of their very low capital and operating costs. Low cost has a potentially revolutionary impact since it allows one to dedicate a large telescope to a narrowly focused project…
Achieving laser-driven, reflective, relativistic light sails would represent a tremendous breakthrough for humankind, allowing us to advance our understanding of the solar system and deep space far beyond what we know from space probes,…
Miniaturized and rationally assembled nanostructures exhibit extraordinarily distinct physical properties beyond their individual units. This review will focus on structured small-scale optical cavities that show unique electromagnetic near…
Negative reflection occurs when light is reflected towards the same side of the normal to the boundary from which it is incident. This exotic optical phenomenon, which provides a new avenue towards light manipulation, is not only yet to be…
The reflection of an optical wave from a metal, arising from strong interactions between the optical electric field and the free carriers of the metal, is accompanied by a phase reversal of the reflected electric field. A far less common…
Natural materials typically interact weakly with the magnetic component of light which greatly limits their applications. This has led to the development of artificial metamaterials and metasurfaces. However, natural atoms, where only…
Optical metasurfaces, comprised of subwavelength nanostructures, hold a great promise to high-power laser optics but also a limited pertinence due to their currently limited aperture size, throughput and durability. Here, an alternative…
Additive manufacturing (AM; 3D printing) has clear benefits in the production of lightweight mirrors for astronomy: it can create optimised lightweight structures and combine multiple components into one. New capabilities in AM ceramics,…
High-power lasers have numerous scientific and industrial applications. Some key areas include laser cutting and welding in manufacturing, directed energy in fusion reactors or defense applications, laser surgery in medicine, and advanced…
The surface of a spinning liquid takes the shape of a paraboloid that can be used as a reflecting mirror. This very old and nearly forgotten concept has recently been revived and I review its present status. Extensive interferometric tests…
Optical imaging technologies are central to discovery in the life and physical sciences, yet their impact depends on how readily they can be built, adapted, and sustained across laboratories. Digital fabrication, including desktop 3D…
Mirrors are a subset of optical components essential for the success of current and future space missions. Most of the telescopes for space programs ranging from Earth Observation to Astrophysics and covering all the electromagnetic…
A very efficient method for the calculation of the effective optical response of nano-structured composite systems allows the design of metamaterials tailored for specific optical polarization properties. We use our method to design 2D…
In this paper we are exploring the possibilities of 3D printing in the fabrication of mirrors for astronomy. Taking the advantages of 3D printing to solve the existing problems caused by traditional manufacturing, two proof-of-concept…
Optically resonant particles are key building blocks of many nanophotonic devices such as optical antennas and metasurfaces. Because the functionalities of such devices are largely determined by the optical properties of individual…
Curved reflective mirrors play an indispensable role in widely-employed Cassegrain-type optics, which consequently are inevitably bulky, and thus neither integratable nor well extendable. Through substituting geometric phase based…
Unprecedented material compatibility and ease of integration, in addition to the unique and diverse optoelectronic properties of layered materials have generated significant interest in their utilization in nanophotonic devices. While…