Tunable nonlinear photonic devices with liquid crystals

The ability to control light propagation in nanoscale photonic structures is a key issue for the operation of all-optical photonic devices and circuits. We aim to develop innovative concepts of tunable nonlinear photonic devices infiltrated with liquid crystals, achieving a controllable nonlinear response and all-optical functionality. As a result, we will suggest, study and help implementing in experiment a number of photonic devices based on tunable nonlinear response, optical bistability, and nonlinear filtering. The research project will address the fundamental aspects of nonlinear optics at nanoscales and will impact its applications such as optical storage and all-optical computing.