Bio-Inspired Nano-Engineering and Genetic Modification for Linear and Nonlinear Optical Applications
Koen Clays
We review three examples of how biomaterials can inspire the optimization or fine-tuning of the linear or nonlinear optical properties of materials by molecular engineering at the nanometre scale. DNA is used to control the distance between a donor-acceptor couple in an energy transfer study. For improved second-order nonlinear optical response, amylose induces the optimal all-trans configuration of hemicyanine dyes with extended conjugation. Fluorescent proteins are optimized by genetic engineering for their use in second-harmonic imaging in combination with two-photon fluorescence microscopy for improved resolution.
Keywords: Photomechanical effects, polymer optical fiber, photomechanical optics devices, PODs, emergence, Bragg gratings, optical feedback, optical circuits, position sensors