Event Date
Abstract
Silicon Photonics and Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) create optical and optoelectronic systems using the tools of Integrated electronic circuits (IC) manufacturing. This approach allows complex optical systems, that traditionally would occupy large optical tables, to be scaled down to mm sized chips. In addition to the advantages of size, cost, stability, and power consumption, Silicon Photonics hold the promise of new functionalities that are well suited for energy-efficient sensor and computation applications.
This talk is focused on the properties of Silicon Photonics that make it well suited for flexible sensor and computation systems. Basic technology and emerging functionality will be covered, including high contrast, spatial and spectral sorting, polarization analysis, and free-space switching. Promising applications in remote sensing and optical interconnects will be discussed.
Speaker Bio
Olav Solgaard earned his Ph.D. degree from Stanford University in 1992. His doctoral dissertation was the basis for the establishment of Silicon Light Machines (SLM), co-founded by Dr. Solgaard in 1994. His work at UC Davis led to the invention of the multi-wavelength, fiber-optical switch, which has been developed into commercial products by several companies. In 1999 he joined Stanford University where he is now the Robert L. and Audrey S. Hancock Professor of Electrical Engineering.
Professor Solgaard’s research interests include optical MEMS, Silicon Photonics, optical sensors, and dielectric laser accelerators. He has authored more than 500 technical publications and holds 85 patents. Professor Solgaard is a Fellow of the IEEE, the Optical Society of America, the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters, and the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences.
This event is a part of the ECE Distinguished Seminar Series.