Projects

Solid-state Electronics and Photonics (SSEP) group

Research Projects

Our Solid-state Electronics and Photonics (SSEP) research group explores both theoretical and experimental aspects related to design, fabrication and characterization of novel electronic, optoelectronic, photonic and spintronic devices devices and systems. Here is a brief summary of some of the ongoing research projects of the SSEP research group.

Quantum Photonic Devices and Systems

Quantum photonic technologies, with the fundamental resources of single and entangled photon sources, are rapidly reshaping the landscape of information science, computation, and sensing. Photons, because of their weak interaction with the environment, serve as robust carriers of quantum information over long distances and across complex circuits. This makes them indispensable resources in quantum key distribution (QKD), linear optical quantum computing (LOQC), and distributed quantum networks. It is also perceived that quantum light sources will unlock the development of a new class of quantum photonic integrated circuits (QPICs), which will play an important role in the ever-expanding field of quantum computing and communications. In this project we aim to achieve these goals by bridging the fields of nanophotonics and cavity quantum electrodynamics with solid-state quantum light sources.

Optical Logic Gates and Photonic Integrated Circuits

All-optical logic gates (AOLGs) and photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are becoming increasingly popular owing to their immense potential for applications related to high-speed computing and signal processing, as well as high-bandwidth data communication with multiplexing capabilities and negligible crosstalk. Despite decades of extensive research, AOLGs and PICs face a number of challenges in terms of practical realization. Their viability depend on features like cascadability, fan-out, logic level restoration, input-output isolation, absence of critical biasing, and loss-independent logic level. In this research, we aim to overcome these challanges by exploring novel designs and concepts based on the principles of photonics and electromagnetics.

Spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) Interconnects

With aggressive scaling of the devices to keep up with Moore’s law, we are inevitably entering a regime where the interconnects, rather than the logic devices become the most critical components for designing. Spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) interconnect offers a novel communication system where the unique electromagnetic properties of metasurface are leveraged for high speed data transfer with low energy budget. Unlike conventional interconnects which incur aggravated signal fidelity at elevated frequencies owing to cross-talk, spoof plasmon channel demonstrates quite reverse trends: the cross-talk is suppressed at high frequency end of its band— allowing the possibility of faster data transfer with signal integrity. In our research on SSPP interconnect, we explore the prospect of utilizing SSPP interconnects for high-speed chip-to-chip communication systems.

Spintronic Devices and Systems

Spin-based electronic and optoelectronic devices- both fall within the scope of our research. My previous research on spintronics involved design, fabrication and experimental characterization of spin-valves, spin-LEDs and spin-LASERs. In our recent studies, we have investigated spin-transfer-torque magnetic random access memory (STT-MRAM) devices, which are considered to be promising candidates for next-generation data-storage owing to their non-volatility, fast access times, scalability and low-power consumption. We have investigated device-to-device variability of CoFeB/MgO based STT-MRAMs based on experiments and simulations, taking into account the influence of interface quality, temperature variation and device dimensionality. We have also explored neuromorphic applications of spintronic devices employing spin-orbit torque (SOT) and domain wall motion-based magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs).

Exciton-polariton Lasers

Exciton-polaritons or polaritons, which are part-light, part-matter hybrid quasiparticles, offer an entirely new physics for realizing semiconductor lasers. These relatively new solid-state devices, which are more commonly known as polariton lasers, can generate coherent light output at two to three thousand times lower input power than that required for an equivalent photon laser. During my PhD studies back in Michigan, I was actively involved in the design, fabrication and experimental characterization of electrically pumped polariton lasers based on GaAs and GaN material systems. At present we are exploring theoretical avenues related to exciton-polariton lasers, particularly the role of defects on the performance characteristics of polariton lasers.

Disordered Photonics

The design and implementation of photonic devices have conventionally relied on ordered materials and nanostructures, where imperfections are generally considered undesirable. Disordered photonics, the area of photonic research which investigates the complex behaviour of light in random or disordered media, offers a paradigm shift in how photonic components can be realized. In our research related to the field of disordered photonics, we explore transmission, absorption and reflection of light in disordered medium. In our finite difference time domain based numerical studies, we also investigate exotic phenomena like Anderson localization, and explore whether it is possible to tailor the randomness of a medium to attain specific light output characteristics.

Indoor Photovoltaics

The smooth functioning of cyber-physical systems largely rely on the operation of wired or wireless communication nodes, sensors, actuators or on-chip computers, many of which operate with only several milliwatts to few tens of micro-watts of power density. Conventionally these devices are operated with batteries or grid-connected adapters, which have both limited lifetime and non-renewable sources of energy supply. Indoor photovoltaics offer a paradigm shift in how these low-power electronic devices can be supplied energy with. Particularly with recent advancements in solid-state indoor lighting systems, the technology of ambient light to electricity generation is being considered as a viable means to fulfill the energy requirement of the ever-expanding network of Internet of Things. In our research on indoor photovoltaics, we explore the prospect of designing energy-efficient indoor-photovoltaic devices and systems with low-cost material systems.

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