Department: Electrical & Computer Engineering
Advisor: Arka Majumdar
My research focuses on integrated photonic systems that are predominantly on a silicon-on-insulator platform at the telecommunication wavelength. My main research directions are quantum simulations using coupled cavity arrays [CCA] and large-scale programmable integrated circuits [PIC]. My project on CCA’s will be an extension of my group’s previous research into simulating the Su–Schrieffer–Heeger [SSH] model with a 1D CCA. I aim to create a fully tunable, 2D CCA that will allow for simulation of 2D lattices such as graphene. My other aim is the creation of controllable PIC’s through the use of phase change materials such as SbSe. I’m motivated by the prospect of using low power PIC’s that, once programmed, do not require active tuning for applications such as forward propagation in neural networks. Furthermore, the silicon-on-insulator platform and operation at the telecommunication wavelength offer ease of adoption by leveraging existing CMOS foundries.