Distinguished Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Professor of Optics
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Sr. Scientist at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics
Fellow IEEE, APS, OSA
Ph.D., Stanford University, 1984
Key Words:
optoelectronic and photonic materials and devices, semiconductor quantum
dots, nanoscale silicon for electronic, photonic, and biosensing applications,
photonic bandgap structures, optical diagnostics.
Research Interests:
My research interests are multidisciplinary and lie at the intersection
of semiconductor materials and device physics, materials sciences, biomedical
engineering, and optics.
Nanoscale silicon structures The first center of interest is nanoscale silicon structures.
Nanometer-size Si objects can be engineered for a wide variety of applications
including optoelectronics (e.g., light-emitting diodes, waveguides), photovoltaics,
electronics (e.g., single electron devices, non-volatile memories), and
photonics (e.g., photonic bandgap structures). Presently we manufacture
and process various types of nanoscale Si objects, including quantum dots
and electrochemically etched structures, and use them for all the above-mentioned
applications. A partial list of active projects includes optical interconnects,
silicon quantum dot laser, photonic bandgap structures, silicon-liquid
crystal nanocomposites, and use of porous silicon in photovoltaics.
Biological and chemical sensors
The second center of interest is biological and chemical sensors. This
research, conducted in the Center for Future Health, aims at inventing
novel, inexpensive sensors that can be used by consumers worldwide, for
example to detect the presence of specific pathogens or pollution agents.
Presently, we are using porous silicon microcavity light emitters to recognize
DNA, bacteria, and other biological objects as part of a smart bandage
project. We also work on electrical biosensors using porous silicon.
Other interests
Other interests include ultrafast laser spectroscopy of semiconductors
and the design of the smart home environment of the future.
