Seminar: Reconfigurable Photonics: Enabling Technologies for Classical and Quantum Information Processing

Part of the Optical Science Seminar Series

Reconfigurable Photonics: Enabling Technologies for Classical and Quantum Information Processing

by Imad Agha, University of Dayton

Abstract: Reconfigurable photonics encompasses an umbrella of technologies that is aimed at controlling light both on and off-chip. Specifically, when integrated within an on-chip platform, together with other components such as detectors, interferometers, and filters, could create an enabling technology for giant leaps in photonic-based quantum computing, neuromorphic computing, and other Von Neumann and non-Von Neumann protocols. In his talk, Dr. Agha will discuss recent efforts using phase-change materials as means to control light with optical or electronic means with the aforementioned applications in mind.

Phase-change materials (PCMs) based on germanium antimony tellurides (GSTs) are commonly used as both non-volatile memories (PCRAMs), as well as in optical storage devices (Blu-Rays and DVDs). However, for the material to transcend current static and quasi-static applications, and move towards true high-speed device territory, several improvements to the intrinsic material need to be implemented, ranging from the structural to compositional. Here, Dr. Agha will discuss recent efforts aimed towards modeling, fabricating and testing PCMs at speeds ranging from the nanosecond to the sub-nanosecond. This enables moderate speed, sub-micron footprint devices that can complement other technologies for quantum and classical protocols.

Bio: In 2013, Dr. Agha became a faculty member at the University of Dayton. He established the Photonic Integrated Circuits and Quantum Photonics laboratory. During the brief time at UD, he, together with his lab group, developed new techniques for all-optical signal processing in silicon, and demonstrated all-optical analogs of electronic transistors using state-of-the-art nanofabrication techniques. Additionally, the laboratory has been involved in several high profile experiments in nonlinear optics, THz metamaterials, as well as phase-change reconfigurable photonics. Dr. Agha is PI on several grants, with surces ranging from the National Science Foundation, to the Air Force Research Laboratory, as well as the Dayton/Ohio Region. Dr. Agha is also co-PI on grants from the Army Research Office. To date, he has published more than 60 journal papers and conference proceedings, delivered many conference presentations and invited talks/lectures/seminars. Dr. Agha is a regular referee for papers from OSA, APS, AIP, SPIE and IEEE. He is the faculty mentor for the Optical Society of America student chapter, and is a member of SPIE and APS.

Event is open to the public and co-hosted by Prof. Ronald Reano.