Data and Time |
October 17, 2008, 3:15-4:15 PM |
Location |
Bahen Center for Information Technology (BA), Room 1190 |
Host |
Alex Wong |
Semiconductor Superlattice: A Platform for Photonic Integrated Circuits
Sean Wagner
The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (Photonics)
Abstract:
Photonic integrated circuits in semiconductors have the potential to enable more
comprehensive all-optical signal processing devices and long-wavelength (> 2 µm) laser
sources with applications in telecommunications, environmental sensing, and medical
analysis. Placing several devices onto a single chip requires that the properties of the
material be suited to each device. Semiconductor superlattices based on the GaAs/AlGaAs
material system offer such flexible tailoring through the use of quantum-well intermixing
techniques. This technology allows active/passive and linear/nonlinear devices to be
monolithically integrated onto the same chip in a cost effective manner. In this seminar,
I will focus on the nonlinear properties of GaAs/AlGaAs superlattice waveguides and the
related devices that can be fabricated. Results showing large modifications in the band
gap energy, refractive index, and nonlinear properties will be presented and their impact
on device efficiencies will be discussed. I will also present recent experiments with
quasi-phase matching waveguides for wavelength conversion devices and look ahead to
future possibilities for this particular application.
Biography:
Sean Wagner received a B.A.Sc. degree in computer engineering from
University of Waterloo in 2003, and a M.A.Sc. degree from the
University of Toronto in 2006 where his research included
characterizing the nonlinear properties of semiconductor superlattice
waveguides and devices. He has held positions at IBM Canada, Philips
Analytical (a former division of Royal Philips Electronics), and
Evertz Microsystems Inc. Currently, he is a Ph.D candidate in the
Photonics Group where he is continuing his work with superlattice
waveguides. His research interests include nonlinear optics,
all-optical switching and signal processing, and monolithic
integration techniques for optical and optoelectronic components in
semiconductors.
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