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ECE MASTER OF SCIENCE THESIS DEFENSE BY: Michael J. Benker

When: Friday, December 17, 2021
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where: > See description for location
Cost: Free
Description: Topic: Efficient and High Dynamic Range Gallium Arsenide Optical Modulators

Location: DION 110

Abstract:
Microwave Photonic links are used for the transmission of microwave signals over optical fiber. The advantages of microwave photonic links in comparison to conventional microwave links include lower loss, improved flexibility, and immunity to electromagnetic interference. Microwave photonic links consist of an optical source (laser), a modulator, a detector, and optical fiber. Requirements for modern EW applications include the acceptance of high optical power (250mW or higher), low noise figure (~3dB), efficiency (Vπ<5V) and bandwidth (20GHz or higher) for 1550nm optical wavelength operation. This work outlines the theory, design and nanofabrication process for an electro-optic modulator meeting current standards by modern microwave and Electronic Warfare systems for efficiency and spurious-free dynamic range in an intensity-modulated direct-detection link with preamplification using a low noise amplifier. The material platform for the modulator is the III-V semiconductor Gallium Arsenide. This device uses an intensity modulation scheme. Design efforts include epitaxial layer design, optical waveguide design, and microwave electrode design. Nanofabrication processes were tested at UMASS Lowell’s Nanofabrication Facilities and the GaAs/AlGaAs wafer was epitaxially grown in Massachusetts.

Note: All ECE Graduate Students are ENCOURAGED to attend. All interested parties are invited to attend. Open to the public.

Advisor: Dr. Yifei Li, Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, UMASS Dartmouth

Committee Members: Dr. David A. Brown, Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, UMASS Dartmouth; Dr. Dayalan P. Kasilingam, Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, UMASS Dartmouth; Dr. Tariq Manzur, Adjunct Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, UMASS Dartmouth

*For further information, please contact Dr. Yifei Li via email at yifei.li@umassd.edu.
Topical Areas: General Public, University Community, College of Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering