Doctoral Thesis: Lightwave Electronics Based on Nanoantenna Networks

By: Matthew Yeung

Thesis Supervisors: Phillip D. Keathley & Karl K. Berggren

Details

• Date: Tuesday, April 30
• Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• Category: Thesis Defense
• Location: Grier A (34-401A)

Additional Location Details:

Abstract:
Lightwave electronics (also often called PHz electronics) seek to integrate optics and electronics effectively, leveraging sub-cycle information contained within the ultrafast oscillations of light fields. In this pursuit of electronics operating at optical frequencies, a significant obstacle arises from the mismatch between the characteristic frequencies of optical (PHz regime) and conventional electronic systems for readout (GHz-THz). Current electronic technologies operate at much lower speeds, leading to a disparity of several orders of magnitude in frequency. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for realizing the full potential of lightwave electronics and achieving seamless integration between optics and electronics.

In the realm of functional lightwave electronics, which encompasses graphene-based devices, dielectric currents, and nanoantennas, the latter has risen as a particularly promising platform. Nanoantennas offer a range of advantages, including scalability, minimal energy requirements for pulses, direct generation and detection, and independence from phase-matching constraints. These benefits position nanoantennas as a standout option for various applications in lightwave electronics.

This thesis presents experimental demonstrations of on-chip lightwave nanoantenna-based devices designed for optical phase detection and lightwave frequency mixing with polarization sensitivity. Phase detection and frequency mixing are crucial in radio-frequency electronics and are extended to operate into the PHz regime.

Thesis Committee: Phillip D. Keathley & Karl K. Berggren (Thesis Supervisors)
Nuh Gedik, Sixian You

Host

• Matthew Yeung
• Email: myeung@mit.edu