Research

Professor Diana Huffaker, Cardiff University, will be visiting the School of Engineering. As part of her visit she will deliver an IEEE Photonics Society Distinguished Lecture entitled, "Patterned III-V Nanopillars: A platform for integrated optoelectronic devices". Abstract and biography are given below.

Date & Time: 17:00 - 18:00, Thursday, 28th April
Venue: Stevenson Lecture Theatre, James Watt South Building

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Abstract

Realizing the integration of nanostructures into useful devices and photonic systems has been a topic in hot pursuit for almost a decade. While many groups demonstrate innovative synthesis techniques and compelling device possibilities, true utility has not yet been realized. Furthermore, the utility of nanoscale physics has not been exploited. In this work, we focus on photolithographically defined nanopillars: the diameter, pitch and mask arrangement can be precisely pre-determined at nanometric resolution. Our approach, which is more compared to catalyzed synthesis, allows exquisite control of material composition and doping thus enabling the possibility of competitive device realization. This presentation includes discussion of nanoscale epitaxy, heterostructure formation, surface state effects and doping issues. Device demonstrations include record-holding hybrid photovoltaics, room-temperature, continuous-wave photonic crystal lasers and plasmonic-enhanced avalanche photodetectors (APD) featuring self-aligned subwavelength metal grating. The APD performance is characterized by nanoscale dimensions to demonstrate THz frequency response with very low noise. We will discuss latest fabrication, synthesis and device performance towards optical links and MWIR sensing.

Biography

Diana Huffaker has recently been awarded the Welsh Government Ser Cymru Chair in Advanced Materials and Engineering. She currently directs the newly formed Institute for Compound Semiconductors (ICS) at Cardiff University; a major innovation investment between Welsh Govt, Cardiff University and IQE plc to build a European-leading large scale translational compound semiconductor (CS) growth and fabrication facility in UK/Wales. She maintains Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of California at Los Angeles where she directs the Integrated NanoMaterials Lab User Facility within the California Nanosystems Institute. Professor Huffaker has co-authored over >250 refereed journal publications with more than 7300 citations and many invited presentations world-wide. Her research interests include metamaterials, nanostructures, photovoltaics and optical integration on Si. She is a Fellow of OSA, IEEE and the Humboldt Society along with Photonics Society Distinguished Lecturer. She is an active participant in the technical community with leadership roles in many international societies including IEEE, SPIE, SWE, WISE, MRS, OSA and TMS and involved in local and national community programs.

First published: 13 July 2016