Exploiting Strong Physical Interactions in Silicon Photonics for Security, Non-traditional Computing, and Quantum Communications

Dr. Amy Foster, Johns Hopkins University

Goergen 101

Abstract:

The exceptional confinement of light in silicon photonic devices produces physical interactions of an otherwise inaccessible magnitude that can be exploited for a wide range of applications. For example, this talk will discuss the use of optically reverberant chaotic cavities for secure authentication through creation of an ultrafast fingerprint for physical layer security. Additionally, we will discuss how the high confinement coupled with a high nonlinearity in the amorphous form of silicon enables signal processing at the highest speeds including functions such as phase-sensitive amplification, switching, and all-optical logic, as well as for quantum communications applications.

Bio:

Professor Amy C. Foster is an Assistant Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Prof. Amy Foster received her B.S. ('03) in Electrical Engineering from the University at Buffalo. She then completed her M.S. ('08) and Ph.D. ('09) in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Cornell University in the research group of Professor Michal Lipson. Her research focuses on the nanoscale design and control of silicon-based photonic devices. Recently, Dr. Foster’s research has focused on validating hydrogenated amorphous silicon as a highly nonlinear, power-efficient material for parametric processes and three dimensional integration. Prof. Amy Foster is the recipient of a 2012 DARPA Young Faculty Award. Please visit Prof. Foster's website at http://engineering.jhu.edu/jhuipl/.

Location: Goergen 101

Refreshments will be served.