Our research is focused on the interaction between light and matter at the micro and nano-scale. We build nanoscale optical devices such as lasers, cavities and waveguides using optical and electron beam lithography techniques — the same process used in advanced microelectronics devices.
Combining these advanced fabrication techniques with materials displaying high refractive index, such as silicon, silicon nitride, III-V compounds, and glass, we are able to confine light in very small structures (sub-micron). In such tight confining structures, a plethora of new and enhanced effects may be explored within a scientific viewpoint, e.g., quantum mechanics of mesoscopic objects (quantum optomechanics), nonlinear dynamics, and low threshold nonlinear optics; or within a technological viewpoint, e.g., mass sensors, optical modulation and filters (photonic molecules), and RF oscillators.
Studying the coupling of optical and mechanical modes in microcavities, from quantum optomechanics and ground state laser cooling to non-Hermitian dynamics and Brillouin self-cancellation.
Designing photonic crystals, waveguides, and photonic molecules in silicon, GaAs, and SiN using CMOS-compatible foundry processes and local electron-beam lithography.
Exploring Kerr frequency comb generation, third-harmonic generation, and atomic layer deposition (ALD) alumina dispersion engineering in ultra-high Q microresonators.
Creating bright diffractive-plasmonic reflective filters for vivid structural color generation and sensing using metallic nanostructures.