Advancing Optoelectronics and Power Electronics: From Ultrawide-Bandgap Semiconductors to Silicon-Integrated Plasmonic Heterojunctions for Next-Generation Applications
Addressing critical challenges in on-chip communication, this presentation details the development of silicon-integrated plasmonic heterojunction devices within the broader context of energy-efficient, high-performance electronic and photonic systems. We emphasize material innovations (e.g., transparent conductive oxides) and architectural advancements aimed at enhancing efficiency and minimizing optical losses.
Overview
Driven by the global demand for energy-efficient and high-performance electronic and photonic systems, this seminar presents a comprehensive overview of my research journey, spanning deep-ultraviolet (DUV) optoelectronics, power electronics, and cutting-edge silicon-integrated photonics at KAUST and the University of Toronto. We will explore past accomplishments in developing high-performance DUV devices and power electronic platforms, highlighting key contributions. Furthermore, I will delve into my latest research on silicon-integrated plasmonic heterojunction devices. My work addresses critical challenges in on-chip communication by enhancing efficiency and minimizing optical losses using innovative materials and architectures, such as novel transparent conductive oxides and heterojunction designs. I will also discuss my vision for the next five years and how it aligns directly with Saudi Arabia’s growing aspirations in the semiconductor sector, focusing on leveraging my expertise in semiconductor materials, optoelectronics, photonics, and power electronics to foster continued collaboration and drive innovation within the KAUST ecosystem and beyond. This seminar will bridge fundamental research with real-world applications, showcasing the transformative potential of advanced optoelectronic and photonic technologies for future computing and data transfer.
Presenters
Brief Biography
Dr. Nasir Alfaraj is a KAUST Ibn Rushd Fellow at the Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, in 2019. Prior to his doctoral studies, he earned his B.Sc. (2013) from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA, and his M.Sc. (2015) from KAUST. Dr. Alfaraj is currently a Research Associate with the Helmy Group, and his research interests encompass the growth, fabrication, and characterization of CMOS-compatible semiconductor nanostructures and devices for nanophotonic applications, utilizing hybrid metallic architectures. He is an IEEE Senior Member.
