photonics

Future of Semiconductors Forum 2025 | KAUST

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Building 20

Join global leaders at KAUST to shape the next era of semiconductor technologies.

Professor Mohamed-Slim Alouini named a Fellow of SPIE and a Distinguished Lecturer of the IEEE Photonics Society

4 min read ·
Professor Mohamed-Slim Alouini earns SPIE Fellow and IEEE Distinguished Lecturer titles, highlighting his influential contributions to optical wireless communications.

EE Seminar: AMMONO-GaN: ultimate substrate solution for energy saving GaN power electronics

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B3 L5 R5220

Bulk gallium nitride (GaN) crystals are regarded as the most promising candidates for substrates for optoelectronic, high power and high frequency electronic devices. After dacedes of extensive research on a numer of methods incluging HNPS, HVPE and Flux - ammonothermal (AMMONO) method of bulk GaN growth offers the best combination of crystal quality and size, within foreseen scalability able to meet huge demands of lighting and power electronic markets. Developed as analogy of hydrothermal method commonly used for multi-ton production of synthetic quartz, AMMONO method currently provides 2-inch crystals of excellent structural properties and wide spectrum of electrical parameters.

Photonic topological phases in dispersive metamaterials

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B1 L4 R4214

We analyze the photonic topological phases in dispersive metamaterials which satisfy the degenerate condition at a reference frequency, where the hybrid modes are decoupled and determined by two subsystems with degenerate eigenvalues. By introducing the pseudospin states as the eigenfield basis, the Hamiltonians of the hybrid modes represent the pesudospin-orbit interaction with spin 1, which result in nonzero spin Chern numbers that characterize the topological phases.

Quantum Inspired Photonics

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B1 L2 R4214

Quantum mechanics and photonics share mathematical equivalence. By carefully exploiting the interplay between optical index, gain and loss in the complex dielectric permittivity plane, optics has become an ideal platform to explore some exotic quantum concepts, such as topological physics and parity-time (PT) symmetry. Instead of counteracting optical losses at micro and nano scales in integrated photonics, we started from an opposite viewpoint and developed a new paradigm of positively and strategically manipulating optical losses by the quantum-inspired photonics concept enrich fundamental optical physics and realized novel photonic synthetic matters with unique optical functionalities. In this seminar, I will present our recent efforts on engineering the complex optical potentials at an exceptional point (i.e. PT symmetry transition point). Based on the exceptional point-induced unidirectionality, we harness optical losses to enable unique microlaser functionalities, in particular, an orbital angular momentum (OAM) microlaser that structures and twists the lasing radiation at the microscale, which is expected to address the growing demand for information capacity. Additionally, I will discuss non-Hermitian topological photonics where optical non-Hermiticity and topological physics are coupled.

Photonics Summer Camp 2019 - The Final Presentations

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B2 B3 A0215

International Students in CEMSE who attended Photonics Summer Camp 2019, will present their research findings and experience of KAUST, in 10 minute presentations. Breakfast will be served. All KAUST affiliates are welcome to attend. The Photonics Summer Camp is an international internship program, currently in it’s 4th year. The program is just 4 weeks long and is designed to welcome overseas and local students to KAUST, in order to facilitate research innovation and collaboration amongst the next generation of photonics researchers. The program is sponsored by the CEMSE Division, with support from Graduate Affairs, and the International Programs Office.

Study of ultraviolet AlGaN nanowires light-emitting diodes

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B3 L5 R5209

Ultraviolet (UV) group III-Nitride-based light emitters have been used in various applications such as water purification, medicine, lighting and chemical detection. Despite attractive properties such as bandgap tunability in the whole UV range (UV-C to UV-A), high chemical stability and relative low cost, the low quantum efficiency hamper the full utilization. This thesis aims to show alternative solutions to such problems by employing nanowires (NWs) structures, and target the eventual application of reliable and high power NWs-based light-emitting devices, enabling large-scale production using the established silicon foundry processes. Here, we present the improvement of injection current and optical power of AlGaN NWs LEDs by involving a metal bilayer thin film with a dual purpose: eliminate the potential barrier for carrier transport, and inhibit the formation of silicide.

Deep-Ultraviolet Optoelectronic Devices Enabled by the Hybrid Integration of Next-Generation Semiconductors and Emerging Device Platforms

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B3 L5 R5209

In this dissertation, the design and fabrication of deep-ultraviolet photodetectors, based on gallium oxide and its alloys, through the heterogeneous integration with metallic and other inorganic materials is investigated. The crystallographic properties of grown oxide films formed directly and indirectly on silicon, magnesium oxide, and sapphire are examined, and the challenges that hinder the realization of efficient and reliable deep-ultraviolet photodetectors are elaborated on. I provide an overview of aluminum nitride, gallium oxide, sapphire, and silicon substrates as platforms for deep-ultraviolet optoelectronic devices, in which I elaborate on the challenges associated with using sapphire as a platform for efficient deep-ultraviolet devices and detail advancements in device growth and fabrication on silicon and magnesium oxide substrates.

Ultraviolet band based underwater wireless optical communication

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KAUST

Underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) has attracted increasing interest for data transfer in various underwater activities, due to its order-of-magnitude higher bandwidth compared to conventional acoustic and radio-frequency (RF) technologies. Our studies pave the way for eventual applications of UWOC by relieving the strict requirements on PAT using UV-based NLOS. Such modality is much sought-after for implementing robust, secure, and high-speed UWOC links in harsh oceanic environments. This work was first started with the investigation of proper NLOS configurations. Path loss (PL) was chosen as a figure-of-merit for link performance. The effects of NLOS geometries, water turbidity, and transmission wavelength are evaluated by measuring the corresponding PL. The experimental results suggest that NLOS UWOC links are favorable for smaller azimuth angles, stronger water turbidity, and shorter transmission wavelength, as exemplified by the use of 375-nm wavelength. With the understanding of favorable NLOS UWOC configurations, we established a NLOS link consisting of an ultraviolet (UV) laser as the transmitter for enhanced light scattering and high sensitivity photomultiplier tube (PMT) as the receiver. A high data rate of 85 Mbit/s using on-off keying (OOK) in a 30-cm emulated highly turbid harbor water is demonstrated. Besides the underwater communication links, UV-based NLOS is also appealing to be the signal carrier for direct communication across wavy water-air interface. The trial results indicate link stability, which alleviates the issues brought about by the misalignment and mobility in harsh environments, paving the way towards real applications.

The fourth wave: ultrawide bandgap compound semiconductors for photonics and electronics

Xiaohang Li, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering

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KAUST

Wide bandgap (WBG) compound semiconductors including GaN have shown enormous success in solid-state lighting, display, and electrification in recent decades due to superior properties such as direct bandgap, high electron mobility, and large breakdown field. They have been changing the world by elevating living standards and addressing grand challenges such as global warming. The pioneering researchers have been recognized by numerous accolades including the Nobel Prize and most recently, the Queen Elizabeth Prize. Lately, the III-nitride and III-oxide ultrawide bandgap (UWBG) compound semiconductors with bandgap larger than 3.4 eV have attracted increasing attentions: they have been regarded as the 4th wave/generation after the consequential Si, III-V, and WBG semiconductors. Because the UWBG along with other properties could enable electronics and photonics to operate with significantly greater power and frequency capability and at much shorter far−deep UV wavelengths, respectively, both crucial for human society. Besides, they could be employed for the revolutionary quantum information science as the host and photonic platform. However, extensive multi-disciplinary studies of growth, materials, physics, and devices are essential to unearth the potentials due to the infancy. This seminar would cover the latest research on those aspects. It includes growth of state-of-the-art materials, discovery of unique material properties, and development of a widely adopted device physics framework for photonics and electronics especially short and long wavelength photonic devices.

Machine learning in hardware via trained metasurface encoders: theory, design and applications

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B2 L5 R5209

In this thesis, we introduce a novel concept of metasurface optical accelerators for machine learning with the corresponding end-to-end optimization framework that is robust to fabrication intolerance and can simultaneously optimize in tens of millions of degrees of freedom. The core of this technology is universal approximators, a single surface of optical nanoresonators mathematically equivalent to a single layer of an artificial neural network (ANN).

Photonics Design and Remote Sensing

Prof. Hugo Enrique Hernandez Figueroa

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B18 L4 Fellowship Hall

Abstract This tutorial series will include: Seminar 1 (Monday, 2PM) – Electromagnetic Numerical Modeling A general view of electromagnetic numerical modeling. Finite Element Method (FEM) vs Finite Difference Method. FEM formulations for solving Maxwell equations: time-domain and frequencydomain. Scattering, resonant structures and guiding modeling. Description of NEO-PZ: LEMAC’s electromagnetic simulator package. Challenging electromagnetic problems: very large electrical spatial domains demanding very high localized accuracy. Deterministic and heuristic optimization techniques and artificial

KAUST-Fudan Joint Workshop on Intelligent Communication, Device and System Technologies

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B18 L4 Fellowship Hall

This joint workshop between KAUST and Fudan University covers a variety of topics related to optical communication and devices for visible light communication. Theoretical modeling, device engine/materials investigation and sub-system development will be discussed. These research are essential to eventually realize the goals of connecting all the unconnected, SMART systems and optical internet-of-things. The workshop will be running in hybrid mode, and presenters will be from both KAUST and Fudan University.

KAUST Masterclass: Semiconductor Photonics

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KAUST

Semiconductor Photonics is an immersive master class that explores the cutting-edge field of advanced optoelectronics and its diverse applications. This class brings together experts and enthusiasts to delve into the forefront of research and innovation in semiconductor photonics. Key topics include Semiconductor Laser-Based Lighting and Visible Light Communications, Artificial Intelligent Optoelectronics Hardware for Neuromorphic Computing, Optoelectronic Micro-Devices for Novel AR and VR Displays, and Integrated Silicon Photonics. By covering these varied areas, the class offers a comprehensive understanding of semiconductor photonics and its implications in information technology, healthcare, computing, and beyond.

Gbps Laser-based underwater wireless optical communication

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B9 L2 H2

I will focus my discussion on optoelectronic devices and system challenges facing long-distance, multiple-Gbps underwater wireless optical communication. The future perspective of underwater photonics will also be discussed.

Prof. Andrea Fratalocchi receives appreciation from Nature Publications as one of its best reviewers

1 min read ·
Prof. Andrea Fratalocchi received a letter of appreciation from the Editor-in-Chief of Nature for serving as a reviewer.

Mohammed Zahed M. Khan (EE PhD Candidate) and Dr. Boon Ooi (Professor of EE) won the Best Paper Award (Photonics Track) at the SIECP conference

1 min read ·
Mohammed Zahed M. Khan (EE PhD Candidate) and Dr. Boon Ooi (Professor of EE) won the Best Paper Award (Photonics Track) in the second SIECPC.

Klemens Katterbauer (PhD in Electrical Engineering) comes 2nd place at the Middle East, North Africa & South Asia SPE Student Paper contest

1 min read ·
Klemens Katterbauer (Ph.D. candidate under supervision Andrea Fratalocchi) comes 2nd place at the Middle East, North Africa & South Asia SPE Student Paper Contest.

Tsunami On Demand: The Power To Harness Catastrophic Events

1 min read ·
A new study published today on Nature Physics features a nano-optical chip that makes possible generating and controlling nanoscale rogue waves. The innovative chip was developed by an international team of physicists, led by Andrea Fratalocchi from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), in Saudi Arabia, and is expected to have significant applications for energy research and environmental safety.

The Orange Laser

1 min read ·
In the last issue of Electronics Letters of 9th July 2015 Vol.51 No.14 a team of researchers coordinated by Prof. Boon Ooi, director the Photonics Laboratory at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST), presented a phosphide-based laser structure that can operate in the orange wavelengths at room temperature.

Cancer screening advance: single point genetic mutations made visible by new optical chip

1 min read ·
The collaboration of the teams of professors Enzo Di Fabrizio and Andrea Fratalocchi at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), in Saudi Arabia, has led to the development of a new device that enables the detection of mutations down to a single amino acid.

The International Year of Light Open Day

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The International Year of Light (IYL) Open Day event took place at KAUST on December 3, 2015. The event was designed to celebrate light’s impact on human welfare as well as the importance of light as one of the most challenging fields of research in contemporary science. The Open Day Exhibition showcased the latest technological developments in light research, with special emphasis on photonics and LED-based technologies and the innovative applications that they will bring to the energy and communication sectors in the future. The exhibit experiments and the striking materials were provided by

CEMSE’s Professor Boon Ooi appointed Fellow of the Optical Society of America (OSA)

1 min read ·
Boon Ooi, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Director of the KACST - Technology Innovation Center for Solid-State Lighting, under the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division of KAUST, was recently appointed Fellow of the Optical Society of America (OSA).

VSRP intern Muwei Zhang's first-author paper hits the headline of the Physica Status Solidi Journal

1 min read ·
Professor Xiaohang Li's Visiting Student Research Internship Program (VSRP) intern, Muwei Zhang has recently published his first-author paper "Structural and electronic properties of wurtzite BxAl1_xN from first-principles calculations" on the Physica Status Solidi (b) Journal.

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowships in Photonics @ CEMSE - call 3 - 2018

1 min read ·
‌ A group of professors working in the area of photonics at KAUST, most of them with CEMSE Division, offer hosting of outgoing Marie Sklodowska- Curie Fellowships in their research groups within the EU H2020 COFUND Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme MULTIPLY. Candidates are invited to submit proposals for research within the environment of laboratories of professors Andrea Fratalocchi , Boon S. Ooi, Carlo Liberale, Enzo M. Di Fabrizio, Kazuhiro Ohkawa, Mohamed-Slim Alouini, and Xiaohang Li. The call deadline is the 2nd of April 2018. For application information please check the call flyer or

UESTC students visit CEMSE Laboratories during a one week Winter Camp at KAUST

1 min read ·
Twenty-two undergraduate students from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Chengdu, are currently visiting the CEMSE Division as part of one week Winter Camp at KAUST.

Ph.D. student Valerio Mazzone wins best paper award

1 min read ·
Valerio Mazzone, a Ph.D. student in the Primalight group based in the University's Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering Division (CEMSE), was awarded the best paper award at the 9th International Conference on Metamaterials, Photonic Crystals and Plasmonics (META).

KAUST Associate Professor Andrea Fratalocchi’s research leads to Institute of Physics Fellowship

1 min read ·
Andrea Fratalocchi, associate professor in the University's Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE) division, was recently granted a Fellowship of the Institute of Physics (FInstP) by the Institute of Physics (IOP). Fratalocchi was awarded the IOP's highest level of membership in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in physics.

Andrea Fratalocchi Elected OSA Fellow for Pioneering Innovations

1 min read ·
Andrea Fratalocchi, associate professor in the University's Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division, was recently elected as a Fellow Member of The Optical Society of America (OSA) at the Society’s Board of Directors meeting in September.

KAUST Associate Professor Andrea Fratalocchi elected Fellow of the Optical Society

1 min read ·
Andrea Fratalocchi, associate professor in the University's Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering division, was recently elected as a Fellow of the Optical Society (OSA) at the society's Board of Directors meeting in September.

KAUST Ph.D. student receives SPIE 2020 Optics and Photonics Education Scholarship

1 min read ·
Ronghui Lin, a Ph.D. student under the supervision of Professor Xiaohang Li, has been awarded an SPIE 2020 Optics and Photonics Education Scholarship for his “potential long-range contribution to optics, photonics, or other related fields.”

Chun Hong Kang receives SPIE Optics and Photonics Education Scholarship

1 min read ·
Chun Hong Kang, a Ph.D. student in the KAUST Photonics Laboratory, has been awarded a 2021 Optics and Photonics Education Scholarship by SPIE for his “potential contributions to the field of optics and photonics.”

Outstanding KAUST research acknowledged by leading photonics journal

1 min read ·
KAUST professors Boon Ooi and Osman Bakr and their respective research groups have recently had their collaborative research recognized by one of the major journals for optics and photonics, Light: Science & Applications (LSA). The teams’ paper— titled "High-speed color-converting photodetector with all-inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals for ultraviolet light communication—" was awarded as an “Outstanding Paper of Light: Science & Applications in 2020.”

Professor Ooi appointed Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Photonics Technology Letters

1 min read ·
KAUST Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Boon S. Ooi has been appointed Editor-in-Chief (EiC) of the IEEE Photonics Technology Letters beginning January 1, 2022.

KAUST New Faculty: Yating Wan, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering

1 min read ·
Yating Wan, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, joins KAUST as a member of the KAUST Photonics Laboratory from her most recent position as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), U.S.

Zhirun Li

Zhirun Li is a M.S./Ph.D. student at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). He obtained bachelor degree of Optoelectronic Information Science and Engineering from University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) in 2019. Education Profile M.S./Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia, Aug. 2020 - present B Eng. in Optoelectronic Information Science and Engineering at University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Chengdu, China, Sept. 2015 - Jun. 2019
Yating Wan

Yating Wan

Dr. Yating Wan, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at KAUST, excels in silicon photonics, with special emphasis on the integration of on-chip light sources.

Xiaobin Sun

Xiaobin Sun is a Ph.D. student at Photonics Laboratory under the supervision of Professor Boon Ooi at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Research Interests Sun's research interests include Semiconductor Optoelectronic device, Optical communication, including underwater optical wireless communications, visible-light communications. Invited Talks: Visible diode lasers for high bitrate underwater wireless optical communications Boon S. Ooi, Xiaobin Sun, Omar Alkhazragi, Yujian Guo, Tien Khee Ng, Mohamed-Slim Alouini Optical Fiber Communication Conference, M3I. 1 (OFC 2019

Valerio Mazzone

Valerio Mazzone is a PhD student at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, where he joined Andrea Fratalocchi’s group, Primalight, since summer 2014. Valerio graduated in physics at University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Italy, with a MS Thesis about a computational study of DNA translocation in nanopore. His BS and MS studies focused on condensed matter and many-body systems. Before joining KAUST he collaborated with prof. Walter Schirmacher on a theoretical study of viscoelesticity of glass using coherent potential approximation. His current work regards the possibility to

Shahad Ali

Visiting Scholar, Photonics Laboratory
Shahad Ali was an SRSI (Saudi Research Science Institute) student at the Photonics Laboratory of Professor Boon Ooi. Currently, he is a BSc student at Pennsylvania State University, USA. Research Interests Shahad's research interests included ​​​Photonics.

Mohammed Zahed Mustafa Khan

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Photonics Laboratory
Mohammed Zahed Mustafa Khan worked as a Post-Doctoral fellow at the Photonics lab after receiving his Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering under the supervision of Prof. Boon Ooi from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Mohammed received his Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia, in 2004, and Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication from Osmania University, India, in 2001. Mohammed is currently an Assistant Professor at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia

Mohamed Ebaid

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Photonics Laboratory
Currently works at ​Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, California, USA

Hakan Bagci

Professor Bagci is a highly accomplished researcher in the field of computational electromagnetics (CEM). His research focuses on the theoretical and applied aspects of CEM.

Edgars Stegenburgs

Edgars Stegenburgs joined the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division of KAUST as an MS/Ph.D. student and graduate researcher at Photonics Laboratory in January 2015. Previously he was working in the Laser Centre of the University of Latvia as a natural sciences laboratory assistant under the supervision of Dr. Aigars Ekers in the Laser-manipulation laboratory. There he developed his bachelor thesis "Formation of bright and dark states in non-degenerate quantum systems and ultra-high vacuum system design for Rb atoms magneto-optical trap" and earned the

Daniel Toth

When Daniel Toth, MS '13 made the decision to attend KAUST he had several aims. The first was to complete another Master's degree; the second was to meet like-minded people with diverse backgrounds; and the third was to have an adventure exploring the unique region around KAUST. Daniel is pleased to report that his experience at KAUST more than fulfilled his expectations. Currently working as a PhD student in Switzerland, Daniel holds a Bachelor of Science (Physics) from Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary; a Master's degree in Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics from the University of

Boon Ooi

Al-Khawarzmi Distinguished Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Professor Ooi is a pioneer in optoelectronics and photonic integrated circuits development, particularly for optical communications and sensor applications. His work has led to the successful commercialization of semiconductor lasers, broadband light sources, and optical sensors

Bilal Janjua

​Bilal Janjua obtained a Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering under the supervision of Professor Boon Ooi at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Previously, 2008-2010, Bilal worked as a research scientist, in Prof Seth Bank group at the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). During this period at UT Austin, he helped the group set up an MBE system to study rare earth elements in the III-V materials system. For a semester, in his master’s program, Bilal worked as a Teaching Assistant for a graduate course on semiconductor nanostructures. Bilal received his MSE

Andrea Fratalocchi

Professor Fratalocchi is a pioneer in complex systems and sustainable technologies, focused on addressing critical global challenges. His groundbreaking research has led to innovative solutions in areas such as energy harvesting, clean water production and smart materials. As a founder of the ECE program at KAUST and co-founder of Pixeltra, Professor Fratalocchi is a proven leader and entrepreneur, successfully translating his research into real-world impact.

Aigars Ekers

Short bio Dr. Ekers obtained his MS and PhD in physics from the University of Latvia in 1994 and 1999, respectively. During the PhD studies, he spent periods of time performing experiments at Lund University (Sweden), Warsaw University (Poland), and Kaiserslautern University (Germany), the latter as a DAAD research scholarship holder. After a successful proposal to EU Framework Programme, he returned to Kaiserslautern University as a Marie Curie Fellowship holder (1999-2002). After the Fellowship, he continued in Kaiserslautern as a research associate. In 2005, he moved to Riga to assume a