Current Research

Photonic Computing
We are fabricating tunable photonic devices to perform and learn arbitrary linear operations using light. Applications for such devices include energy-efficient machine learning and mode unscrambling. (Photo cred: Ben Bartlett)
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LIDAR
We are currently working on far field beam scanning and patterning using MEMS linear phased arrays for remote sensing applications.
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Lightsheet Microscopy
We apply phased array techniques to light sheet microscopy. By applying these techniques, we can improve background rejection in images of scattering specimen.
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Accelerator-on-a-Chip (ACHIP)
We design and fabricate miniaturized electron accelerators using MEMS and thin-film processing techniques to increase achievable acceleration gradients.
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Photonic Crystal Sensors
We utilize the attributes of photonic crystals to create fiber-coupled sensors for mechanical measurements like pressure, acceleration, and displacement.
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Photonic Lab-on-Chip
We are planning development of photonic platforms for applications for immunology.

Olav Solgaard
Olav Solgaard earned his Ph.D. degree from Stanford University in 1992. His doctoral dissertation was the basis for the establishment of Silicon Light Machines (SLM), co-founded by Dr. Solgaard in 1994. His work at UC Davis led to the invention of the multi-wavelength, fiber-optical switch, which has been developed into commercial products by several companies.
In 1999 he joined Stanford University where he is now Professor of Electrical Engineering in the Edward L. Ginzton Laboratory. He has authored more than 300 technical publications and holds 50 patents. Google ScholarCurrent Lab Members

Yu Miao
PhD Student
Electrical Engineering Electron Accelerator-on-a-Chip
I am interested in photonics, optoelectronic device and related topics.
I enjoy basketball and badminton. Fun fact: Enjoy trying everything new to me.

Dylan Black
PhD Student
Electrical Engineering
Electron Accelerator-on-a-ChipI have two main areas of interest. I work primarily on accelerator physics, but also occasionally work in nonlinear optics.
I enjoy playing the piano (poorly), reading history and fantasy books, and cooking. Fun fact: I can sort of read Egyptian Hieroglyphs. Some of them anyway.

Nathnael Abebe
PhD Student
Electrical Engineering Photonic Computing
My current research is in photonic devices for reconfigurable systems.
I enjoy dancing, playing board games, and roasting and brewing coffee. Fun fact: I am a Studio Ghibli and Legend of Zelda fan.

Sunil Pai
PhD Student
Electrical Engineering Photonic Computing
I am interested in building customized hardware for artificial intelligence, neurocomputation, and machine learning.
In my free time, I enjoy playing squash and building sports analytics algorithms. Fun fact: I sometimes play violin for the Stanford marching band (LSJUMB).

Payton Broaddus
PhD Student
Electrical Engineering Electron Accelerator-on-a-Chip
I am interested in nano-fabrication, fiber design, optics, electron sources, and high voltage systems.
I enjoy techno clubbing, traveling, and poetry. Fun fact: Caught and tranquilized a mountain lion

Simón Lorenzo
PhD Student
Electrical Engineering Photonic Crystal Sensors
My research interests include engineering applications in optics and electromagnetism. Currently, I work on designing, fabricating and testing optical sensors.
My hobbies include Olympic weightlifting, practicing Jiu-Jitsu, rock climbing, running, golfing, hiking, and fishing. Fun fact: Born on the Bayou

Rebecca Hwang
PhD Student
Electrical Engineering Photonic Computing
I am interested in photonic computing and inverse design. I am currently working on designing tunable multimode interference waveguides.
I enjoy playing piano and tennis. I also like browsing old bookstores and occasionally, short hikes. Fun facts: My hamster died on Valentine’s Day. I know a guy who was born with 6 fingers on each hand. I am scared of any kind of bird bigger than my head.

Zhanghao Sun
PhD Student
Electrical Engineering
LIDARI’m interested in computational imaging, inverse design & machine learning. I’m now working on 3D imaging, including processing algorithm and LIDAR system design.
I play violin and I love watching movies. I also enjoy skiing, climbing and hiking. Fun fact: Interested in all sorts of board games, especially mystery games.

Annie Kroo
PhD Student
Electrical Engineering Environmental Photonic Sensors
My research interests include the development of photonic sensors and sensor platforms with applications in environmental sensing and monitoring.
My hobbies include backpacking, fixing salvaged electronics, baking, building things often out of wood, and knitting. Fun fact: I have flown 65 flight hours, over half of which were before I had a drivers license.
Joe
Workhorse
Computing
I am interested in keeping students’ laptops from overheating and freezing, potentially shaving off months off of their PhD.
I enjoy being several orders of magnitude faster at multiplying large numbers than the puny humans that work in this lab. Fun fact: I’m named after the student who built me.