Our focus is threefold. First, we have exploited photo-refractive and other nonlinear optical crystals to do signal processing. Second, we have investigated the use of strain, electromagnetic fields, and new materials to increase the nonlinearity of semiconductors. The goal is to fabricate an entire functioning optical system on a single silicon wafer using standard silicon processes, making possible mass-production of complex optical systems at an affordable cost. We have developed micro-vibromotors that can drive these structures to high precision.
Work is currently under way to fabricate a full bar-code reader on a chip.
The goal is to develop the science base and a spectrum of tools for fast, realistic, and direct interaction between humans and 3D content. The key research components include image acquisition, modeling, rendering, display, and applications. The impact of the research results will be far-reaching, with direct applications for 3D cameras and displays, robotics, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and medicine. Optoelectronic devices are the key components in both image acquisition and display. This concept promises an ultra-high bandwidth completely reconfigurable optical switching network.