Research

PHOTONICS

For the student and the industry
Photonics includes all branches of study involved in the generation, processing and applications of light. CeNSE has a strong presence in R&D into various aspects of Photonics.

Prof. V R Supradeepa’s group looks at the behaviour of light at high optical powers and intensities, referred to as nonlinear optics and applications arising from it. The group develops novel high power laser sources based on optical fibers, referred to as fiber lasers and is one of the leading academic groups in the world in this technology. Specific problems include wavelength conversion of high-power fiber lasers using Raman scattering to inaccessible spectral regions enabling new applications. Another laser technology the group works on is the development of very high power, high coherence laser sources and their power combining for directed energy applications. Prof. Supradeepa’s group also works in nonlinear and electro-optic systems for the development of frequency comb sources, for optical communications and microwave photonics.

Research at the photonic research laboratory led by Prof. Shankar Kumar Selvaraja focuses on photonic integrated circuits for applications in computing, communication and sensing. The ability to confine and manipulate light propagation in sub-micron waveguides opens a wide range of applications that can exploit light and light-matter interaction. The group works on silicon, silicon nitride, germanium, aluminium nitride, gallium nitride and tantalum pentoxide material-based photonic circuit. Silicon photonic integrated circuits offer high-speed connectivity to enable high-performance computing, communication and microwave photonics applications. Conventional wired connectivity has severe limitations. The team has demonstrated state-of-the-art light-chip coupling devices, low-loss waveguides, wavelength selective devices, and high-speed photodetectors integrated on a chip using CMOS process technology. The group explores new optical materials, devices and circuit architecture for various applications.

Prof. Ambarish Ghosh’s group has studied plasmonic materials and their integration with 2D materials (such as graphene), quantum emitters (nanodiamonds), motile colloids (such as magnetic nanoswimmers) for applications related to sensitive photodetection over a broad spectra range (deep UV to mid IR), on demand single photon generation and optically controlled colloidal manipulation for microfluidic applications.

Prof. Aditya Sadhanala’s team works on highly emissive materials and actively explores their use is fabricating efficient light emitting diodes (LEDs). Their team is also interested in realizing single photon sources that form the backbone of any optical quantum technology system.

The photonics group has active engagement with industry and government partners for the transfer of novel technologies and co-development of societally important products. Prof. Supradeepa’s group has worked with several government and public sector entities such as DRDO, ISRO and BEL for the development of multiple advanced high power laser modules and photonic systems for industrial and defence applications. The group has also co-developed with private companies in the medical sector, laser systems for medical surgery and pain relief. The technologies pertaining to optofluidic manipulation developed by Prof. Ambarish Ghosh’s group has been licensed to the industry and on their way toward successful productization.

We have only provided a sub-set of activities pursued by the research groups working in CeNSE in the Photonics area. To know more information about specific projects, you are encouraged to write to the respective group leaders.