Semiconductor technologies have enabled the explosive growth of artificial intelligence (AI). However, as artificial intelligence applications become more widespread and even ubiquitous, their power consumption and consequent CO2 emissions will surge, posing significant sustainability challenges. To address this sustainability crisis, there is a pressing need to enhance the efficiency of information processing and storage. My … Continued
This project seeks to revolutionize neurotransmitter sensing for the brain and gut by developing a closed-loop sensor network of advanced brain implants and gut ingestibles equipped with neurotransmitter sensors. Traditional sensors for neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin are limited by their discrete, tethered nature and suffer from selectivity issues, especially in freely moving animals and … Continued
Modern computer vision systems are remarkably effective at solving specific tasks in specific visual domains. These systems work because they are trained on huge curated datasets tailored to the task they aim to solve. The cost is that we need a different vision system for each new task: a system that analyzes MRI images cannot … Continued
My research is focused on how to achieve superior performance and long term autonomy in multi-robot systems that address critical societal needs, from automated construction to precision agriculture. The major focus of my lab is on how to leverage the ideas of swarm intelligence and form and function in biology to produce capable, error tolerant, … Continued
Our group researches new design methods, device platforms, and materials discovery innovations for the next generation of nanophotonic technologies. Specific research activities include the following: 1) The application of optimization and machine learning to metamaterials. Ultra-high performance single layer and multi-layer diffractive optical devices have been discovered. With these design tools, the absolute limits of … Continued
My research is in computational imaging, which involves the joint design of optics and algorithms for imaging systems with new capabilities. For example, we aim to achieve high-resolution recovered images across very wide field of view and with minimal capture time. I focus on scientific applications of phase, 3D, and 4D coherence imaging. Phase imaging … Continued
My research focuses on nanostructures and devices that strongly enhance the mechanical effects of light at GHz frequencies and above. These optical-force enabled devices provide new ways to control nanoscale fluid flow, to process broadband signals in micrometer length scales, and to realize optical functions beyond the limit of static materials. The strong coupling between … Continued
My main research areas include Optical MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) and optofluidics. In optofluidics, my group invented “optoelectronic tweezers” (OET) that enable massively parallel manipulation of individual biological cells using digital projectors. The cells are corralled by projected light cages through light-induced dielectrophoresis so they can be cloned, cultured, and sorted according to the antibodies they … Continued
Understanding the structure and function of our nervous system, and its degeneration and regeneration is one of the greatest scientific, engineering, and medical challenges of the 21st century. The complexity of a single neuron is itself awe inspiring, let alone that of an entire system of neurons. My research focuses on the study and manipulation … Continued