Speaker: Dr Jacob Bouchard, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.
WPI Alumnus: BS in Physics, 2019; MS in Physics, 2020; PhD in Physics, 2023.
Abstract: The integrated nanophotonics group at the United States Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) specializes in the design, characterization, and transition of advanced photonic technologies to address critical operational challenges for the Fleet and Marine Corps. In this seminar, Dr. Bouchard will present recent breakthroughs in the development of an integrated optical beam steering system tailored for free-space optical Communications (FSO-C) platforms. Leveraging the AIM Photonics integrated photonic foundry platform, this research focuses on maximizing electrical efficiency and steering range while maintaining high beam quality, a key requirement for robust communication links. Beyond the technical specifics of this system, the talk will provide a high-level overview of the evolving field of integrated nanophotonics and highlight broader research initiatives currently underway within the NRL Integrated Nanophotonics Group.
