Best Student Papers

1^st Place (1000 USD)

Mr. Yoav Dana, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel

Bio: Mr. Yoav Dana is a Phd candidate in applied physics, with B.Cs in Electrical and computer engineer from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Talk Title: 19-Mode, 3D Printed, Microscale Photonic Lantern

Abstract: We design, fabricate and characterize a 19-spatial mode photonic lantern using laser-written 3D waveguides con- structed of photopolymer core and air cladding. We demonstrate broadband operation with a measured insertion loss of −2.7dB.

2^nd Place (750 USD)

Mr. Tomohiro Akazaw, The University of Tokyo, Japan

Bio: Tomohiro Akazawa was born in Ibaraki, Japan, in 1998. He is currently working toward the PhD degree in electronic engineering at The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. His current research interests include heterogeneous integration in Si photonics for photonic integrated circuits.

Talk Title: TIA-less Optical Power Monitor Using InGaAs/Si Hybrid Phototransistor and On-chip Si Resistor

Abstract: We present a transimpedance amplifier (TIA)-less optical power monitor by monolithically integrating an InGaAs/Si hybrid phototransistor with an on-chip Si resistor. The direct conversion of light signals to voltage signals enables the elimination of TIA and a simple voltage-output optical power monitoring.

3^rd Place (500 USD)

Ms. Saleha Fatema, Purdue University, USA

Bio: Saleha Fatema is a Ph.D. student at Purdue University at Ultrafast Optics and Optical Fiber Communications Laboratory. Her research interest is on on-chip Kerr comb and integrated photonics.

Talk Title: Stabilization of On-chip Dual-microcomb Utilizing Vernier Scheme

Abstract: We use the Vernier dual-comb scheme to stabilize two octave-spanning Kerr microcombs with $\sim$ THz repetition rate realized in a CMOS-compatible silicon nitride platform.

Honorable Mention (300 USD)

Mr. Qi Wu, University of L’Aquila, Italy

Bio: Qi Wu is a PhD candidate at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the University of L’Aquila. His research focuses on developing multi-dimensional high-speed direct detection systems for short-reach optical networks. Currently, he is working on the coexistence of quantum key distribution and high-speed classical communications in field-deployed space-division-multiplexing fiber.

Talk Title: Integration of Quantum Key Distribution and Classical Communications Over Field-Deployed Uncoupled-Core Four-Core Fiber

Abstract: We investigate the integration of QKD into classical optical communication links based on a field-deployed uncoupled-core four-core fiber. We experimentally characterize inter-core spontaneous Raman scattering (IC-SpRS) and evaluate the impact of IC-SpRS and dark counts on QKD performance as the classical traffic load is varied.

Honorable Mention (300 USD)

Mrs. Nawal Almaymoni, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia

Bio: Nawal Almaymoni is a PhD student in material-science and engineering specializing in optics. Her research focuses on advancing photonic technologies for improved communication systems. With a strong background in both theoretical and applied optics, she is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of optical science and contributing to innovative engineering solutions.

Talk Title: Gbps Underwater Wireless Optical Communications Based on 645-nm Red Vertical-cavity Surface-emitting Lasers for Highly Turbid Water

Abstract: We achieved a 2 Gbps underwater wireless optical communications through on-off keying based on 2-GHz 645-nm VCSEL. This wavelength potentially enables wavelength-division-multiplexing with 680-nm VCSEL to increase data transmission in highly turbid water environments since red light has lower scattering-loss than blue and green light.