Univeristy of Colorado at Boulder

8/20/2019 Univeristy of Colorado at Boulder

1/24

The University of Colorado at Boulder

Graduate Study in Electrical and Computer Engineerin


2/24

T

his brochure highlights the stu-

dents, faculty, and research pro-

grams of the Electrical and

Computer Engineering Department at theUniversity of Colorado at Boulder. Our

first-rate programs prepare our graduates

to contribute to the workplace of the 21st

century.

Students with diverse career inter-

ests find a vibrant, stimulating program

here, where we help them build a solid

foundation of knowledge and experience

in electrical and information technology.

Our faculty represent a broad range of

research interests, and actively pursue

interdisciplinary research in which many of our students participate. Our

200-plus graduate students and over 450 undergraduate majors come

from across the United States and around the world.

Our department was founded in the 1890s, in the earliest days of the

university and the College of Engineering and Applied Science. Today its

faculty includes 37 tenured and tenure-track professors and more than 30

other faculty—10 professors with secondary appointments in this depart-

ment, three research professors, and over 20 adjunct professors, instructors

and lecturers.

Among our nationally recognized faculty are two members of t

National Academy of Engineering, 14 Institute of Electrical and

Electronics Engineers Fellows, three Optical Society of America

Fellows and eight members of Eta Kappa Nu, the national Electriand Computer Engineering Honor Society.

Our faculty are active in research, with research expenditures

totaling over $5 million annually. Our research is concentrated in

different areas, from biomedical engineering to VLSI/CAD. Three

research centers pursue interdisciplinary and industrially-sponsore

research.

Detailed information on our graduate degree program is availa

in the academics section of our web site, http://ece.colorado.edu.

Please browse this brochure and our web site, and contact us if you

need additional information.

Robert W. Erickson, Professor and Chair

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

425 UCB

University of Colorado at Boulder

Boulder, CO 80309-0425

Phone: 303-492-7327

Fax: 303-492-2758

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: http://ece.colorado.edu

Welcome from the Department Chair


3/24


Research Areas in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Biomedical Engineering

Professors Frank Barnes, François G. Meyer, Bart Van Zeghbroeck,

and Howard Wachtel;

Professor Jon Sauer (Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Department); Adjunct Professors David Beeman and Richard Mihran;

Research Professors W. Thomas Cathey and Carol Cogswell

Although the discipline of biomedical engineering generally

involves many facets of electrical and computer engineering, our

current research focuses on six areas:

bioelectromagnetics, which involves the use of electromagnetic

fields to probe biological function as well as to develop useful

diagnostics and therapeutic instruments; neurobiological engineering, in which we endeavor to explore

brain function using bioelectrical concepts and techniques as

well as aiding the development of advanced computer and

“synthetically intelligent” systems; biomedical instrumentation; functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); optics and holography; specialized semiconductor devices.

Bioelectromagnetic facilities include a shielded room, micro-

electrode fabrication instruments, stimulators, physiological data

acquisition systems, high-power microwave sources and measuring

equipment in the neural bioengineering laboratory. Optical facili-

ties include a general optical lab with optical table, lasers, and

optoelectronic instrumentation. There are additional extensive lab-oratory facilities within the Bioserve Space Technologies Center.

Our group also has access to extensive computer and solid state

fabrication facilities, and the Walter Eidoloth Laboratory with its

large excimer laser.

Communications and Signal Processing

Professors Timothy X. Brown, Youjian (Eugene) Liu, Peter Mathys,

François G. Meyer, Olgica Milenkovic, C. Thomas Mullis, and

Mahesh K. Varanasi; Professor John. H.L. Hansen (Departments of Speech, Language, &

Hearing Sciences and Electrical and Computer Engineering)

Communication engineering and information theory are concerned

with the efficient representation and reliable transmission and/or

storage and/or networking of information. Current research focuses on

single and multiuser information and communication theory, error-control coding, information storage systems, cryptography, source coding, resource allocation in communication networks.

Both theoretical and practical questions are investigated. The

theoretical area is concerned with the ultimate bounds on what can

be achieved with a communication system under given constraints.

Our practical interest is the question of how closely the theoretical

bounds can be approached with modern circuit design and imple-

mentation methods and protocols. Communication engineering

and information theory are also closely related to digital signal

processing and systems theory.

The Communications-DSP Laboratory serves the research

group in communication engineering and signal processing

(http://dsp.colorado.edu). Students have access to state-of-the-artdual processor workstations, running Debian GNU/Linux as the

operating system and Matlab as the major application for research.

The Pervasive Communication Laboratory contains radio frequency

test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and

cellular drive-test tools, wireless-system design software (Planet),

and a table-top ad hoc wireless test bed, with nine laptop nodes

and eight Sun workstations.

Graduate student Sitthipong Angkititrakul, Multi-Level Matrix Converter for

Wind Power Applications, Power Electronics Laboratory

This converter promises to improve efficiency and energy capture of

variable-speed wind power generators operating over a wide range of

wind speeds. The new converter is controlled by a microprocessor and

programmable logic devices, to synthesize sinusoidal voltages of variable

frequency and magnitude. The project is sponsored by the National

Renewable Energy Laboratory.


4/24

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Computer Engineering

Professors James Avery, Daniel Connors, Vincent Heuring, Michael

Lightner, Andrew Pleszkun, and William Waite;

Professors John Bennett, Elizabeth Bradley, and Dirk Grunwald

(Departments of Computer Science and Electrical and Computer

Engineering)

The research program in computer engineering encompasses the

modeling, analysis, and evaluation of next-generation computersystems. Our research activities explore computer systems at all

design levels, including VLSI, circuit, logic, microarchitecture,

system, information storage, and network architectures. In particu-

lar, the research addresses aspects of high performance, low power,

mobility, security, and reliability in computer systems, including

parallel processing, multiprocessing, embedded systems, and dis-

tributed network processing architectures. Hardware-software

tradeoffs play a central role in the work, specifically in the study of

the interaction of computer hardware and optimizing/parallelizing

compilers. The computer engineering group interacts with the

digital signal processing, VLSI, and remote sensing groups to

develop interdisciplinary solutions to research problems. Research

activities also include collaboration with faculty in the Department

of Computer Science.

Current research topics in the area of computer engineering

include

microarchitecture design, multithreaded architectures, multiprocessor models, advanced compiler technology, run-time optimization systems.

The computer architecture research group has a network of 20

Itanium and Itanium-2 workstations. In addition, a microprocessordevelopment laboratory has over 40 Linux-based development sta-

tions. CAD software for computer design and simulation is avail-

able on Sun Microsystem and Hewlett-Packard workstations.

Support for data storage research is provided through the Colorado

Center for Information Storage.

Dynamics and Controls

Professors Robert Erickson, John Hauser, David Meyer, and Lucy Pao;

Professor Dale Lawrence (Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department)

Control is used whenever some quantity, such as speed, tempera-

ture, or force must be made to behave in a desirable way.

Technological demands today impose extremely challenging and

widely varying control problems. In the ECE dynamics and con-

trols group, research opportunities include developing controllersfor aircraft, spacecraft, information storage systems, human-

machine interfaces, manufacturing processes, and renewable power

systems. The studies include

linear and non-linear modeling of dynamic systems, analyses of dynamic behaviors, design of controllers for assuring satisfactory and optimal

performance.

Jointly advised projects within or across departments are com-

mon, allowing students to tailor the theoretical and/or applications

foci of their work to their interests. Several collaborations with

local industry and government laboratories also enable student

access to state-of-the-art research equipment in a number of areas.

Facilities include the Control Systems, Sensor Fusion, and

Robotics Laboratory. Research in multisensor data fusion and con-

trol of disk drives, tape drives, wind turbines, and robotic hands is

conducted here. Computing facilities include a network of Unix

workstations, PCs, and laptops, with software such as Matlab and

Mathematica. This laboratory also houses a Utah/MIT dextrous

robotic hand having 16 degrees-of-freedom (four fingers of four

joints each).

Research on haptic interfaces and vibration isolation systems is

performed in the Orbital Systems Laboratory. The haptic interface

is a six degree-of-freedom (three translations and three rotations)interface that was designed and built in-house to enable scientific

studies of the limits of interface technology and human sensory

perception.

Roman Novoselov (left) with graduate student Christopher Lee, Professor Dale

Lawrence (Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department) and Professor Lucy

Pao, exploring the stress tensor field of a mirror flexure structure,Visual/Haptic

Interface Testbed, Orbital Systems Laboratory (AES)

This visual/haptic interface testbed allows users to see, feel, and interact

with multi-dimensional data sets.

We are trying to find ways to take data and turn it into sensations that will

be natural for people to understand. The challenge is to merge hearing, vision,

and haptics [touch] in a way that is easily interpreted. The interface consists of

a hand-held electromechanical stylus connected to a computer. The stylus exerts

forces and torques on a user’s hand, reflecting the data being rendered by the

computer, and allows a user to explore data that would be difficult to see on a

two-dimensional computer screen. For example, a user can determine the direc

tion of a single stream-line in a complex vector field by holding the stylus and

feeling the mechanism align itself with the image.

I began working for the Haptic Interface project as an undergraduate and

stayed with this research through two years of graduate school. The project

appealed to me greatly because of its originality, broadness of potential applica-

tions, and truly multi-disciplinary nature. It allowed me to explore my combined

interests in control theory, embedded software, and computer architecture.

2


5/24


Electromagnetics, RF and Microwaves

Professors Dejan S. Filipovic, K.C. Gupta, Edward F. Kuester,

Melinda Piket-May, and Zoya B. Popovic

The research program in applied electromagnetics covers a variety

of topics that address current commercial and military needs.

Specifically, our interests include active circuits and antennas for

communications and radar, theoretical and numerical techniques

for analysis of high-frequency circuits and antennas, radio frequen-cy (RF) photonics, and artificial electromagnetic materials. Our

applications cover a broad frequency range, from DC to light.

Current research topics include:

smart (adaptive) antenna arrays, RF optical techniques for processing and control, radio frequency micro electro-mechanical systems (RF MEMS), artificial electromagnetic materials, analytical and numerical techniques for modeling high-

frequency and high-speed circuits and antennas, ultrabroadband and reconfigurable antennas and arrays, high-efficiency intelligent microwave front ends, quasi-optical techniques for the microwave and millimeter-

wave range, micro-electromechanical antennas (MEM-tennas) and

nano-antennas.

Facilities include the Microwave/RF/EM Teaching Laboratory.

A variety of undergraduate and graduate courses share this labora-

tory, with over 100 students per year. The lab is equipped with

several automatic vector network analyzers, a dozen microwave/RF

sources, power meters and sensors, oscilloscopes and standard elec-

tronics equipment, as well as time-domain reflectometers. A small

computer-controlled anechoic chamber dedicated to teaching occu-

pies one part of the lab. Circuits can be fabricated in the lab usingetching technology.

The Active Circuits and Antennas Laboratory is equipped with

state-of-the art measurement equipment covering up to 110 GHz.

This includes an HP8510C network analyzer, a Cascade Summit

9000 probe station, an HP4194 gain/impedance meter, several

HP8593A spectrum analyzers, several HP83650A synthesized

sweepers, a HP8565E spectrum analyzer with accompanying mix-

ers for V- and W bands, an HP71500A transition analyzer, a

HP11759C RF channel simulator, an in-house made computer-

controlled anechoic chamber for 1-40GHz and a variety of stan-

dard smaller equipment. In terms of fabrication facilities, we have

a LPKF milling machine for pc-board prototyping, a clean room

for standard photolithography and RF MEMS assembly, wafer dic-ing and polishing machines and a thermo-sonic bonding machine.

The Numerical EM and CAD Laboratory features a cluster of

computers with all standard commercial software (Agilent ADS,

Zeland IE3D, Ansoft HFSS, Serenade and Ensemble). In addition,

some in-house developed software is available to graduate students

(in particular, FDTD, FEM, and MOM codes).

Optics and Photonics

Professors Frank S. Barnes, Arnoldo Majerfeld, Alan R. Mickelson,

Garret Moddel, Wounjhang Park, Rafael Piestun, Bart Van

Zeghbroeck, and Kelvin Wagner;


The research program in optics and photonics deals with the

design, fabrication, and characterization of materials, devices and

systems for the generation, transmission, amplification, detection,and processing of light signals. These are enabling and pervasive

technologies applied in fields such as communications, sensing,

bio-medical instrumentation, consumer electronics, and defense.

The group focuses on:

optical and quantum computing, RF signal processing, unconventional imaging systems, optical sensors, integrated optics, nanophotonics, optical interconnects, ultrafast micromachining, the design and fabrication of semiconductor lasers, III-V semiconductor materials and devices.

Laboratory facilities include a metal organic chemical vapor

deposition system where ultrathin layers of material for optical

devices are fabricated; a facility for micro-fabrication and testing of

optoelectronic devices; a facility for material characterization; and a

facility for fabrication and testing of LiNbO3 devices. There are

eight laser laboratories for investigating electro-optic, ultrafast,

and nonlinear optical phenomena along with facilities for optoelec-

tronic system design. Extensive computing facilities are used for

modeling optical signal processors, optoelectronic devices, nano-structured materials, and light-matter interaction.

Greg Kriehn, Adaptive Optical

Processor for RF Phased-Array

Antenna Signal Processing, RF

Photonics Systems Laboratory

Over the past five years I have

been involved in research that

involves adaptively processing

radio-frequency (RF) signals from

a large-element, phased-array

antenna using coherent, optical

signal-processing techniques. Thisresearch, under the guidance of

Dr. Kelvin Wagner, has presented

me with an exciting opportunity

to merge the fields of optical,

microwave, and electrical engi-

neering, and our technique has allowed me to perform a task

that is not possible when using conventional RF or digital-signal

processing techniques. The work is funded by the Office of Naval

Research, through its RF Photonics Systems Multi-Disciplinary

University Research Initiative (MURI), and by an NDSEG

Fellowship.

3


6/24


Power Electronics and Renewable Energy Systems

Professors Robert W. Erickson, Ewald F. Fuchs, Dragan Maksimovic,

and Regan Zane

The research program in power electronics and renewable energy

systems makes use of new developments in machine and power

converter analysis, digital control techniques, and mixed-signal

integrated circuits to improve power management and energy uti-

lization in a wide range of electronic systems including battery-powered mobile electronics, high-frequency switching power sup-

plies, and renewable-energy systems.

The department hosts the industry-supported Colorado Power

Electronics Center (CoPEC), which conducts research in high-fre-

quency, high-efficiency power converter technology, advanced ana-

log and digital control techniques, and mixed-signal integrated

circuit design for power management and other applications.

Additional information is available at http://ece.colorado.edu/

~pwrelect.

Current research topics include development of advanced digi-

tal and analog control techniques and integrated-circuit imple-

mentation of controllers for high-efficiency, high-frequency DC

power supplies and high-performance low-harmonic rectifiers;

study of adaptive power management techniques for digital VLSI

and RF electronics; mixed-signal integrated circuit design for low-

power sensors; analysis, modeling and mixed-signal control of elec-

tronic ballasts for high-efficiency lighting applications; synthesis

and design of microprocessor-controlled multi-level matrix con-

verters for variable-speed wind power systems; study of voltage and

current harmonics in utility systems and components, and design

of a novel generator and converter system for wind power.

Facilities include the Power Electronics and Renewable Energy

Systems Research Laboratory, which contains up-to-date facilities

for construction and testing of switching converters and their con-

trol circuitry, at power levels ranging from milliwatts to tens of kilowatts. Network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and oscillo-

scopes are available for device characterization, design and testing

of high-frequency switching power converter control systems, and

for studies of machine, wind, and solar energy systems. Supported

by industry-standard design and simulation tools on personal com-

puters, the laboratory is equipped for printed-circuit through-hole

and surface-mount prototyping of experimental electronic systems

that combine power stages with DSP, FPGA or ASIC-based con-

trollers. State-of-the-art CAD tools are available for design of

mixed-signal integrated circuits.

The Power Electronics Teaching Laboratory includes facilities

for construction, testing and simulation of switching converters

and stand-alone solar power systems. Access to magnetics fabrica-tion, printed circuit board fabrication, and control system testing

facilities is available.

Remote Sensing

Professors James Avery and Susan Avery;

Professors Scott Palo and Jeff Forbes (Aerospace Engineering Sciences

Department);

Adjunct Professor Ben Balsley

The remote sensing research group focuses on the measurement

and interpretation of atmospheric properties from the troposphere

through the mesosphere. The primary instrumental systems areground-based radars operating at frequencies from 2 MHz through

900 MHz and beyond. The program also works with the verifica-

tion of satellite-based measurement systems. Sites are operated

worldwide—from the South Pole to Greenland—with a primary

research site at Platteville, Colorado. Students cover all aspects of

remote sensing systems, from radio frequency design through data

acquisition, signal and data processing, and interpretation of the

physical phenomena. In general, a systems engineering approach

is used to solve problems, which requires students to be adept in

more than one narrow area of expertise. Additional information is

available at http://grison.colorado.edu/group/. Students are also

encouraged to participate in the campus-wide certificate program

in remote sensing (http://paos.colorado/edu/program/rscertif.html).

ECE faculty in the group work extensively with Adjunct

Professor Ben Balsley, who specializes in unusual platforms such as

large-scale kites and powered parachutes, and Professors Scott Palo

and Jeff Forbes of the aerospace engineering sciences department.

Collaboration occurs with members of the local laboratories of the

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the

Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences

(http://cires.colorado.edu).

The remote sensing group does experimental and develop-

mental work at the Platteville Atmospheric Observatory, which

is operated by the University of Colorado in collaboration with

NOAA. The group has carried out experimental campaigns usingradars at Piura and Jicamarca, Peru; Poker Flat, Alaska; Arecibo,

Puerto Rico; and at various installations in the Pacific. Additional

sites include Sondrestrom, Greenland; Resolute Bay, Canada; and

the South Pole. The faculty and students of the group conduct

fieldwork at these sites. Facilities are available on campus for com-

putation and hardware development.

4


7/24


Solid State Materials and Devices

Professors Frank S. Barnes, Arnoldo Majerfeld, Garret Moddel,

Wounjhang Park and Bart VanZeghbroeck

Solid state devices form the basis of integrated circuits that have

a variety of electronic, optoelectronic, and magnetic applications.

The research in this field concerns design, fabrication and charac-

terization of novel materials and devices with sub-micron feature

sizes. Their potential applications include very high-speed devices,optical sources and detectors, optoelectronic components and

all-optical devices. The design and fabrication of devices and inte-

grated circuits are inextricably related to device physics, solid state

materials, and sophisticated processing techniques. Our program

is designed to provide hands-on training in both experimental and

theoretical aspects of cutting-edge technology and also to develop

knowledge of a broad range of devices and materials.

Facilities include the Integrated Circuits Laboratory, which has

computer-aided facilities for design and layout, mask making and

exposure, oxidation, diffusion, ion implantation, metallization,

plasma deposition and etching.

The III-V Semiconductor Laboratory, which is housed in a class

1000 clean room, has an MOVPE reactor for epitaxial growth of

InxGa1-xAs, GaAs, AlxGa1-xAs, quantum-well structures and

equipment for fabrication of optoelectronic devices.

The Crystal Structure Laboratory has several x-ray generators,

an automatic diffractometer, a Mossbauer facility, and high-

pressure equipment.

The Thin Film Laboratory includes plasma and CVD deposi-

tion systems to deposit thin films for optoelectronics, evaporators,

liquid crystal device fabrication facilities, and an electron-beam

lithography facility.

The Nano-Photonic Device Laboratory includes facilities

for synthesis of nano-particles and luminescent materials, self-

assembly of nano-particles, laser spectroscopy, and numericalmodeling of nano-photonic devices.

Characterization facilities include SEM, x-ray fluorescence and

microprobe, cathodoluminescence, photoluminescence, deep-level

trap spectroscopy, electrolytic profiler, automated mobility and

carrier density, ellipsometry, FTIR, and a resistivity mapper.

VLSI/CAD

Professors Sunil Khatri and Fabio Somenzi

Research in VLSI/CAD (very large-scale integration/computer-

aided design) is directed towards developing new algorithms and

design methodologies to efficiently design VLSI ICs (integrated

circuits). VLSI researchers leverage knowledge of VLSI circuits and

algorithms to devise VLSI design methodologies that allow the

VLSI industry to design correct, faster, smaller and more power-efficient IC designs. Research in VLSI/CAD has proved to be one

of the important reasons for the VLSI boom in recent years.

Applications of such research abound in current industrial practice.

The VLSI/CAD program at the University of Colorado has

three main focuses: formal verification of digital systems; VLSI

design, specifically the design of deep sub-micron VLSI circuits;

and VLSI design automation, emphasizing CAD algorithms.

The VLSI/CAD Laboratory is well equipped with VLSI and

CAD software for computer design and simulation, including VIS,

SIS, SPICE, SPACE 3D, MAGIC, and Cadence.

Benjamin Patella, Professor Dragan Maksimovic, “Buffalo Switcher,” Power Electronics Laboratory

This is a high-frequency, digital pulse width modulation controller chip designed to regulate the

output voltage of a buck dc-dc converter. The novel integrated circuit that I designed and built in

collaboration with Professor Maksimovic uses digital technology to regulate the power supply

voltage of an electronic device, helping to set the stage for longer-running wireless equipment.

The project was sponsored by the National Semiconductor Corporation, which fabricated the

integrated circuit and verified the circuit design through independent testing. One thing I really

enjoyed about my experience at CU was the opportunity to get my hands dirty working on real-

world projects and research.

5


8/24


Centers

Colorado Center for Information Storage (CCIS)

http://ccis.colorado.edu, 303-492-0598

Professors Frank Barnes, Dan Connors, Peter Mathys, Lucy Pao,

Andrew Pleszkun, and Mahesh Varanasi (Electrical and Computer Engineering); Renjeng Su (Adjunct, Electrical and Computer

Engineering); Brian Argrow and Dale Lawrence (Aerospace

Engineering Sciences); Dirk Grunwald (Computer Science and

Electrical and Computer Engineering); Dana Anderson and Charles

Rogers (Engineering Physics); Thomas Geers, Y.C. Lee, and Jack Zable

(Mechanical Engineering)

Information storage goes beyond disk drives—the explosive

growth of storage has led to technologies that increase reliability,

improve performance, and reduce management complexity. The

main costs of large storage systems are now management and fail-

ure due to human faults. Computer and storage systems are critical

to modern society, and the CCIS is working to develop tools thatmake storage easier to manage and more reliable.

Modern storage devices operate at the scale of microns and pro-

vide gigabytes of storage; future storage technologies use nanotech-

nologies and new materials that span all branches of engineering.

Advances in magnetic RAM and atomic resolution storage will

change the way we listen to music and watch movies, and will rev-

olutionize information storage for medical images and other large

databases.

The research and education at the Colorado Center for

Information Storage is improving existing storage devices, explor-

ing the storage systems of the future, and inventing software to

make that storage more useful.

Established in 1998, the CCIS is an interdisciplinary academiccenter for education and research in all aspects of information stor-

age. Faculty and student members span many departments in

engineering, from electrical and computer engineering to comput-

er science, mechanical engineering, engineering physics and aero-

space engineering. The goal of this educational and research center

is to unite graduate students with faculty, undergraduate students,

and practicing engineers to advance the state of the art of informa-

tion storage.

Colorado Power Electronics Center (CoPEC)

http://ece.colorado.edu/~pwrelect, 303-492-7327

Professors Robert W. Erickson, Dragan Maksimovic, and Regan Zane

Since it was founded in 1983, the power electronics group at the

University of Colorado has maintained a tradition of innovative

design-oriented and application-driven research. Colorado Power

Electronics Center (CoPEC) activities now span the range of appli-

cations from high-efficiency milliwatt converters for portable

battery-operated systems, to hundreds or thousands of watts for

computer, aerospace, telecommunications, medical, and automo-

tive power conversion, to hundreds of kilowatts for wind genera-

tion systems.

Our current research activities include projects in high-efficiency,

high-power converter technology, power electronics for portable,

battery-operated systems, converter modeling and computer-aided

analysis, low harmonic rectifier technology for single-phase andthree-phase applications, and advanced control techniques and

their mixed-signal ASIC implementation. We collaborate with

other research groups at the University of Colorado, including

those in machines and power systems, microelectronics packaging,

EMI, control, and semiconductor devices.

Optoelectronics Computing Systems Center (OCSC)

http://www-ocs.colorado.edu, 303-492-5069

Professors Frank Barnes, Alan Mickelson, Garret Moddel, Wounjhang

Park, Rafael Piestun, Bart VanZeghbroeck, and Kelvin Wagner;

Professor Jon Sauer (Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Department);


The OCSC was founded in 1986 as a National Science Foundation

engineering research center to exploit the advantages of optics and

optoelectronics for computing and signal processing. It continues

today as an interdisciplinary research center blending engineering,

physics, and chemistry.

The OCSC integrates teaching and research in optics, optoelec-

tronics, and photonics as they apply to nanotechnology, multi-

dimensional signal processing, bioengineering, and telecommuni-

cations. Education is a primary focus within the center. The OCSC

participates in the Optical Science and Engineering Program

(OSEP) created by a National Science Foundation IGERT grant.

This five year, $2.5 million program is a graduate training regi-

men designed to train a future workforce in the field of optics. In-depth technical knowledge, laboratory problem solving skills, and

teamwork are all stressed in this interdisciplinary PhD degree pro-

gram. Innovative undergraduate education is also emphasized. The

NSF currently sponsors a team of OCS researchers to develop novel

multimedia educational modules for undergraduate education.

These modules are intended to compliment an already existing

core optics curriculum.

The center’s research has also resulted in numerous industrial

interactions. The Rocky Mountain region has become internation-

ally known for photonics and the OCSC has spawned many of

these companies from its ranks. Faculty members work with

industrial partners on joint research and development projects

creating a synergy that often results in the advancement of optics

technology. The OCSC founded the Center for Advanced

Photonics Technology through a $4.4 million state legislature

appropriation and helped establish the Colorado Photonics

Industry Association.

6


9/24


Paul Smith and Edeline Fotheringham,An Optically Smart Antenna

Array for Blind Source Separation (“the Suitcase Experiment”), in

Professor Dana Anderson’s JILA Laboratory (a collaboration with

Professor Zoya Popovic’s RF Circuits and Antennas Laboratory)

Have you ever wondered how the human brain follows one conver-

sation out of many at a party? Can we build an electronic brain to

accomplish the same task? This is the question that inspired us to

design a self-organizing optical processor capable of solving this

problem of blind source separation for radio frequency signals. Ourprocessor, based on dynamic holography, is able to identify

unknown mixed radio frequency signals, such as those used in

wireless communications. These signals may even share the same

frequencies! We deal with high bandwidth signals of up to 3 GHz, a

number yet unrivaled by digital signal processors performing simi-

lar tasks. We also focus on making our systems reasonably robust

and practical in size. The photograph shows an entire RF-photonics

processor packaged in a suitcase that consumes less power than a

light bulb.

Nils Hoivik and Patrick Bell, RF-MEMS Project, RF Circuits and Antennas

Laboratory

We are PhD students collaborating on an RF-MEMS (radio frequency

micro-electro-mechanical systems) project. Nils makes high-Q MEMS

variable capacitors and inductors in his research and Patrick is using

these devices to make novel tunable RF circuits for use in space-based

radar and high-efficiency wireless applications. RF-MEMS have tremen-

dous potential as next-generation microwave components and a lot of

research has been devoted to these devices. What makes our researchfascinating is that the MEMS group and the RF group are now working

together and focusing on applications that previously would have been

considered impossible, but may now be viable because of these devices.

We’re taking a careful look at integration with current microwave tech-

nologies so we can bring MEMS technology into state-of-the-art elec-

tronics.

7


10/24


James [email protected],

303-492-6310

Associate Professor

BS, Michigan State University (1972)

PhD, University of Illinois (1978)

Associate Dean, College of

Engineering (2000-02)

Research Interests

Atmospheric Remote Sensing; Data Acquisition; Radar

Development; Radar Operation and Installation; Assistive

Technology

As a member of the remote sensing group, I am responsible for the

development and implementation of radar remote sensing systems

for use in atmospheric measurements. At the Platteville, Colorado,

field site, and at other sites including Greenland and the South

Pole, we operate a variety of radar systems that measure atmos-

pheric winds and temperatures in regions from the troposphere to

the mesosphere. The development encompasses RF and antenna

design, data acquisition, computer software development, and net-

working issues.

I am also working on the development of a program in assistive

technology. The goal is to use the resources of the College of

Engineering and Applied Science to provide interesting projects

for students while producing useful devices for people with dis-abilities.

Susan [email protected], 303-492-8773Professor


MS, PhD, University of Illinois (1974,

1978)

Director, CIRES, University of Colorado

(1994-)

Associate Dean, College of Engineeringand Applied Science (1989-92)

National Academy of Sciences, Charter

Member of the National Associates

Program (2001)

Robert L. Stearns Award, University of Colorado (1999)

Elizabeth Gee Memorial Lectureship Award, University of

Colorado (1998)

IEEE Fellow (1998)

American Meteorological Society, Fellow (1994)

NCAR Outstanding Publication Award (1990)

Research Interests

Remote Sensing; Radar; Atmospheric Dynamics; Precipitation;

Signal Processing; Climate; Water; Interdisciplinary Research

My research program utilizes ground-based Doppler radar tech-

niques for observing physical processes in the atmosphere. Current

and specific science research topics include studies of the impact of

wind profiler data on numerical weather products; upper atmos-

phere tides and gravity waves; tropical wave propagation; and pre-

cipitation structure using multi-frequency radar measurements.

Engineering research projects include the development and testing

of new ground-based Doppler radar techniques, the development

and use of new signal processing algorithms for radar data analysis,

and the design of new experiments using atmosphere radars.

As director of the Cooperative Institute for Research in

Environmental Sciences (CIRES), I have explored other areas of

scholarship including the role of science in decision-making

processes and public communication of science and technology. I

am also currently engaged in a regional assessment program that

examines the impacts of climate variability on water in the interior

west. This program involves an interdisciplinary team of natural

scientists, social scientists, and policy researchers.

Frank S. [email protected],

303-492-8225

Professor

BS, Princeton University (1954)

MS, Engineer Degree, PhD, StanfordUniversity (1955, 1956, 1958)

ECE Distinguished Educator Award,

ASEE (2002)

IEEE Millennium Medal (2000)

National Academy of Engineering

(2000)

University of Colorado Distinguished Professor (1997)

Acting Dean, College of Engineering (1980-81)

IEEE Fellow (1970)

Research Interests

Electron Devices, Optics, Bioelectromagnetics

My research interests cover a wide range of topics. These include

electron and optical devices, lasers, and their applications to optical

communications. Current projects include work on optically driv-

en optical switches, a low loss hollow optical wave-guide, and non-

linear dielectric materials for voltage tunable delay lines. I am also

interested in the effect of electric and magnetic fields on biology.

This line of inquiry has included work on possible effects of fields

from power lines and cell phones on the incidence of cancer.

Faculty

8


11/24


Timothy X. [email protected],

303-492-1630

Associate Professor

BS, Pennsylvania State University

(1986)

MS, PhD, California Institute of

Technology (1987, 1991)

NSF CAREER Award (1996)

Research Interests

Networking, Wireless Systems, Ad Hoc Networks, Machine

Learning, Neural Networks, Communications

My research is at the nexus of networking, wireless systems, and

machine learning. The main idea is to understand how adaptive

algorithms can improve the performance of communication sys-

tems. Specific areas I have addressed include quality of service in

broadband networks, packet processing in switches and routers,

random deployments in wireless cellular, and energy aware proto-cols for ad hoc wireless networks. The work is both theoretical—

based on algorithmic and statistical approaches—and experimen-

tal—based on extensive networking and wireless lab equipment.

Daniel A. [email protected],

303-735-7199

Assistant Professor

BS, Purdue (1994)

MS, PhD, University of Illinois

(1997, 2000)

Research Interests

Computer Architecture, Microarchitecture, Compiler

Optimization and Code Generation, Run-time Optimization,

Speculative Multithreading, High-Performance Computing,

Power-Aware Computing, and Computer Design

My primary research interest is computer architecture with

emphasis on optimizing compilers and run-time optimizationframeworks that support modern hardware. I am associated with

the Computer Architecture Research Lab, the Colorado Center for

Information Storage, and the Computer Science Department at the

University of Colorado.

My research group’s current focus is on developing innovative

optimization techniques for control speculation, data speculation,

and predicated execution in Explicitly Parallel Instruction

Computing (EPIC) architectures. This work relates to the area of

study of run-time optimization, in which computer systems

dynamically adapt system resources to improve application per-

formance. We are investigating run-time optimization technolo-

gies for future generation high-performance systems and multi-

threaded architectures. Our vision is to develop a system that

dynamically activates and optimizes speculative threads in a multi-

threaded architecture. The nature of this research is to explore

computer architectures that deliver high performance at low power

and operate in a highly reliable manner. This work is funded by

Intel, Hewlett-Packard, and the National Science Foundation.

Robert W. [email protected],

303-492-7003

Professor

BS, MS, PhD, California Institute of

Technology (1978, 1980, 1982)

Department Chair (2002-)

IEEE Fellow (2001)

Prize Paper Award, IEEE Transactions

on Power Electronics (1996)

Research Interests

Modeling and Control of Switched-Mode dc-dc, ac-dc, and ac-ac

Converters; Power Electronics Technology for Wind Power; Low-

Harmonic Rectifier Control and Topologies; Design-Oriented

Analysis Methods

My research is concerned with the modeling, control, and topolog-

ical structure of time-varying electronic circuits for the conversion

and conditioning of electrical power, to meet the well-recognized

needs of diverse applications ranging from low-power electronics

for handheld battery-powered systems, to low-voltage high-currentmicroprocessor systems, to aerospace power systems, to renewable

energy generation including wind power.

Specific research centers on utilizing advances in semiconductor

technology to increase the sophistication of control in these dis-

tributed systems. We are attempting to demonstrate a new multi-

level matrix converter for wind power applications that is reconfig-

urable to achieve improved efficiency over a wide range of wind

speeds. We are also applying new soft-switching and digital con-

trol techniques to improve the performance of ac-dc converters.

9


12/24


Dejan S. [email protected],

303-735-6319Assistant Professor

DiplEng, University of Nis,

Yugoslavia (1994)

MS, PhD, University of Michigan

(1999, 2002)First Place Student Paper, IEEE AP-

URSI Symposium (2002)

Nikola Tesla Award, Nikola Tesla

Foundation (1994)

Research Interests

Antenna Theory and Design, Infinite and Finite Arrays,

Numerical Electromagnetics, Finite Element Method, Applied

Electromagnetics, Biomedical Telemetry, Artificial Materials

Our main research effort is in the analysis, design, and fabrication

of novel antennas for various applications. These include broad-

band airborne sensors, multi-functional broad/multi/narrow-band

terrestrial and satellite radio, ground penetration radar,

implantable medical devices, and reconfigurable wireless networks.

Complex antenna configurations—including not only the radiat-

ing structure, but also the material composition and effects of the

surroundings—often require utilization of a specific numerical

apparatus for proper boundary value analysis. Thus, our work

focuses on numerical techniques particularly developed for specific

applications. We pay particular attention to the challenges of prop-

agation in inhomogeneous media, and the design of artificial mate-

rials, which is sometimes of crucial importance for achieving

miniature device size while retaining an appropriate electrical

performance.

Ewald F. [email protected],

303-492-7010Professor

DiplIng, Technical University of

Stuttgart (1967)

PhD, University of Colorado (1970)

IEEE Fellow (1990)

IEEE Power System Relaying

Committee Award (1989)

IEEE IAS Best Paper Award (1989)

German Association of ElectricalEngineers Best Paper Award (1972)

Research Interests

Improved Performance of Power System Components, Efficiency

Increase of Drives via Optimization and Power Electronic

Converters, Assessment of Power Quality Indices, Renewable

Energy Sources

My recent research has focused on the improvement of perform-

ance of power system components under the aspect of renewable

energies, such as the design and construction of variable-speed

wind power plants, constrained optimal placement and sizing of

capacitors and filters under non-sinusoidal voltage/current condi-

tions, and the assembly of microprocessor-controlled maximum

power trackers for photovoltaic plants. These efforts include trans-

former models valid for non-sinusoidal operation accommodating

ever-increasing power electronic loads; they resulted in a publica-

tion advocating more flexible IEC and IEEE guidelines to ease the

transition from linear to nonlinear loads. I have undertaken corol-lary research to promote energy conservation through efficiency

increase based on constrained optimization and the use of solid-

state controllers for electrical drives. This thrust has resulted in

new techniques for the direct-loss measurement of high-efficiency

power converters.

K.C. Gupta [email protected], 303-492-7498

Professor

BSc, Punjab University (1958)

BE, ME, Indian Institute of Science

(1961, 1962)

PhD, Birla Institute of Technology

(1969)

IEEE-MTTS Distinguished Educator

Award (2001)


IEEE Fellow (1988)

Research Interests

RF MEMS, MICROWAVE CAD, Microstrip Antennas, ANN

Modeling, Nonlinear Models, Flexible-Circuit MEMS, Web-Based

Education

RF MEMS are micro-electro-mechanical systems designed forradio-frequency applications and fabricated mostly by semiconduc-

tor technology processes. We are researching two classes of RF

MEMS with projects sponsored by DARPA and NASA. In the

first group, polysilicon based RF MEMS are designed and laid out

at CU and the wafer fabrication is carried out at a commercial

foundry. Devices on wafer are diced, assembled, integrated with

RF circuits, released, characterized and RF tested. This research

includes design of new types of switches and variable capacitors.

We have used our variable capacitors to design phase-shifters that

have been integrated with NASA’s antennas. The other class of RF

MEMS, developed for the first time by our group, are polyimide

RF MEMS using flexible-circuit technology. This novel approach

has been used for developing switches for printed reconfigurableantennas.

Another unique area of research at CU is the applications of

artificial neural network techniques for RF and microwave design.

The group at CU is a pioneer in this area and has published the

first book on this topic (Zhang and Gupta, Neural Networks for

RF and Microwave Design, Artech House, 2000). Currently we

are collaborating with the National Institute of Standards and

Technology (NIST) in Boulder on measurement-based nonlinear

models for RF devices and circuits using a neural network

approach.

10


13/24


John [email protected]

303-492-6496Associate Professor

BS, United States Air Force Academy

(1980)

MS, PhD, University of California,

Berkeley (1986, 1989)NSF Presidential Young Investigator

Award (1991)

Research Interests

Control Theory and Control of Mechanical Systems

Vincent [email protected]

Associate Professor

BS, University of Cincinnati (1966)

PhD, University of Florida (1969)

Research Interests

Computer Architecture, Simulators, Assemblers, Java, Translators

My current research activities focus on the automatic and manual

generation of assemblers and simulators for computer architec-

tures. The research is aimed toward translating formal machinespecifications into assemblers that generate machine language that

can then be input to functional simulators.

Sunil P. [email protected]


BS, Indian Institute of Technology

(1987)

MS, University of Texas (1989)

PhD, University of California atBerkeley (1999)

Research Interests

VLSI, VLSI Design, Electronic Design Automation (EDA), VLSI

CAD, Deep Sub-Micron VLSI Design, Cross-Talk, Data-Path

Design Automation, Hierarchical Logic Synthesis, Low-Power

Design, Leakage Power Minimization, Wave-Pipelining,

Automatic Test Pattern Generation (ATPG)

My research is in the area of deep sub-micron VLSI design and

electronic design automation (EDA). My work generally involves

devising specialized circuit design styles to address problems faced

in current-day VLSI implementations, and then typically involves

the designing of EDA tools to incorporate these ideas in an auto-

mated environment.

Specific current areas of work include data-path circuit design

automation using hierarchical techniques for routing; timing

analysis and logic synthesis; cross-talk avoidance in on-chip busdesigns using automatically synthesized CODECs; exploiting

cross-talk to speed up a design; extreme low-power VLSI circuit

design and design automation, leakage power reduction method-

ologies for VLSI; wave pipelined VLSI design to improve circuit

delay; design of ternary CAM structures for IP routing; VLSI cir-

cuit placement to minimize thermal gradients on a die; and effi-

cient techniques to perform automatic test pattern generation for

digital and analog circuits.

Edward F. [email protected]

303-492-5173

Professor


MS, PhD, University of Colorado

(1974, 1976)

IEEE Fellow (1998)

Research Interests

Electromagnetics, Microwave Theory, Antennas and Wave Guides,

Applied Mathematics, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC),

Computational Methods

My general research interests are in theoretical and applied areas of

electromagnetic engineering including both guided and unguided

waves; antennas, waveguides, scattering, electromagnetic compati-

bility (EMC); applied mathematics; and computational methods.

My current research interests are in the area formerly called

artificial dielectrics, and now known as metamaterials. Joint work

with NIST (the National Institute of Standards and Technology)

has produced advances in the theoretical modeling of so-called

“backward-wave” materials, in which phase and group velocities

are of opposite sign. Proposals for the practical realization of such

materials have also been made. These materials have very unusual

properties that should allow their application in many areas of communication technology. We are also studying metafilms-

surfaces whose electromagnetic behavior is different from ordinary

dielectric interfaces and can be controlled by external low-

frequency fields.

1


14/24


Michael [email protected],


BS, MS, University of Florida (1972,

1974)

PhD, Carnegie-Mellon University

(1979)Associate Dean, College of

Engineering (1997-02)


IEEE Circuits and Systems Society

Golden Jubilee Medal (2000)

IEEE Fellow (1997)

Max Peters Award for Outstanding Service, College of Engineering

(1997)

Peebles Innovation in Teaching Award, College of Engineering

(1996)

Hutchinson Award for Outstanding Teaching, College of

Engineering (1995)

Research Interests

Learning Technologies, Cognitive Assistance, Assistive Technology

I am establishing a multidisciplinary research program focused on

producing next generation computer supported learning technolo-

gies for two different application areas—cognitive disabilities, and

university and professional education. The research involves the

intersection of cognitive science, cognitive neuroscience, learning

science, and computer engineering (including multimedia, human-

computer interaction, and techniques from theorem proving and AI).

Our research takes the best available information from many

different disciplines and generates and delivers cognitive assistance

(cognitive prosthesis) to individuals and groups. There are 50 mil-

lion people in the U.S. alone with some form of cognitive disabili-ty or deficit. Our research in this area focuses on providing cogni-

tive and learning tools for this community. In the area of universi-

ty and professional education, the rapid change of technology and

generation of information is requiring a working style that

involves constant learning. The question of how to support this

effort—in content generation, delivery, assessment, integration

with work flow, and so on—is our second major research challenge.

Youjian (Eugene) [email protected],


BE, Beijing University of Aeronautics

and Astronautics (1993)

MS, Beijing University (1996)

MS, PhD, Ohio State University(1998, 2000)

Research Interests

Communications, Error Control Coding, Information Theory,

Signal Processing

My research interests are in the area of communication system

design, error control coding, and information theory, with empha-

sis on wireless communications. Error control coding and informa-

tion theory are the main guidelines to design reliable and efficient

communication systems. Probability theory is extensively used in

this area. Building on my past research experience in CDMA cellu-

lar phone system performance analysis and algorithm design at

Bell Labs, I am interested in exploring topics that will generate

impact in both practice and theory. My current projects include

coding for multiple antenna systems, system resource allocation

and coding with finite rate feedback, and low complexity algo-

rithm design. I enjoy helping students build a solid theoretical

background and independent research ability in advanced commu-

nications and signal processing, so that they can be well prepared

for future challenges in both industrial and academic careers.

Arnoldo Majerfeld

[email protected],303-492-7164

Professor

EE, University of Buenos Aires,

Argentina (1963)

PhD, Stanford University (1971)

Research Interests

III-V Semiconductors, Nanotechnology, Strained-piezoelectric,Quantum Wells, MOVPE Epitaxy, Lasers

The research work in my group is based on III-V semiconductor

nanometric structures and their application to optoelectronic

devices. Our research involves the physics, fabrication, and charac-

terization of quantum well (QW) structures and novel optoelec-

tronic devices. The QW structures are fabricated by metalorganic

vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) in a clean room facility. At the pres-

ent time our research is focused on strained piezoelectric [111]A-

oriented InGaAs/GaAs QW structures and their application to

double confinement laser devices for operation in the 1.0-1.3

micron wavelength range.

12


15/24


Dragan [email protected]


BS, MS, University of Belgrade,

Yugoslavia (1984, 1986)

PhD, California Institute of

Technology (1989)National Science Foundation CAREER

Award (1997)

Prize Paper Award, IEEE Transactions

on Power Electronics (1997)

Research Interests

Power Electronics, Mixed-Signal Integrated Circuit Design

As co-director of the industry-supported Colorado Power

Electronics Center (CoPEC), I direct research in the areas of model-

ing and control of high-frequency switching power converters. In

particular, my research interests include digital control techniques

and mixed-signal integrated circuit design for power electronics

applications. We have recently shown that complete, high-per-

formance controllers for switching power converters can be realized

in digital VLSI, which has opened new possibilities for further

advances in the power electronics area. For example, in battery-

powered communication and computing devices, efficient energy

utilization is very important because the trend of ever-increasing

processing and communication capabilities of portable electronics

puts severe constraints on the battery life. In our research projects

we are addressing adaptive power management techniques with a

potential of significant improvements in energy utilization and

battery life. This is just one of many application areas where smart

power processing based on compact, efficient, high-frequency

switching power converters and advanced control techniques is a

key enabling technology.

Peter [email protected]

303-492-7733

Associate Professor

DiplElIng, PhD, Swiss Federal

Institute of Technology, Zurich

(1976, 1985)

NSF Presidential Young Investigator

(1990)

Research Interests

Error-Control Codes, Block Codes, Convolutional Codes,

Cryptography, Security, Authentication, Modulation, Partial

Response Signaling, Magnetic Recording, Analysis of Algorithms,

Multi-User Communications, Data Networks, Distance Learning,

Computer-Aided Instruction

Looking at the grand scheme of things, we are interested in the

connections between theory on one hand and real-world applications

on the other hand, in the areas of communication engineering,

information theory, coding theory, cryptography, and data net-

working. At a more detailed level, we are interested in the trade-

offs between the theoretical performance limits predicted by infor-

mation theory and the practical limitations imposed on system

complexity due to cost, size, and power budget constraints. As an

example, embedded controllers for a particular process might need

to exchange encrypted and/or authenticated messages over an inse-

cure network such as the Internet. But military-grade security

using the embedded controller environment may be too expensiveor too slow, and is often not even necessary. Thus, compromise

solutions need to be evaluated using a mixture of theoretical

research and practical implementation considerations; this is one

focus of our work.

David G. [email protected]

303-492-7158

Associate Professor

BS, University of Wyoming (1982)

MS, PhD, Stanford University

(1987)

Research Interests

Intelligent Materials Processing, Nonlinear Control

My recent research projects have looked at control of the growth of

advanced III-V and II-VI semiconductors via molecular beam epi-

taxy; control of near-net-shape forming processing for advanced

intermetallic materials and titanium-matrix/ceramic-fiber compos-

ites; control of high-rate physical vapor deposition for coatings andthin-films; and advanced deposition/morphology modeling and

control for epitaxial growth on both matched and mismatched

substrates. My current research interests are mostly theoretical

avenues suggested by some of the above projects, including a sta-

bility and control theory for directionally constrained dynamic sys-

tems, trajectory morphing (dynamic trajectory exploration from

simpler models), and local optimization with special constraints to

achieve global optimals, especially as pertains to receding horizon

control of complex nonlinear systems.

13


16/24


François G. [email protected]


MS, ENSIMAG, Grenoble, France

(1987)

PhD, INRIA, Rennes, France (1993)

Editor, Wavelets in Signal and Image Analysis (2001)

Postdoctoral Associate, Diagnostic

Radiology and Mathematics

Departments, Yale University

(1993-95)

Research Interests

Signal and Image Processing, Wavelets, Medical Imaging, Brain

Functional Imaging, Image Coding

Our research interests are in the area of multiscale and time fre-

quency representations of images and multi-dimensional signals,

with applications to biomedical signal and image analysis, and

image coding. Our work involves the development of new mathe-

matical and computational algorithms, as well as the development

of software packages.

A new area of research involves the development of methods for

the analysis of functional magnetic resonance images (fMRI) of

brain activity. Functional MRI can detect and quantify hemody-

namic changes induced by brain activation and neuronal activity.

This research is funded by a Biomedical Engineering Research

Grant from the Whitaker Foundation.

A second area of research involves the development of new

methods for the representation and analysis of images. This

research involves the construction of new waveform representations

for images using methods from applied and computational har-

monic analysis, that go beyond wavelet and Fourier transforms.

Alan [email protected]

303-492-7539

Associate Professor

BS, University of Texas at El Paso

(1973)



Research Interests

Optics, Integrated Optics, Microwaves, High Speed Metrology,

Electromagnetics, Semiconductor Lasers

My research area, integrated optics, is broad and its boundaries are

permeable. The applications of integrated optics that interest me

involve processing of signals, primarily ones whose frequency spec-

trum lies at higher frequency than those that can be processed

with digital electronics. Because the integrated optical devices and

test equipment I would like to use are not commercially available,

a large part of my work is involved in making devices in new

materials with new fabrication techniques, and testing them in

novel ways. The materials that I work with at present are optical

polymers that are doped with other materials that allow these

polymers to perform interesting tasks, which generally involve

modifying the shape and content of the information spectra of

high speed signals.

Olgica [email protected]

303-735-3682

Assistant Professor

BS, MS, University of Nis, Yugoslavia

(1994, 1997)

MS, PhD, University of Michigan

(2001, 2002)

Research Interests

Error-control and Source Coding, Coding for Magnetic and

Optical Recording Channels, Cryptography, Analysis of

Algorithms

The emergence of modern digital systems increased the need for

developing efficient and reliable data description, transmission,

and storage techniques. Mathematical theories played a pivotal role

in this development, and many currently-used information pro-

cessing schemes are structured around sophisticated results from

the area of combinatorial and number theory, algebra, or functional

analysis. Our research focuses on using existing and developingnew mathematical methods that can be exploited in the design of

low-complexity encoding and decoding algorithms for error cor-

recting and channel constrained coding. The challenges of design-

ing such coding systems include, among others, the analysis of

time and hardware complexity, robustness under different random

input models, and experimental verification of specified character-

istics. Of special interest to us are applications of these coding

schemes in high-density, two-dimensional optical and magnetic

recording devices. The results of this research are of practical

importance for the storage and computer industry.

14


17/24


Garret Moddel [email protected]


BS, Stanford University (1976)

MS, PhD, Harvard University (1978,

1981)

Inventor of the Year in PhysicalSciences and Engineering, University

of Colorado (2002)

Fellow, Optical Society of America

(1998)

Research Interests

Thin Films, Optoelectronics, Solid State Materials, Optical

Detectors, Infrared Detectors, Liquid Crystals

Advanced optoelectronic devices for optical communications,

image processing, optical and infrared detection, optical intercon-

nects, and solar cells rely on the development of new materials. My

Thin Film Group develops and fabricates advanced thin film mate-

rials and uses these materials in new optoelectronic devices. The

lab concentrates on materials that have the potential to be applied

broadly and that can be made through relatively simple processes.

It has developed a new class of high-performance optically

addressed spatial light modulators using amorphous silicon photo-

sensors and ferroelectric liquid crystal modulating layers. Other

work includes materials and devices for solar energy conversion,

and infrared and high-speed detectors. Laboratory facilities include

plasma and thermal deposition systems, a liquid-crystal clean

room, and infrared and high-speed spectral and temporal optical

and electronic measurement apparatuses.

C.T. [email protected]

303-492-8718

Professor

BS, MS, PhD, University of Colorado

(1966, 1968, 1971)

Research InterestsSignal Processing, Algorithms

Lucy [email protected]


BS, MS, PhD, Stanford University

(1987, 1988, 1992)

Program Chair, American Control

Conference, Boston, MA (2004)Special Service Award, American

Automatic Control Council (2002)

Co-author and advisor to winner of

Best Student Paper Award, American

Control Conference (2001)

Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award (1997-2000)


Young Author Prize, International Federation of Automatic

Control Triennial World Congress (1996)

Research Interests

Control of Flexible Structures, Control of Information Storage

Systems (Disk Drives and Tape Drives), Multisensor Data Fusion,

Haptic and Multimodal Visual-Haptic-Audio Interfaces, Control

of Wind Turbines

Our research group carries out research in several areas. In the area

of control of flexible structures, we are developing control methods

to rapidly maneuver flexible structures, with applications to tape

drive and disk drive systems. In the area of multisensor data

fusion, we have been analyzing and developing algorithms that

effectively combine information from multiple sensors to form

accurate estimates for tracking objects (e.g., aircraft), where we are

developing algorithms for both centralized and distributed net-

works of sensors and processors. In the area of haptic and visual-

haptic-audio interfaces, Professor Dale Lawrence of the aerospace

engineering sciences department and I are co-advising studentson projects that explore the use of haptic (touch) interfaces, in con-

cert with conventional audio and visual interfaces, to enhance the

ability to communicate and learn spatial concepts in science and

engineering.

15


18/24


Wounjhang [email protected],

303-735-3601

Assistant Professor

BS (Physics), Seoul National

University, Korea (1989)

MS (Physics), Dongguk University,

Korea (1991)

PhD (Physics), Georgia Institute of

Technology (1997)

Postdoctoral Fellow, Georgia Tech

Research Institute (1997-98)

Research Interests

Nano-Photonics, Photonic Crystals, Nanoscale Device Fabrication,

Photonic Device Simulations, Optical Spectroscopy

Photonic crystal research holds great promise worldwide for new

and innovative nano-photonic devices. Photonic crystals are an

exciting new class of materials that possess periodic dielectric con-

stants and consequently exhibit many novel properties such as

photonic bandgap formation and highly non-linear and/oranisotropic dispersion. Photonic crystals may also be “doped” so

that their defects or impurities can act as active optical elements

such as waveguides and micro-cavities. We undertake extensive

theoretical studies to develop new nano-photonic device concepts

exploiting the novel properties of photonic crystals. We also per-

form experimental research on fabrication and characterization of

nano-photonic devices. We use nanoscale lithography and/or self-

assembly of nano-particles to fabricate devices; characterizations

include optical/electron microscopy and laser spectroscopy.

Rafael Piestun

[email protected]

Assistant Professor

Ingeniero Electricista, Universidad de

la Republica, Uruguay (1990)

MS, PhD, Technion–Israel Institute

of Technology (1994, 1998)

Postdoctoral Fellow, Stanford

University (1999-2000)

Fulbright Fellow (1998-99)

El-Op Prize for original work in optics

and electro-optics, Israel (1997)

IEEE paper award, Ingelectra Conference (1990)

Research Interests

Nanophotonics, Diffractive Optics, Space-Time Pulse Shaping,

Femtosecond Micromachining, Unconventional Imaging

Our research focuses on how optical fields communicate informa-

tion, and the ways to control or transform this information. More

specifically, we investigate fundamental properties of optical elec-

tromagnetic waves, their interaction with micro- and nano-

structures, and the design of photonic devices. We also investigate

applications of these concepts to challenging situations in commu-

nications, sensing, and computation.

Melinda [email protected],

303-492-7448

Associate Professor

BS, University of Illinois (1988)

MS, PhD, Northwestern University

(1990, 1993)


Research Interests

Computational Electromagnetics

My research focuses on numerical modeling of electromagnetic

phenomena at radio, microwave and optical frequencies. The

potential applications of this research include high-speed digital

circuit simulation and packaging, optical devices and intercon-

nects, antennas, electromagnetic compatibility, electromagnetic

interference, and interactions with human tissue.

I am also involved in assistive technology design, in particularmultidisciplinary design education related to client-based assistive

technology devices.

Andrew [email protected]

303-492-3571

Associate Professor

BS, Illinois Institute of Technology

(1977)

MS, PhD, University of Illinois (1979,

1982)

Research Interests

Computer Architecture, High-Performance Processors, Cache

Memory, Memory Systems, Storage Systems

My primary interest is in the area of computer architecture, in par-

ticular the design and implementation of high-performance single-

chip processors. This includes not only studying high-performance

processors at a high level, but also understanding design con-

straints down to the transistor level. A focus of this work is under-standing and reducing the performance penalties due to the

processor-memory performance gap. This includes the study of

novel ways to design cache memories for superscalar architectures.

In the past few years, my research interests have expanded to

include the modeling and analysis of high-performance storage sys-

tems.

16


19/24


Zoya [email protected]

303-492-0374

Professor

DiplIng (BS), University of

Belgrade, Yugoslavia (1985)



IEEE Fellow (2002)

ASEE/HP Terman Award (2001)

Humboldt Research Award, Alexander

von Humboldt Foundation

(Germany) (2000)

Issac Koga Gold Medal, URSI (International Radio Science Union)

(1996)

IEEE MTT Microwave Prize for Best Journal Paper (1993)

NSF Presidential Faculty Fellow (1993)

Research Interests

RF Circuits, Antenna Arrays, Intelligent (Smart, Adaptive)

Microwave Circuits and Antennas, RF Optics, Millimeter-Waves,

Wireless Communication Systems

A group of over 10 PhD students has joined me in working on

design, implementation, and characterization of RF circuits and

antenna arrays. The group has demonstrated record efficiencies in

microwave power amplifiers, oscillators, and doublers using

switched-mode circuits, and is currently extending this work to

linearization and dynamic power control. A large area of our

research is in active antenna arrays, including multibeam arrays for

satellite communications, diversity arrays for wireless communica-

tions, power-combining arrays using quasi-optical techniques,

optically controlled transmit-receive arrays, adaptive arrays using

efficient analog optical processing, and broadband receiving arrays

for radioastronomy. The main fundamental approaches that distin-guish our work are distributed amplification, low-power adaptivity

using analog techniques, quasi-optical techniques applied to

antenna arrays in the microwave wavelength range, and non-

conventional nonlinear circuit design.

Fabio [email protected]

Professor

DrEng, Politecnico di Torino, Italy

(1980)

Research Interests

Formal Verification of Digital Systems, VLSI Logic Synthesis

My research activity is in the field of computer-aided design for

very large-scale integrated circuits, with emphasis on the automat-

ic synthesis, formal verification, simulation, diagnosis, and testable

design of complex digital systems. I teach classes in the areas of

discrete mathematics, digital design, formal verification, probability,

and hardware description languages.

Bart [email protected]

303-492-2809

Professor

Dipl, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven,

Belgium (1980)

MS, PhD, University of Colorado

(1981, 1984)

Research Interests

Semiconductors, Silicon, Wide Bandgap Semiconductors, Silicon

Carbide Devices, Bipolar Transistors, Microfabrication,

Optoelectronics, Photodetectors, Nanophotonics, Nanotechnology,

Technology Enhanced Education

Our research is focused on the design, fabrication, and characteri-

zation of silicon carbide bipolar junction transistors for high tem-

perature, high power, and high frequency applications. My specific

interests include (1) micro and nano-fabrication—the development

of processes for the fabrication of electronic, optoelectronic devices,

MEMS and nanopores; (2) technology enhanced education—the

development, assessment and dissemination of web browser-based

educational modules in the area of optoelectronic devices and sys-

tems, and (3) wide bandgap semiconductor electronics—a rapidly

growing research area aimed at exploring and exploiting the

unique properties of wide bandgap semiconductors such as gallium

nitride and silicon carbide.

Mahesh [email protected]

Professor

BE, Osmania University, Hyderabad,

India (1984)

MS, PhD, Rice University (1987,

1989)

Research Interests

Single and Multi-user Communication Theory, Multi-user

Detection, Resource Allocation in Communication Networks,

Information Theory, Adaptive Algorithms, Wireless and Space-

Time Communications and Coding

My teaching and research interests include digital communica-

tions, information theory, error-control coding, detection and esti-

mation theory, and wireless communications. I strive not only to

effectively communicate the fundamental underpinnings of the

17


20/24


subject but also to empower students to learn independently and

think creatively. I enjoy working closely with my research stu-

dents, and together we have made significant contributions to the

theory of single and multi-user communication, including multi-

user detection; signal design and multiple-access; optimal CDMA

systems; stochastic algorithms for interference resistant signal

reception and power control in cellular networks; modulation/

detection and coding methods for space-time communications;

and spectrally efficient multi-user, multi-antenna communications.

During a recent two-year period, my group and I published 16

IEEE Transactions articles in these areas. Our research has been

funded by grants from the National Science Foundation, the U.S.

Army Research Office, and the Colorado Center for Information

Storage.

Howard [email protected]

303-492-7713

Professor

BS, Cooper Union (1960)

MS, Drexel Institute (1961)PhD, New York University (1967)

Research Interests

Biophysics, Physiology, Electrical Engineering

My current Neural Bioegineering research applies electrical

engineering and biophysical approaches to modern issues in

neuroscience—as well as to the diagnosis and treatment of neural

malfunctions. We are particularly interested in the effects of elec-tromagnetic fields on neural function and their applications in

neurology. These include the use of microwaves, or particularly

strong, high gradient, magnetic fields, to alter the behavior of

excitable nerve cell membranes. We are also trying to decipher

why mild brain injuries (e.g. concussions) often lead to very long

term neural dysfunctions. Our research utilizes computer modeling

of nerve cell and neural network function while exploring similari-

ties, as well as differences, between computers and brains.

Kelvin [email protected]


BS, MS, PhD, California Institute of

Technology (1981, 1982, 1987)

Optical Society of America Fellow

(2002)

Chair, OSA/ICO Optics in Computing

Steering Committee (1998-2000)

NSF Young Investigator (1992)

Research Interests

Optical Computing and Signal Processing, Optical Neural

Networks, Optical Soliton Interactions for Switching, Ultrafast

and Multi-Spectral Techniques, Numerical Methods, Nonlinear

Optics, Acousto-Optics, RF Photonics and Array Processing

My research concentrates on optics, optical and quantum comput-

ing, neural networks, and RF signal processing, with special

emphasis on dynamic holography in photorefractive crystals and

spatial spectral holography, acousto-optic devices, and nonlinear

optics. My research in optical information processing focuses on

utilizing the unique computational properties of optical systems to

produce special purpose signal processing systems with significant

computational advantages over conventional microelectronic digi-

tal approaches. We are attempting to harness massive parallelism,

spectral domain representations, ultrafast optical phenomena, and

volume holographic storage and processing, in combination with

the capabilities of state-of-the-art laser, modulator, and detector

technology to experimentally demonstrate the highest performance

optical information processing systems. This research is currently

supported by NSF, DARPA, and ONR.

William [email protected]

303-492-7204

Professor

AB, Oberlin College (1960)

MS, PhD, Columbia University (1962,

1965)

Editor, Operating Systems Review, ACM

Research Interests

Code Generation, Compilers, Domain Engineering, Domain-

Specific Architectures, Reuse Models, Translator Writing Systems

and Compiler Generators

Software development is repetitive, with designers and imple-

menters solving similar problems in many different projects.

Current design and implementation methodologies leverage effort

by reusing solutions. We develop and deploy techniques that

enhance reuse by allowing people to describe their problems

directly, rather than describing how to solve those problems. Such

problem descriptions can be seamlessly composed with normal

programs implementing other components of a design. Well-understood tasks in a project can therefore be automated with

little effort and no impact on other tasks. Our methods have been

proven in a variety of applications worldwide; we have fielded

robust, public-domain tools to support these component-based

software development techniques on a number of levels from sim-

ple turnkey operation to custom software generation. Our current

research centers on general techniques for packaging domain

knowledge for use by novices: design protocols, automated

“wizards,” and effective teaching techniques.

18


21/24


Regan [email protected]

303-735-1560

Assistant Professor

BS, MS, PhD, University of Colorado

(1996, 1998, 1999)

Research Interests

Micro-Electronics, Power Electronics, Mixed-Signal IC, Digital

Control, Energy Harvesting/Scavenging, Bio-Medical Electronics,

Lighting Electronics, Sensor Electronics

Three technology trends that are becoming increasingly more

demanding include miniaturization, embedded intelligence, and

wireless operation. All of these trends are driving significant chal-

lenges for power management and mixed-signal IC (integrated

circuit) design. As active members of the industry-supportedColorado Power Electronics Center (CoPEC), our group has a

special focus on electronics and power management techniques

in applications with critical power requirements. We are currently

investigating applications in lighting electronics, bio-medical

implants, distributed sensor arrays, appliances, medical devices,

and military systems. We design custom mixed analog and digital

electronics using commercial CAD design tools, develop test beds

and

Documents

Univeristy of Colorado at Boulder