The main research focus is now geared towards:

a) The use of novel materials for ultra-fast optical switches and filters for telecommunication devices using inorganic nonlinear optical crystals.
We are investigating fundamental material processes in electro-optic media for manipulation of the index of refraction of these materials. By varying the optical properties of these media we can modify the interaction between waves and grating structures which allows us to redirect and alter the beam paths.
These effects can be used to build very fast, all solid state switches for applications in WDM communication, as well as filter and routers. Switching times are sub-nanoseconds, and device losses can be made extremely small.

b) The interaction of ultrashort laser pulses with silicon and other semiconductor media for application in silicon fabrication processes.
We are studying the fundamental processes associated with the interaction of femto-second pulses and silicon as well as other media for the semiconductor industry. We have developed intricate models for simulating the key time-dependent processes that comprise laser ablation for using laser pulses varying from femtoseconds to nanoseconds. Experiments are being conducted to determine optimal ablation rates as well as the effects of pulse length on the quality of structures created through ablation.

c) The use of extremely efficient nano-sized apertures (less than 100 nm in size) for near field optical applications such as ultra-dense optical data storage using Very Small Aperture Lasers in conjunction with magneto-optic or phase change media for ultra-high density data storage.
We found that a single C-shaped aperture has a photon throughput 1000 times larger than round or square apertures, while producing the same nano-sized spots approximately one spot diameter away from the aperture surface.

This new way of creating extremely bright nanometer sized spots is expected to greatly enhance the performance of near-field optical probe scanning devices, scanning spot lithography, optical and optically assisted magnetic data storage and nano-biology and chemistry devices and experiments.

We are focusing our efforts on understanding the detailed physical processes involved through exact modeling of the interaction between electro-magnetic waves and matter, as well as experimental studies of practical applications.

d) In addition to the physical science and engineering research, the group has pioneered the development and use of remotely controlled laboratories over the Internet. In 1998 we build, to the best of our knowledge, the first remotely controlled laboratory that consisted of a fully self-contained system where students can reserve, and remotely access optics and physics experiments.

We developed new technology for securely accessing the experiments behind firewalls without IT intervention, easily and quickly in a matter of minutes, while providing a complete remotely controllable laboratory environment with an electronic notebook, new collaboration tools and unprecedented reliability over the Internet.

These new tools allow students in dispersed locations to collaborate with each other and with the equipment as if they were all located in the same room.
This technology allows teachers to bring experiments into the classroom via the Internet in a quick and easy plug-and-play manner, providing additional resources for experimental demonstrations of theoretical concepts and theories.
The technology has been transferred to a start-up company, Senvid, Inc.