School of Electrical Electronic Engineering

The Photonic and Radio Frequency Engineering Group (PRFEG) is pursuing cutting edge research topics in photonics and microwave technology, with a focus on device technologies. This research has brought together researchers from a wide range of cultural backgrounds to create a     dynamic and enthusiastic research environment. The group's research activities are organised along three research strands, which are funded by EPSRC, EU as well as UK and EU companies.

PRFEG's research activities in High-Power Optoelectronics are focused on high-power and high-brightness laser diodes, with particular strengths in simulation and design, characterisation and degradation physics. The Group have developed a high-current (50A) non-destructive probe for CW testing of unmounted laser bars and a flexible, state-of-the-art facility for characterising optoelectronic materials and devices. Recently, the Group proposed a "by-emitter" degradation analysis method allowing identification of a packaging-induced strain threshold for emitter degradation. The Group has successfully developed quasi-3D optical-electronic- thermal coupled models, including a multi-wavelength "spectral" model for the predictive design and simulation of high-brightness laser diodes.

In Photonic Communications Technology, the group focuses on studying materials and devices that will have a major impact on future communications infrastructure. Research includes low-cost InGaAsN lasers for access networks, semiconductor optical amplifiers for application in photonic integrated circuits, optical regeneration technologies and optical performance monitoring techniques. A further activity looks at the non-linear effects of real components in optical network/system contexts including the transmission of rf signals over optical communication channels.

In RF Devices, Circuits and Materials research, a particular strength is the optical and electrical assessment of MBE grown GaN and related materials and devices (including dilute nitrides). Research also covers the interaction of microwaves and materials, and the design of microwave integrated circuits for material assessment applications. For example, in collaboration with the Applied Optics group, active pixel circuits operating above 1GHz are being designed. A new vector network analyser, able to characterise rf devices and circuits to 330GHz, is being used for studying microwave power and millimetre-wave devices.