Explore future photonic computing using silicon photonics

Shao Rui completed his undergraduate studies in Communication Engineering at Soochow University. In 2020, he joined the 311 programme at NUSRI Suzhou and subsequently pursued a master’s degree at NUS. Currently, he is a PhD student in the NUS Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering under the guidance of Associate Professor Gong Xiao, focusing on the design and development of optoelectronic integrated devices and chips for artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.

During the 311 programme at NUSRI Suzhou, Shao Rui experienced a transformative international transition through full-English teaching and Original NUS Curriculum. "The programme provided me with a whole new perspective. " Shao Rui recalls. "The immersive English courses not only enhanced my professional knowledge but also broadened my international outlook. More importantly, it significantly improved my self-management, critical thinking, and independent problem-solving skills, enabling me to navigate complex challenges with confidence and clarity."

Through his studies at NUSRI Suzhou, Shao Rui learned about academic conferences that regularly showcase frontier research. Inspired, he actively participated in various conferences in the field of electrical and computer engineering. In 2021, Shao Rui was awarded the Best Student Paper Award at the IEEE International Conference on IC Design and Technology (ICICDT), a prestigious conference with over 20 years of history. This recognition reinforced his determination to pursue a career in research, focusing on integrating optoelectronic devices with AI and quantum technologies.

When asked how he transitioned from communication engineering to silicon photonics research, Shao Rui explained "With the rapid development of AI, big data, and quantum information technology, existing network solutions are struggling to meet the global demand for high-performance computing. Silicon photonics, as an emerging technology, integrates optical signals into silicon-based integrated circuits. This not only addresses the speed limitations of traditional electronic components but also significantly reduces energy consumption, paving the way for efficient and sustainable information processing systems. It’s an exciting and promising field worth exploring."

To date, significant progress has been made in silicon photonics, a leading technology in wireless communications. However, Shao Rui observed that despite its potential for high-speed data transmission and processing, silicon photonics remains a developing technology with many unresolved challenges. Among them, high-speed photodetectors integrated with silicon-based optoelectronic platforms are critical for next-generation data centers and telecom networks. These devices, which convert optical signals into electrical ones, directly impact the performance of silicon photonic systems.

To address issues such as enhancing photodetector sensitivity and ensuring accurate signal transmission, Shao Rui pioneered an InGaAs avalanche photodiode (APD) based on a photon-trapping structure. This innovative design leverages light-trapping to improve optical absorption efficiency, mitigating traditional challenges like reduced response speed and increased dark current. The APD holds significant applications in areas such as LiDAR, quantum information processing, and biomedical imaging.

Through persistent experimentation, optimization, and validation, Shao Rui has steadily advanced in his research journey. Now in the second year of his PhD, he has published three papers and contributed to three projects spanning photodetectors, novel optical memories, and heterogeneous optoelectronic integration. His dedication to research suggests a bright future ahead.