RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
Hi, I am
Sergio Navarro Reyes
HOST INSTITUTE
Akhetonics
PROJECT TITLE
All-optical approach to systolic arrays for photonic computing.
KEY WORDS
Photonic Computing, Integrated Photonics, Design Automation
RESEARCH AIM
My research aims to develop photonic computing, so that computational speed and power consumptions are optimized with respect to electronics.
RESEARCH OVERVIEW
My research focuses on photonics, a branch of physics that studies the behaviour and application of light. I investigate photonic computing technologies that use light, rather than electronic circuits, to perform computations, with the aim of developing faster and more energy-efficient computing systems, similar to the way information is transmitted through optical fibres.
RESEARCH CHALLENGE
One of the main challenges in my research is addressing the speed and scalability limitations of conventional electronic computing systems as computational demands continue to grow.
RESEARCH INNOVATION
My research explores the development of an all-optical digital photonic processor, an approach that has not yet been successfully demonstrated and could significantly advance photonic computing technologies.
RESEARCH IMPACT
My research aims to advance a field that remains largely unexplored by developing digital optical computing technologies, helping to demonstrate the potential of an approach that has yet to gain widespread acceptance within the research community.
RESEARCH SUMMARY
My research focuses on developing viable photonic computing technologies, either by working on more efficient architectures or by making the design of circuits easier. The part of architecture focuses on building computing circuits such as arithmetic logic unit, carry ripple circuits, or tunable logic circuits, potentially used as FPGA technologies. The part of design automation will focus on automatic PIC routing and potentially automatic placement.
RESEARCH VISUAL
RESEARCH JOURNEY
RESEARCH SECONDMENT
UMLP, France (2 months) & Aston University, United Kingdom (2 months)
During my secondments at UMLP, France, and Aston University, United Kingdom, I will broaden my expertise across complementary areas of photonics research. At UMLP, I will develop my knowledge of nanotechnology while strengthening my laboratory skills. At Aston University, I will gain experience in optical telecommunications and further enhance my practical expertise through advanced experimental work.
LEARNING GOALS
I am particularly looking forward to developing expertise in high-speed optical measurement techniques and gaining hands-on experience with advanced experimental characterisation methods.
RESEARCH BENEFITS
These secondments will broaden my perspective on photonics by exposing me to different research environments, advanced methodologies, and complementary areas of expertise, strengthening both my technical knowledge and research capabilities.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
These secondments will help me develop the advanced experimental and characterisation skills needed to evaluate the photonic architectures I design, strengthening my technical expertise and supporting my long-term career as a researcher in photonic computing.
MORE THAN PHD
Why did you decide to join POSTDIGITAL+ ?
I joined POSTDIGITAL+ because I saw it as an excellent opportunity to develop my research career within a prestigious and internationally recognised research environment.
What do you think is the biggest advantage of being part of the International Doctoral Network?
One of the greatest advantages is the opportunity to experience different research cultures, understand how the photonics industry operates across countries, and collaborate with a diverse network of researchers and professionals from around the world.
What skill have you developed the most so far?
One of the skills I have developed the most is creative problem-solving and brainstorming, allowing me to generate and refine innovative ideas when tackling complex research challenges.
What are your career ambitions after completing your doctorate?
My long-term ambition is to contribute to the development and establishment of international standards for optical computing technologies, helping to shape the future of the field.
What inspired you to pursue this research Area?
I was inspired by the enormous potential of photonics as a rapidly evolving field, where there are still many opportunities to make new discoveries and establish the foundations for future technological advances.
What surprised you most since starting your PhD?
I was surprised by the level of coordination and administrative processes involved in conducting collaborative international research across multiple institutions.