Silicon Photonics Research at McMaster University

Welcome to the McMaster University Silicon Photonics Research Group, led by Professor Andy Knights. We have retained an important presence in the field of Silicon Photonics since 2003 and our Alumni populate a range of high profile positions in both industry and academia.

Our core research spans fundamental material development to device and system deployment for data-communications via integrated silicon optical circuits.

Current openings

Wire bonded integrated silicon photonic chip for high-speed modulation systems.

Research Overview

Andy Knights has worked in the area of silicon photonics since 1996. His career has coincided with the rapid development of silicon as an optical material from a handful of research groups in the 1990’s to the multi-billion dollar industry of today. Our group has played a particular role in the development of integrated photodetectors and silicon-based optical modulators. More recently we have worked on the development of novel functionality through post-processing technology. This approach has led to the reporting of an integrated rare-earth-silicon laser and optical amplifier.

Our group remains well-supported by external funding including from NSERC, MITACS and CFI. A recent multi-million dollar award entitled “Transformative nano-manufacturing enabled by programmable assembly, self-alignment and direct-write technologies” will enable our approach to platform modification

Join Our Group

We are recruiting post docs, PhD and MASc students, as well as undergraduate students for summer research projects.

If you are interested in graduate work beginning in May or September, we invite you to contact us.  

Apply to join our research group

Measurement of optical absorption in graphene.