KAUST NSF Research Conference On Electronic Materials,
Devices And Systems For A Sustainable Future 2015
Day 1: Electronic Systems For A Sustainable Future
1
Plenary Speaker – Systems
Tamer Başar
Member, US National Academy of Engineering
Director, Center for Advanced Study
Swanlund Endowed Chair
CAS Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Professor, Coordinated Science Laboratory & Information Trust Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, Illinois, 61801 USA
basar1@illinois.edu
Talk Title: Stochastic Dynamic Teams And Games With Asymmetric Information
Abstract: In any real application of stochastic decision making, be it in the cooperative team
framework or the non-cooperative game setting, asymmetry in the information acquired by
different decision makers (synonymously agents or players) naturally arises. Presence of
asymmetric information, particularly in dynamic (multi-stage) decision problems, creates
challenges in the establishment of existence of optimal solutions (in teams) and non-cooperative
equilibria (in games) as well as in their characterization and computation. No unified theory exists
(such as dynamic programming or maximum principle) that would be applicable to such problems.
In this talk, I will first discuss the intricacies that arise when one deviates from the standard
framework of (neutral) stochastic control, through either restrictions imposed on controller
memory or introduction of multiple agents acquiring and sharing information in a distributed
manner and with delay. I will then discuss recent efforts toward developing a unified theory with
regard to existence of solutions. For stochastic dynamic teams, the framework will encompass
problems with non-classical information, for which the existence of team-optimal solutions will be
obtained. For stochastic dynamic games with asymmetric information, the existence of Nash
equilibria will be established using the newly introduced refinement concept of “common
information based Markov perfect equilibrium”. Several examples will be provided to illustrate the
approach, the solution technique, the underlying caveats, and the conditions involved. Some open
problems, areas of application, and future directions for research will be identified.
Bio: Tamer Başar has been with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign since 1981, where
he is the Director of the Center for Advanced Study, and holds the academic positions of Swanlund
Endowed Chair; Center for Advanced Study Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering;
Professor, Coordinated Science Laboratory; and Professor, Information Trust Institute. He is a
member of the US National Academy of Engineering and of the European Academy of Sciences;
Fellow of IEEE, IFAC, and SIAM; a past president of the IEEE Control Systems Society (CSS), the
founding president of the International Society of Dynamic Games (ISDG), and a past president of
the American Automatic Control Council (AACC). He has received several awards and recognitions
over the years, including the highest awards of IEEE CSS, IFAC, AACC, and ISDG, the IEEE Control
Systems Technical Field Award, and a number of international honorary doctorates and
professorships. Dr. Başar has over 600 publications in systems, control, communications, and
dynamic games, including books on non-cooperative dynamic game theory, robust control, network
security, wireless and communication networks, and stochastic networks.
Web: http://tamerbasar.csl.illinois.edu/
2
KAUST Speaker – Systems
Jeff Shamma
Professor, Electrical Engineering
Jeff.shamma@kaust.edu.sa
Talk Title: Humans-In-The-Loop: Adversaries And Allies
Abstract: Recent years have seen tremendous research activity in control of networked systems,
i.e., systems of distributed decision making components. This research has focused on decision
making components that are engineered devices, e.g., sensors, swarm robotics, autonomous
vehicles, etc. Many systems of interest are in fact a mixture of engineered devices and human users.
Examples include shared airspace in transportation or consumer decisions in the smart grid. Unlike
the case of engineered, and hence programmable, devices, a system designer cannot specify the
incentives or the online algorithms that the components will execute. This presentation discusses
two settings of humans-in-the-loop, namely competition and coordination. The first setting is
resource utilization in the presence of an adversary under asymmetric information. Here,
"asymmetric information" means that the system user has superior information over the
adversary. In this setup, there is a tension between exploitation and revelation in that using
advantageous information also reveals this information to the adversary. The talk presents a
computational approach to derive optimal policies for the informed agent in the setting of repeated
encounters. The policies can be interpreted as optimal deception through randomization. The
second setting is inducing coordination among a collection of users. Here, there is a system planner
that seeks to coordinate the behaviors of several system users. The challenge is that these users
come with their own incentives. The talk presents a computational approach for the design of
dynamic influence polices to induce coordination. The results utilize game theory throughout,
specifically zero-sum games and mechanism design.
Bio: Jeff S. Shamma is a Professor of Electrical Engineering in the King Abdullah University of
Science and Technology (KAUST) and the Julian T. Hightower Chair in Systems & Control (currently
on leave) in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Georgia Institute of
Technology (Georgia Tech). He received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech in 1983
and a PhD in Systems Science and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in
1988. He held faculty positions at the University of Minnesota, University of Texas-Austin, and
University of California-Los Angeles. Prof. Shamma is a recipient of the NSF Young Investigator
Award (1992), the American Automatic Control Council Donald P. Eckman Award (1996), and the
Mohammed Dahleh Award (2013), and he is a Fellow of the IEEE (2006). He is currently an
Associate Editor for the IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics (2009–present) and Games (2012–
present) and a Senior Editor for the IEEE Transactions on Control of Network Systems (2013–
present). Prof. Shamma's research is in the general area of feedback control and systems theory. His
most recent research has been in decision and control for distributed multiagent systems and the
related topics of game theory and network science, with applications to cyberphysical and societal
network systems.
Web: http://www.kaust.edu.sa/faculty/shamma.html
3
In-Kingdom Invited Speaker – Systems
Dr. Basel Alomair
Assistant Professor and Founding Director
National Center for Cybersecurity Technology (C4C)
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
alomair@kacst.edu.sa
Talk Title: Protecting Our Cyberspace—Staying Ahead Of The Game
Abstract: Cybersecurity is the science of protecting networks, computers, programs and data from
attack, damage or unauthorized access. With our increasing reliance on the cyberspace to perform
computations, store information, carry out communications at the personal, enterprise, and even
governmental levels, it becomes evident that protecting the cyberspace has become a national
security concern for countries around the world. This talk will give a high level description of
cyberattacks, the importance and challenges of cybersecurity, and what is the key point to have a
secure cyberspace.
Bio: Basel Alomair is an Assistant Professor and Founding Director of the National Center for
Cybersecurity Technology (C4C) in King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), an
Affiliate Professor and co-director of the Network Security Lab (NSL) at the University of
Washington-Seattle, an Affiliate Professor at King Saud University (KSU), and an Information
Security Officer at the Technology Control Company (TCC). He was recognized by the IEEE
Technical Committee on Fault-Tolerant Computing (TC-FTC) and the IFIP Working Group on
Dependable Computing and Fault Tolerance (WG 10.4) with the 2010 IEEE/IFIP William Carter
Award for his significant contributions in the area of dependable computing. His research in
cybersecurity was recognized with the 2011 Outstanding Research Award from the University of
Washington. He was also the recipient of the 2012 Distinguished Dissertation Award from the
National Security Agency’s Center for Information Assurance and Cybersecurity (NSA CIAC), and he
was a co-author of the 2014 WiOpt Best Student Paper Award.
Web: http://www.kacst.edu.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx
4
KAUST Speaker – Systems
Mohamed-Slim Alouini
Professor and Chair, Electrical Engineering
Associate Dean, CMESE Division
slim.alouini@kaust.edu.sa
Talk Title: Spectrum Scarcity And Optical Wireless Communications
Abstract: Rapid increase in the use of wireless services over the last two decades has lead the
problem of the radio-frequency (RF) spectrum exhaustion. More specifically, due to this RF
spectrum scarcity, additional RF bandwidth allocation, as utilized in the recent past, is not anymore
a viable solution to fulfill the demand for more wireless applications and higher data rates. Among
the many proposed solutions, optical wireless communication or free-space optical (FSO) systems
have gained an increasing interest due to their advantages including higher bandwidth and higher
capacity compared to the traditional RF communication systems. This promising technology offers
full-duplex Gigabit throughput in certain applications and environment while benefiting from a
huge license-free spectrum, immunity to interference, and high security. These features of FSO
communication systems potentially enable solving the issues that the RF communication systems
face due to the expensive and scarce RF spectrum. The first part of the talk will give an overview of
FSO communication systems by offering examples of advantages and application areas of this
emerging technology. In the second part of talk, we will focus on some recent results and on-going
research directions in the accurate characterization of the performance of FSO systems in the
presence of inevitable impairments due to atmospheric turbulence and misalignment between
transmitter and receiver.
Keywords/Mots-clefs: Optical wireless communication, free space optical communication,
atmospheric turbulence, pointing error, Gamma-Gamma fading, Lognormal fading, and capacity and
error rate computation.
Bio: Mohamed-Slim Alouini (S'94, M'98, SM'03, F’09) was born in Tunis, Tunisia. He received the
Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech),
Pasadena, CA, USA, in 1998. He served as a faculty member in the University of Minnesota,
Minneapolis, MN, USA, then in the Texas A&M University at Qatar, Education City, Doha, Qatar
before joining King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Makkah
Province, Saudi Arabia as a Professor of Electrical Engineering in 2009. His current research
interests include the modeling, design, and performance analysis of wireless communication
systems. Alouini is an IEEE Fellow and one of the ISI Top Cited researchers.
Web: http://www.kaust.edu.sa/faculty/alouini.html
5
Bright Mind Speaker – Systems
Dr. Ioannis Roudas
Research Associate, Science and Technology Division, Corning, Inc.
RoudasI@corning.com
Talk Title: Coherent Optical Communications Systems
Abstract: The rapid evolution of long-haul optical communications systems, witnessed in the last
years, is due to the gradual adoption of spectrally efficient, multilevel modulation formats, in
conjunction with polarization division multiplexing (PDM) and coherent intradyne detection
assisted by digital signal processing (DSP). The objective of this talk is to briefly review the
operating principles of state-of-the-art long-haul coherent optical communications systems. It
focuses mainly on coherent optical systems using Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) and M-ary
Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) formats.
Bio: I. Roudas is a Research Associate with the Science and Technology Division of Corning, Inc.,
Corning, NY. He received his B.S. in Physics and an M.S. in Electronics and Radio-engineering from
the University of Athens, Greece in 1988 and 1990, respectively, and an M.S. and a Ph.D. degree in
coherent optical communication systems from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des
Télécommunications, Paris, France in 1991 and 1995, respectively. During 1995-1998, he worked
in the Optical Networking Research Department at Bell Communications Research (Bellcore), Red
Bank, NJ. During 1999-2002, he was with the Photonic Modeling and Process Engineering
Department at Corning Inc., Somerset, NJ. During 2003-2001, he was with the Department of
Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Patras, Greece, as an Associate Professor
of Optical Communications. He has taught, as an adjunct professor, at Columbia University, the City
University of New York, and the Hellenic Open University. He re-joined Corning in 2011 and he is
currently with the Optical Physics and Transmission Technologies Directorate. His current research
focuses on spectrally-efficient, multilevel modulation formats, adaptive electronic equalization,
optical interconnects, and transparent displays. He is the author or co-author of more than 80
papers in scientific journals and international conferences and holds two patents and four
invention disclosures.
Web: http://www.corning.com/index.aspx
6
Special Invited Speaker – Systems
Hussein T. Mouftah
Senior Canada Research Chair and Distinguish University Professor
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
mouftah@uottawa.ca
Talk Title: Smart Grid Technologies For Connected Electric Vehicles
Abstract: Electrical power grid is among the critical infrastructures of a nation. In the past several
years, the power grid operators have experienced several major blackouts which have caused large
financial losses. In a close future, the imbalance between the growing demand and the diminishing
fossil fuels, aging equipments, and lack of communications are foreseen to worsen the conditions of
the power grids. For this reason, governments and utilities have recently started working on
renovating the power grid to meet the power quality and power availability demands of the 21st
century. The opportunities that have become available with the advances in Information and
Communications Technology (ICT) have paved the way to this modernization. The new grid
empowered by ICT is called as the smart grid. Moreover, in the near future, resilience is expected to
become a more significant concern especially due to the additional loads of the Plug-In Electric
Vehicles (PEVs). PEVs are expected to be widely adopted as passenger cars and as commercial
vehicle fleets since they have low carbon emissions and low operating costs. In this talk we will
address the challenges facing connected electric vehicles in a smart grid environment and provide
some examples of smart grid technologies to mitigate these problems.
Bio: Hussein T. Mouftah, an IEEE fellow, is a university distinguished professor in the School of
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Ottawa, which he joined in 2002.
He previously was a professor at Queen's University, and before that he worked for six years in
industry, mainly at Bell Northern Research of Ottawa (now Nortel Networks). The author or
coauthor of 9 books, 63 book chapters and more than 1300 technical papers, 12 patents and 142
industrial reports, he is the joint holder of 18 best paper or outstanding paper awards. He has
served as editor-in-chief of the IEEE Communications Magazine and as the IEEE Communication
Society’s director of magazines, and has served IEEE and ComSoc in many other capacities. He has
received numerous prestigious awards, including the 2007 Royal Society of Canada Thomas W.
Eadie Medal, the 2007-2008 University of Ottawa Award for Excellence in Research, the 2008
ORION Leadership Award of Merit and the 2006 IEEE Canada McNaughton Gold Medal. He is a
fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (2003), the Engineering Institute of Canada and the
Royal Society of Canada RSC Academy of Science.
Web: http://www.site.uottawa.ca/~mouftah/
7
KAUST Speaker – Systems
Basem Shihada
Assistant Professor
Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
Basem.shihada@kaust.edu.sa
Talk Title: Live TV Scheduling In 4G LTE Broadcast Systems
Abstract: In this talk, I will introduce an Audience Driven live TV Scheduling (ADTVS) system for
television (TV) broadcasting services over 4G networks. ADTVS is a system-level scheduling
framework that considers both the available network resources and the audience preference to
dynamically broadcast TV channels in different time periods and locations. The framework is
evaluated using the broadcast efficiency, the conserved throughput, and the number of served users
metrics. I will show that, in average, our approach achieves 77% increase in the efficiency and
conserve 46% of the throughput while scarifying less than 2% of user services compared to static
broadcast.
Bio: Basem Shihada is an assistant professor in the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences
& Engineering (CEMSE) Division at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).
Before joining KAUST in 2008, he was a visiting faculty at the Computer Science Department in
Stanford University. In 2007, he held a research associate position in the Department of Electrical
and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo. His current research covers a range of
topics in energy and resource allocation in wired and wireless communication networks, including
wireless mesh, wireless sensor, multimedia, and optical networks. He is also interested in network
security and cloud computing. In 2012, he was elevated to the rank of Senior Member of IEEE.
Web: http://netlab.kaust.edu.sa/Pages/Home.aspx
8
NSF Invited Speaker – Systems
Naira Hovakimyan
Professor and University Scholar
Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
nhovakim@illinois.edu
Talk Title: Time-Critical Cooperative Path-Following Control Of Multiple UAVs
Abstract: Worldwide, there has been growing interest in the use of autonomous vehicles to execute
cooperative missions of increasing complexity without constant supervision of human operators.
Despite significant progress in the field of cooperative control, several challenges need to be
addressed to develop strategies capable of yielding robust performance of a fleet in the presence of
complex vehicle dynamics, communications constraints, and partial vehicle failures. In this talk, we
will present a theoretical framework for the development of decentralized strategies for
cooperative motion control of multiple vehicles that must meet stringent spatial and temporal
constraints. The approach applies to teams of heterogeneous systems, and does not necessarily lead
to swarming behavior. Flight test results of a coordinated road search mission involving multiple
small tactical UAVs will be discussed to demonstrate the efficacy of the multi-vehicle cooperative
control framework presented.
Bio: Naira Hovakimyan received her MS degree in Theoretical Mechanics and Applied Mathematics
in 1988 from Yerevan State University in Armenia. She got her Ph.D. in Physics and Mathematics in
1992, in Moscow, from the Institute of Applied Mathematics of Russian Academy of Sciences,
majoring in optimal control and differential games. In 1997 she has been awarded a governmental
postdoctoral scholarship to work in INRIA, France. In 1998 she was invited to the School of
Aerospace Engineering of Georgia Tech, where she worked as a research faculty member until
2003. In 2003 she joined the Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering of Virginia Tech, and
in 2008 she moved to University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she is a professor,
university scholar and Schaller faculty scholar of Mechanical Science and Engineering. She has coauthored a book and more than 300 refereed publications. She is the recipient of the SICE
International scholarship for the best paper of a young investigator in the VII ISDG Symposium
(Japan, 1996), and also the 2011 recipient of AIAA Mechanics and Control of Flight award. In 2014
she was awarded the Humboldt prize for her lifetime achievements and was recognized as Hans
Fischer senior fellow of Technical University of Munich. She is an associate fellow and life member
of AIAA, a Senior Member of IEEE, and a member of SIAM, AMS and ISDG. Her research interests are
in the theory of robust adaptive control and estimation, control in the presence of limited
information, networks of autonomous systems, game theory and applications of those in safetycritical systems of aerospace, mechanical, electrical, petroleum and biomedical engineering.
Web: http://naira-hovakimyan.mechse.illinois.edu/
9
KAUST Speaker – Systems
Taous Meriem Laleg-Kirati
Assistant Professor
Computer Electrical Mathematical Science and Engineering Division
taousmeriem.laleg@kaust.edu.sa
Talk Title: Modeling, Optimization And Control Of Sustainable Desalination Plants
Abstract: Water desalination constitutes the primary source of clean water in Saudi Arabia. The
process of desalination is usually energy inefficient. Therefore it is highly desirable to incorporate
renewable energy in this process. In this talk, I will focus on modeling, optimization and control of
distributed heat transfer mechanisms illustrated by the performance control of an emerging
technology for seawater desalination powered by solar energy called membrane distillation. I will
present two approaches for modeling the process, based on partial differential equations and on the
analogy with electrical circuits, respectively. Then, I will introduce the control problem with some
proposed solutions for the optimal control of the process.
Bio: Taous Meriem Laleg-Kirati is an assistant professor in the division of Computer, Electrical and
Mathematical Sciences and Engineering at KAUST. She joined KAUST in December 2010. From
2009 to 2010, she was working as a permanent research scientist at the French Institute for
research in Computer Sciences and Control Systems (INRIA) in Bordeaux. She earned her Ph.D in
Applied Mathematics from INRIA Paris, in 2008. She holds a Master in control systems and signal
processing from University Paris 11 in France. Her research interests include, modeling, estimation,
and control of physical systems, inverse problems, signal and image analysis. She considers
applications in engineering and biomedical fields.
Website: http://emang.kaust.edu.sa
10
NSF Invited Speaker – Systems
Moe Win
Associate Professor
Laboratory for Information & Decision Systems (LIDS)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
moewin@mit.edu
Talk Title: Network Localization And Navigation
Abstract: The availability of positional information is of extreme importance in numerous
commercial, health-care, public safety, and military applications. The coming years will see the
emergence of location-aware networks with sub-meter localization accuracy, minimal
infrastructure, and robustness in harsh (GPS challenged) environments. To reach this goal we
advocate network localization and navigation, a new paradigm that exploits a combination of
wideband transmission and spatiotemporal cooperation. In particular, our work has addressed this
problem from three perspectives: theoretical framework, cooperative algorithms, and network
experimentation. We will give a brief technical overview of our recent research results in this
exciting field.
Bio: Moe Win is a Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Prior to joining
MIT, he was at AT&T Research Laboratories for five years and at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for
seven years. His research encompasses fundamental theories, algorithm design, and
experimentation for a broad range of real-world problems. His current research topics include
network localization and navigation, network interference exploitation, intrinsic wireless network
secrecy, adaptive diversity techniques, and ultra-wide bandwidth systems.
Professor Win is a Fellow of the AAAS, the IEEE, and the IET, and was an IEEE Distinguished
Lecturer. He is an elected Member-at-Large on the IEEE Communications Society Board of
Governors (2011-2013). He was the Chair (2004-2006) and Secretary (2002-2004) for the Radio
Communications Committee of the IEEE Communications Society. He was honored with two IEEE
Technical Field Awards: the IEEE Kiyo Tomiyasu Award and the IEEE Eric E. Sumner Award (jointly
with Professor R. A. Scholtz). He received the International Prize for Communications Cristoforo
Colombo, the Copernicus Fellowship, the Royal Academy of Engineering Distinguished Visiting
Fellowship, the Fulbright Fellowship, the Laurea Honoris Causa from the University of Ferrara, and
the U.S. Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.
Web: http://wgroup.lids.mit.edu/moewin.html
11
KAUST speaker – Systems
Wolfgang Heidrich
Director, Visual Computing Center
Professor, CEMSE Division
wolfgang.heidrich@kaust.edu.sa
Talk Title: Computational Imaging And Display
Abstract: Computational Imaging aims to develop new cameras and imaging modalities that
optically encode information about the real world in such a way that it can be captured by image
sensors. The resulting images represent detailed information such as scene geometry, motion of
solids and liquids, multi-spectral information, or high contrast (high dynamic range), which can
then be computationally decoded using inverse methods, machine learning, and numerical
optimization. Computational Displays use a similar approach, but in reverse. Here, the goal is to
computationally encode a target image that is then optically decoded by the display hardware for
presentation to a human observer. Computational displays are capable of generating glasses-free
3D displays, high dynamic range imagery, or images and videos with spatial and/or temporal
super-resolution. In this talk I will give an overview of recent advances and current challenges in
rapidly expanding research area.
Bio: Prof. Wolfgang Heidrich is the director of the Visual Computing Center at King Abdullah
University of Science and Technology (KAUST). He is also affiliated with the University of British
Columbia, where he held the Dolby Research Chair until 2013. Dr. Heidrich received his PhD in
Computer Science from the University of Erlangen in 1999, and then worked as a Research
Associate in the Computer Graphics Group of the Max-Planck-Institute for Computer Science in
Saarbrucken, Germany, before joining UBC in 2000. Dr. Heidrich's research interests lie at the
intersection of computer graphics, computer vision, imaging, and optics. In particular, he has
worked on computational photography and displays, High Dynamic Range imaging and display,
image-based modeling, measuring, and rendering, geometry acquisition, GPU-based rendering, and
global illumination. Dr. Heidrich has written well over 150 refereed publications on these subjects
and has served on numerous program committees. His work on High Dynamic Range Displays
served as the basis for the technology behind Brightside Technologies, which was acquired by
Dolby in 2007 Dr. Heidrich has served as the program co-chair for Graphics Hardware 2002,
Graphics Interface 2004, the Eurographics Symposium on Rendering, 2006, and PROCAMS 2011.
Dr. Heidrich is the recipient of a 2014 Humboldt Research Award.
Web: http://vcc.kaust.edu.sa/Pages/Heidrich.aspx
12
KAUST NSF Research Conference On Electronic Materials,
Devices And Systems For A Sustainable Future 2015
Day 2: Electronic Materials For A Sustainable Future
13
Plenary Speaker – Materials
David R. Clarke
Member, US National Academy of Engineering
Extended Tarr Family Professor of Materials
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Faculty Associate, Harvard University Center for the Environment
Faculty Associate, Harvard University Microbial Sciences
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
clarke@seas.harvard.edu
Talk Title: Using Resource Availability In Selecting Materials And Biogenic Approaches To
Expanding Resource Availability
Abstract: Unlike many other electronic devices, the development of thermoelectric devices for
utilizing waste heat has not matured enough to exclude the possibility of more sustainable
materials compositions. In this talk I will describe a data driven performance and resource
availability approach for identifying thermoelectric compositions as well as our work on using
microbial methods for recovering and separating scarce elements. The latter is also applicable to
other materials and devices, used in renewable energy devices.
Bio: It’s an exciting time to carry out research in materials. Not only do material scientists design
and process new and improved materials but also materials now pace the development of many
technologies, ranging from information processing to energy-efficient gas turbines for aircraft and
electrical power generation. But what about materials for the future? How can we make
sustainable materials when only limited supplies of critical elements exist on our planet?
Since coming to Harvard, my group is carrying out long-term research in two new areas: using
dielectric elastomers for energy conversion and soft robotics and using microbes to make, and
recycle, materials. Dielectric elastomers behave as compliant capacitors: apply an electric field
and they change shape. Alternatively, deform them and they will generate an electric voltage, very
efficiently. (More details are given in the “Research” area of our web-site). Several energy materials
– materials that are critical to more energy efficient technologies – consist of scarce elements,
elements that have extremely low concentrations on earth. For instance, tellurium. It is used in
CdTe solar cells and in many of the most efficient thermoelectrics, yet it is amongst the rarest
elements on earth. In our group we are exploring the use of microbes to extract tellurium from
existing devices and ores so that this rare element can be sustainably used for generations to come.
Our research has also opened up the possibility of using microbes to grow films, such as used in
solar cells, from earth abundant, non-toxic elements.
Professor Clarke has been involved in many different materials research and development
programs, contributing to ceramics, metals, composites and semiconductors, as well as introducing
new approaches for studying the interrelations between microstructure and properties. He is
author or co-author of more than 350 papers, holder of 6 patents, and a member of the National
Academy of Engineering
Web: http://clarke.seas.harvard.edu/
14
KAUST Speaker – Materials
Udo Schwingenschloegl
Professor, Material Science and Engineering
udo.schwingenschloegl@kaust.edu.sa
Talk Title: All-2D Semiconductor/Metal Contacts
Abstract: First-principles calculations are used to explore the geometry and electronic properties
of two-dimensional semiconductor/metal contacts between MXenes and transition-metal
dichalcogenides. The energy level alignment is analyzed with respect to its suitability for
application in all-2D devices. We demonstrate weak and strong n-type doping of MoS2 in contact
with Ti2CF2 and Ti2C(OH)2, respectively. The MoS2/Ti2CF2 interface is found to be close to the
Schottky limit, whereas the MoS2/Ti2C(OH)2 interface shows a strong dipole due to charge
rearrangement.
Bio: Udo Schwingenschlögl is a Professor in the Physical Sciences and Engineering Division. He
joined KAUST in September 2008. Professor Schwingenschlögl previously worked at the
International Center of Condensed Matter Physics in Brasilia, Brazil, and the Universität Augsburg
in Germany. He earned diploma as well as doctorate degrees in theoretical physics and applied
mathematics from the Universität Augsburg.
Web: http://cpms.kaust.edu.sa/Pages/Home.aspx
15
In-Kingdom Invited Speaker – Materials
Dr. Hatem Mansour Abuhimd
Assistant Research Professor
National Nanotechnology Research Center
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology
habuhimd@kacst.edu.sa
Talk Title: Experimental Design Study Of Graphene Electrodes For Electroactive Polymer
Actuators
Abstract: In the last decade the interest for “smart materials”, that responds to external stimuli by
changing their shape or size, has considerably increased. Beside the more classical approaches new
materials including hydrogels, dielectric elastomers, and conducting polymers have been
investigated. The goal of the work is to develop a stretchable electrode material for dielectric
elastomer actuators with good electro-mechanical properties and wettability on silicone, which can
be processed by spray coating and ink jet printer.
Bio: Dr. Hatem Abuhimd is an Assistant Research Professor in the National Nanotechnology
Research Centre in King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. He is a National Scientific
Committee member - King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity
(Mawhiba).
He holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Northeastern University and a MS in Engineering
Management from California State University, Northridge and BS in Systems Engineering from the
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. His research interest includes Modelling,
fabrication and characterization of nanomaterials like graphene and nanodevices like solar cells. He
has published a book, a book chapter, academic journal articles, conference papers, and technical
reports. A principal investigator of multiple research project with national and international
collaborators like KSU, KAUST UCLA, USC, UCSB, EMPA. He is an International Editorial Review
Board of IJABN. He is a scientific referee for King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for
Gifted and Creativity (Mawhiba) and a member of the national scientific committee. He is a member
of the following societies: American Society of mechanical engineers, Institute of Industrial
Engineers, Materials Research Society, Society of Manufacturing Engineering, International
Association of Nanotechnology, The International Council on Systems Engineering, American
Society for Quality, Phi Beta Delta, and Saudi Quality Committee.
Web: http://www.kacst.edu.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx
16
Bright Mind Speaker – Materials
Dr. Canan Dagdeviren
Harvard Fellow, MIT/Harvard
canand@MIT.EDU
Title: A Flexible And ‘Unusual’ Story: The Heart Meets Its Match
Abstract: Implantable medical devices have made a major impact in improving healthcare.
Increasingly in recent years, devices have become active rather than passive – for example cardiac
pacemakers. A key challenge for these active systems is their need for an internal electrical power
source. A downside of present systems is the limitation of internal batteries, which must be
changed frequently, requiring follow-up surgical procedures, with associated complication risks
and additional healthcare costs. Energy harvesting, through chemical reactions, heat extraction,
blood flow, and natural mechanical movements of organs, could help address energy depletion in
implants. However, most harvesting units being considered today are like conventional batteries, in
that they also rely on rigid electronics and subcomponents, and therefore, are incapable of
providing intimate mechanical contact with soft tissue. In this study, a new class of biocompatible
piezoelectric mechanical energy harvesters that enable high efficiency mechanical to electrical
energy conversion from the natural contractile and relaxation motion of the heart, lung and
diaphragm, demonstrated in several different animal models, each of which has organs with sizes
that approach human scales are reported. A combination of such energy harvesting elements with
rectifiers and microbatteries provides an entire flexible system, capable of viable integration with
the beating heart via medical sutures and operation with efficiency of ~2%. These devices are first
of its kind nano-generators that convert mechanical energy from internal organ movements into
significant amounts of electric energy to power medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers.
Bio: Canan Dagdeviren was born on 4th of May, 1985 in Istanbul, Turkey. Canan obtained her B.Sc.
in Physics Engineering from Hacettepe University in Ankara. She was awarded with full-scholarship
throughout her M.Sc. studies in Materials Science and Engineering at Sabanci University in Istanbul.
As being the top of the list in her field to be entitled to a Fulbright Doctoral Fellow, which was given
for the first time in Turkey in 2009, she pursued her Ph.D. in Material Science and Engineering at
the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign under supervision of Prof. John A. Rogers. Canan’s
research experience focused on the applications of active piezoelectric materials and patterning
techniques for ‘unusual’ electronic devices with an emphasis on bio-integrated systems. Her
collective Ph.D. research has implications across a variety of sensors and energy harvesting
components for self-powered cardiac pacemakers, multi-functional cardiac vessel stents, noninvasive/wearable/epidermal blood pressure sensors, and skin cancer detection bio-patches.
Canan received her Ph.D in August, 2014. Dagdeviren is currently a postdoctoral research associate
in The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research of MIT, working with Prof. Robert
Langer. She also collaborates with Prof. Michael Cima and Prof. Ann Graybiel at McGovern Institute
for Brain Research of MIT. Recently, Canan has been named a Junior Fellow of Harvard University,
Society of Fellows (SoF); as being selected the first scientist from Turkey in the history of SoF.
Currently, she has 16 journal papers, is inventor on 1 patent application, and holds over 30
prestigious awards including; Materials Research Society Grad Student Awards, MIT Technology
Review Award for Innovators under 35 (MIT TR35) in Turkey, Named as The Innovator of 2014
among the first generation MIT TR35 Turkey, Illinois Innovation Prize, Turkish American Scientists
& Scholars Association (TASSA) Young Scholar Award, Racheff-Intel Award for Outstanding
Materials Research, Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Science: Young Scientists Who Are Changing the
World.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/langerlab/
17
Bright Mind Speaker – Materials
Berardi Sensale Rodriguez
Assistant Professor
Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Utah
berardi.sensale@utah.edu
Talk Title: Graphene Based Terahertz Devices
Abstract: Promising applications in many diverse areas of human endeavor, including medicine,
biology, communications, security, astronomy, and so on, terahertz (THz) technology has recently
turned into a very active area of scientific research. The THz frequency band, usually defined in the
0.1-30 THz range, was for decades one of the least explored regions of the electromagnetic
spectrum, mainly due to the lack of materials and devices responding to these frequencies in a
controllable manner. Even today, there exists a need for devices efficiently manipulating THz
waves. In this talk I will discuss graphene as a material for THz devices and how its unique physical
properties can be harnessed to develop novel high-performance active THz devices and systems.
Several recently proposed THz reconfigurable devices based on graphene will be discussed. By
employing graphene, an intrinsically 2D semiconductor as the active material, device design with
unprecedented degrees of freedom, low-cost, and ease of fabrication is possible, thus leading to a
substantial improvement with respect to the existing art in terms of controllability of THz waves.
Although in the infrared/visible range the optical absorption of graphene is only a few percent and
scarcely controllable, its optical conduc-tivity dramatically increases in the THz range leading to the
possibility of electrical control of THz absorption. Moreover, by combining active graphene layers
with other passive structures augmenting the intensity of the electric field in the graphene, the
control over THz waves can be greatly enhanced. These devices can be employed as the building
blocks for novel THz systems; for instance single detector THz cameras can be developed
employing arrays of graphene electro-absorption modulators as electrically reconfigurable spatial
light modulators.
Bio: Prof. Berardi Sensale-Rodriguez received his Engineer's degree from Universidad de la
República – Uruguay in 2008, and the PhD degree from the University of Notre Dame in 2013. In
July 2013, he joined the faculty of the University of Utah, where he is now an Assistant Professor of
electrical and computer engineering. His early research interests were focused on numerical
modeling of RF/microwave components and analog circuit design oriented towards low power
(sub-threshold) portable and implantable electronics. His doctoral work was focused on the
proposal and development of novel THz devices and systems. More recent interests include
plasmonics, metamaterials, and optoelectronic devices. He has authored/coauthored over 50
research articles in these and related areas. He is a member of Tau Beta Pi, the IEEE, APS, and an
associate member of the Uruguayan National Researchers System (SNI). He is the recipient of the
Best Student Paper Award at the 37th international conference on Infrared, Millimeter and
Terahertz Waves, the first prize in the Engineering Division of Notre Dame’s 2013 Graduate
Research Symposium, the Eli J. and Helen Shaheen Award in Engineering (highest honor bestowed
on Notre Dame graduate students), and the NSF CAREER award.
Web: https://faculty.utah.edu/u0908642-BERARDI_SENSALE_RODRIGUEZ/research/index.hml
18
Special Invited Speaker – Materials
Dieter Bimberg
Foreign Member, US National Academy of Engineering
Professor, Institute for Solid State Physics and Center of Nano Photonics
Technical University Berlin, Germany
bimberg@physik.TU-Berlin.DE
Talk Title: Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers With Surface Nanostructures
Abstract: Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are attractive low-cost light sources e.g.
for optical interconnects e.g. in computer networks or optical sensors, providing high modulation
bandwidth, lower power consumption, and symmetric beam properties. High-speed, energyefficient, and temperature-stable VCSELs for data transmission with increasing link lengths have
been demonstrated in the last few years. Nano scale photonic structures like high-contrast gratings
(HCG) provide novel opportunities for VCSEL design and are expected to exhibit improved device
performance like modulation speed, mode selectivity, and polarization control. Previous HCGs were
designed with periodic boundary conditions using infinite-size plane incident waves. However, in a
real device both the HCG and the incident wave are finite. Such modeling is presented here. The
higher-order angular components of the finite-size incident wave are found to excite Eigen modes
of the HCG causing reduced reflection and reduced reflection bandwidth. The in-plane and
unidirectional transmission by the mode conversion in finite-size HCGs provide opportunities for
novel applications like integrated VCSEL-based optical sensors and VCSEL-based on-chip optical
interconnects.
Bio: Dieter H. Bimberg, following his PhD, held a Principal Scientist position at the Max PlanckInstitute for Solid State Research in Grenoble. After serving as Professor of Electrical Engineering,
Technical University of Aachen, he is presently the Chair of Applied Solid State Physics at Technical
University of Berlin and the director of its Center of Nano Photonics. He hold guest professorships
at Technion/Haifa, University of California in Santa Barbara, at Hewlett-Packard in Palo Alto/Ca
and at KAU in Jeddah. He is member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, German Academy of
Sciences Leopoldina and Foreign Member of the National Academy of Engineering of USA, Fellow of
the American Physical Society and of IEEE. He is recipient of numerous international awards, like
the Max Born Award and the UNESCO award on nanotechnology and -science. He has authored
more than 1400 papers, 25 patents, and 6 books. The number of his citations is 44000+ and his
Hirsch factor is 93. His research interests include physics and technology of nanostructures and
nanostructured photonic and electronic devices.
Web: http://www.ifkp.tu-berlin.de/menue/arbeitsgruppen/ag_bimberg/parameter/en/
19
Special Invited Speaker – Materials
Durgamadhab Misra
Professor
Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ 07102, USA
dmisra@njit.edu
Talk Title: High-k Gate Dielectrics For Sub-16nm CMOS Technology: Creating A Perfect
Dielectric-Semiconductor Interface
Abstract: Low power requirements by the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors
(ITRS) dictate integration of high-k metal gates and novel devices such as FINFETs in CMOS
technologies. To attend the current trend in device scaling for sub-16 nm CMOS technology (More
Moore) EOT scaling of gate dielectric beyond 0.7 nm will be required. Various atomic layer
deposition (ALD) methods of HfO2-based high-k gate dielectrics are currently underway to enhance
the dielectric constant and reliability in order to meet the above requirements. For example, cyclic
deposition of ALD Hf1-xZrxO2 samples where the dielectrics were exposed to intermediate slot
plane antenna (SPA) Ar plasma (DSDS) or annealing (DADA). In addition, variation of Al percentage
and distribution in HfO2 is carried out when HfAlOx and HfO2 are deposited by ALD in a layered
structure. To further enhance the device performance, high mobility channel materials with high-k
dielectrics are currently being integrated. Substrates like Ge and III-V materials are being
considered for their high hole and electron mobility respectively. Electrical performance in these
devices depends on the high-k deposition process, precise selection of deposition parameters,
predeposition surface treatments and subsequent annealing temperatures. These variations in
process conditions significantly impact the nature of the dielectric-semiconductor interface that
controls the channel mobility. Interface passivation techniques such as nitridation, have limited
success because of material incompatibility. This talk will outline some of the recent developments
of EOT scaling of high-k gate dielectrics on silicon and how it impacts the interface; and the
challenges of obtaining an acceptable interface for high-k on high mobility substrates.
Bio: Dr. Durga Misra is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). He received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees both in Electrical
Engineering from University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada in 1985 and 1988 respectively. His
current research focus is study of nanoscale CMOS gate stacks with high-k gate dielectric. In 1997
he worked at the VLSI Research Department at Bell Laboratories. He is currently a Distinguished
Lecturer of Electron Device Society of IEEE and received IEEE MGA’s International Leadership
Award. He is a Fellow of the Electrochemical Society (ECS) and served as the Chair of Dielectric
Science and Technology Division of ECS. He received the 2013 Electronic and Photonic Division
Award and the 2013 Thomas D. Callinan Award from the Dielectric Science and Technology
Division of the ECS. He has edited and co-edited more than 30 conference proceedings including
several of them on High-k gate stack ECS Transaction Series. He has published more than 200
articles in journals and international conferences.
Web: https://web.njit.edu/~dmisra/
20
KAUST Speaker – Materials
Jr-Hau (J.H.) He
Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering
jrhau.he@kaust.edu.sa
Talk Title: Photon Managements By Employing Nanostructures For Optoelectronic Devices
Abstract: It is of current interest to develop the photon management with nanostructures since the
ability to suppress the reflection and light trapping over a broad range of wavelengths and incident
angles plays an important role in the performance of optoelectronic devices, such as
photodetectors, light-emitting diodes, optical components, or photovoltaic systems. Superior lighttrapping characteristics of nanowires, including polarization-insensitivity, omnidirectionality, and
broadband working ranges are demonstrated in this study. These advantages are mainly attributed
to the subwavelength dimensions of the nanowires, which makes the nanostructures behave like an
effective homogeneous medium with continuous gradient of refraction index, significantly reducing
the reflection through destructive interferences. The relation between the geometrical
configurations of nanostructures and the light-trapping characteristics is discussed. We alsoxc
demonstrated their applications in solar cells and photodetectors. This research paves the way to
optimize the nanostructured optoelectronic devices with efficient light management by controlling
structure profile of nanostructures.
Bio: Dr. Jr-Hau He is an Associate Professor at Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and
Engineering (CEMSE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST). He had
been a Visiting Scholar at Georgia Tech (2005), a Postdoc Fellow at National Tsing Hua University
(2006) and Georgia Tech (2007), a Visiting Professor at Georgia Tech (2008), UC Berkeley (2010
and 2014), and UC San Diego (2012-2013), and tenured Associate Professor at National Taiwan
University (2007-2014). He puts his efforts in the development of transparent and flexible
electronics using novel devices based on nanomaterials, including solar cells and photodetectors,
LEDs, and memory devices. He is also interested in harsh electronics. Of particular interest in solar
energy are efforts to understand light scattering and trapping in nanostructured materials and
design next-generation solar cells. He is also interested in transport of charge carriers across these
solar cells and improving light coupling to increase the efficiency of photoinduced charge
separation. Dr. He’s group is also currently involving in fundamental physical properties of the
nanomaterials, such as the transport and switching behavior of 2D nanomaterials. The
nanotechnology he developed has been transferred constantly to semiconductor and PV industry in
Taiwan. Dr. He also serves as Accreditation Council of “Republic of China fine manufacturer
association” to advise small and medium-sized enterprises to have innovation and product features
in the marketplace. He has garnered over 3400 citations for a body of work over 120 peer reviewed
journal articles with 33 of H factor over his career and had over 200 presentations in international
conferences. His breakthrough researches have been highlighted over 50 times by various scientific
magazines such as Nature, SPIE newsroom, IEEE SPECTRUM, EE Times, Semiconductor Today,
Materials Today, Chemical & Engineering News, and Nano Today. He is actively participating in the
activities and services in scientific professional societies. Professor Jr-Hau He has been recognized
internationally. He serves as a referee for numerous prestigious journals, and a chair, co-chair, and
committee for national and international symposiums. He is a recipient of Ta-You Wu Memorial
Award (similar to NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award in the US) (2014), Outstanding Young
Electrical Engineer Award by Chinese Institute of Electrical Engineering (2013) Outstanding Youth
Award of Taiwan Association for Coating and Thin Film Technology (2012) Youth Optical
Engineering Medal of Taiwan Photonics Society (2011) Distinguished Young Researcher Award of
the Electronic Devices and Materials Association (2011) Prof. Jiang Novel Materials Youth Prize of
21
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) (2011), and the Exploration Research
Award of Pan Wen Yuan Foundation (2008) and selected as a Member of the Global Young Academy
(2011). He is a senior member of IEEE, OSA, and SPIE. The laboratory has graduated 5 PhD and 24
MS alumni to date. Visit his web for more information (nanoenergy.kaust.edu.sa).
Web: http://nanoenergy.kaust.edu.sa/Pages/Home.aspx
22
Industry Speaker – Materials
Scott Burroughs
Vice President – Technology
Semprius, Inc. Durham, NC USA
Scott.Burroughs@semprius.com
Talk Title: Engineering A Path Forward For Low Cost Concentrator Photovoltaic Systems
Abstract: Increasing system performance, reducing costs, and demonstrating long term reliability
are currently the three most important focal points for CPV system designers. High manufacturing
volumes are necessary, but not sufficient for reducing costs through economies of scale. What is
required is a highly engineered solution to reduce the bill-of-materials cost while also increasing
performance thus reducing the cost/performance ratio. The use of very small high efficiency multijunction solar cells enabled by massively parallel transfer printing technology provides a step
forward along the path toward low $/W. Further increasing the concentration ratio (>1600 suns) to
reduce receiver costs and using transfer printing to mechanically stack multi-terminal >4-junction
solar cells, relieving both the lattice matching and current matching requirements to increase
efficiency and energy yield, offers an extension of that low $/W pathway. This approach promises
to open up significantly more solar spectrum thus approaching the thermodynamic efficiency limit.
Bio: Scott Burroughs is currently the VP of Technology at Semprius where he is leading the
development of an innovative high efficiency, low cost Highly Concentrated Photovoltaic (HCPV)
module for utility and commercial solar applications. He has over 30 years of commercial
experience in III-V compound semiconductors and optics. He started his career at AT&T Bell
Laboratories where he developed and manufactured GaAs semiconductor lasers for the world's
first commercial fiber optic communication system deployment. At Lasertron he led the
development of advanced laser designs for next generation optical communication systems. Mr.
Burroughs became the VP of Operations at CoreTek, a successful tunable laser start-up that was
acquired by Nortel Networks in 2000. He subsequently joined two additional start-ups, Optovia as
VP of Technology, and Santur Corporation as VP of Engineering. His primary focus has been
technology transfer of new products from the laboratory, into manufacture, and out to the
marketplace.
Web: http://semprius.com/
23
KAUST Speaker – Materials
Lain-Jong Li (Lance Li)
Associate Professor, Material Science and Engineering
Physical Sciences and Engineering
lance.li@kaust.edu.sa
Talk Title: Emerging Applications Of CVD Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Abstract: The semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are attractive for
optoelectronics and energy harvesting. Our recent success in vapor phase growth of micron-sized
TMD monolayer [1] has stimulated the research in CVD growth as well as its emerging
applications.[2] Here I would like to briefly discuss the synthesis and characterizations of sub-mm
sized MoS2, WSe2 and WS2 monolayers obtained by vapor phase reaction between metal oxides
and S or Se powders. These layer materials can be transferred to desired substrates, making them
suitable building blocks for constructing multilayer stacking structures. Several possible
applications including future electronics and hydrogen generations will be introduced.
[1] Lee, Y. H. et al. Advanced Materials 24, 2320 (2012).
[2] M. Chhowalla et al. Nature Chemistry 5, 263-275 (2013)
Bio: Dr. Lain-Jong Li received a BSc and an MSc in chemistry at the National Taiwan University.
After 5 years of R&D at the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (1997-2002), he
obtained his PhD in condensed matter physics from Oxford University, United Kingdom in 2006. He
was an assistant professor in the school of materials science and engineering at Nanyang Tech.
Univ. Singapore (2006-2009). Since 2010, he has become an Associate prof. at Academia Sinica
Taiwan. He started his Associate Professorship in KAUST, Saudi Arabia in 2014. He has obtained
Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers (Germany) and Career Development
Award in 2011 and 2010 respectively. He has also received Academia Sinica Research Awards
(Academia Sinica,Taiwan) and Wu Ta-Yu Research Awards (National Science Council, Taiwan) in
2013. He is now having > 6600 citations and h-index is 44 (ISI Web of knowledge)
Dr. Lain-Jong Li (Lance Li) has been working on the electronic structures, properties and
applications of carbon nanotubes, graphene and other two-dimensional materials. His current
research interests are in the following areas:
•
Chemical vapor deposition and characterizations of 2-dimensional materials including
graphene and its analogue such as MoS2 and WSe2.
•
Energy-related applications based on 2-dimensional materials, such as energy storage,
hydrogen generation and low-power electronics.
Web: http://2dmaterials.kaust.edu.sa/Pages/Home.aspx
24
NSF Invited Speaker – Materials
Han Wang
Assistant Professor
Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical Engineering
University of Southern California
han.wang.4@usc.edu
Talk Title: Bridging The Gap – Rediscovering Black Phosphorus As An Anisotropic Layered
Material For Electronics and Optoelectronics
Abstract: In this talk, I will discuss our recent work in introducing black phosphorus (BP) to the
layered-material family as a novel anisotropic 2D material for electronic and optoelectronic
applications. Narrow gap BP thin film (0.3 eV in bulk) serendipitously fill the energy space between
zero-gap graphene and large-gap TMDCs, making it an promising material for near and midinfrared optoelectronics. BP thin films show high mobility above 650 cm2/V.s at room temperature
along the light effective mass (x) direction, implying its promising potential for high frequency,
thin-film electronics. Furthermore, its anisotropic nature within the plane of the layers may allow
for the realization of conceptually new electronic and photonic devices impossible in other 2D
materials. In the talk, I will also present our work in demonstrating 20 GHz black phosphorus radiofrequency transistors. Our recent progress in achieving large-area synthesis of black phosphorus
thin film will be discussed. I will conclude with remarks on promising future directions of black
phosphorus research and how this new material is expected to benefit the next-generation
electronics and photonics technologies.
Bio: Han Wang joined Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical Engineering at University of Southern
California as an Assistant Professor in July 2014. He received the B.A. and M.Eng. degrees in
electrical and information science, both with highest honors, from Cambridge University, England,
in 2007 and 2008. He received his PhD degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2013.
From 2013 to 2014, he is with the Nanoscale Science and Technology group at IBM T. J. Watson
Research Center in Yorktown Heights, NY. His research interests include the device technology and
novel circuit applications of two-dimensional (2D) materials including black phosphorus, graphene,
hBN, MoS2 etc., with emphasis on exploring both the fundamental understanding and their new
applications in ubiquitous electronics, mid- and far-infrared optoelectronics, energy efficient
applications, and interaction with biological systems. His past research also includes GaN-based IIIV HEMTs for high power millimeter-wave applications and Si power electronic devices.
His work has been recognized with multiple awards including the Roger A. Haken Best Paper
Award in IEEE International Electron Device Meeting (IEDM) 2012, MIT Jin-Au Kong Best Doctoral
Thesis Award 2013, International Conference on Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing
Technology (CS MANTECH) 2010 Best Student Paper Award, Cambridge University Agilent Prize
and numerous fellowships. Dr. Wang has authored or coauthored more than 50 publications in
distinguished journals and conferences. His work has been reported by Nature, Science, Nature
Materials, IEEE Spectrum, EE Times and ACS C&E News.
Web: http://www.usc.edu/dept/ee/WangLab/index.html
25
KAUST Speaker – Materials
Osman Bakr
Assistant Professor, Material Science and Engineering
SABIC Presidential Career Development Chair
osman.bakr@kaust.edu.sa
Talk Title: Remarkably Low Trap-State Density And Long Carrier Diffusion In Organolead
Trihalide Perovskite Single Crystals
Abstract: Along with the rapid progress in power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells, the
key materials-based aspects behind the photovoltaic superiority of organolead trihalide
perovskites are being vigorously pursued. However, the fundamental properties, and ultimate
performance limits, of organolead trihalide MAPbX3 (MA = CH3NH3+; X = Br–, or I–) perovskites
remain obscured by extensive disorder in polycrystalline MAPbX3 films. We report an antisolvent
vapor-assisted crystallization (AVC) approach that enables us to create sizable crack-free MAPbX3
single crystals with volumes exceeding 100 cubic millimeters. These large single crystals enabled a
detailed characterization of their optical and charge transport characteristics. We observed
exceptionally low trap-state densities of order 109 to 1010 per cubic centimeter MAPbX3 single
crystals (comparable to the best photovoltaic-quality silicon), which is ~ 7-order-of-magnetitude
lower than nanocrystalline perovskite thin films. The low trap-state density leads to both superior
photophysical and transport charachteristics of the MAPbX3 single crystals over nanocrystalline
thin films. Exceptionally long photoluminescence (PL) lifetime, up to a microsecond time scale, and
high charge-carrier mobility, up to a hundred cm2/Vs. was obtained in MAPbX3 single crystals.
Charge-carrier diffusion lengths exceeding 10 μm in MAPbX3 single crystals were calculated based
on the measured PL lifetime and charge-carrier mobility. By revealing the intrinsic properties of
hybrid halide perovskites – here shown to be comparable to the best optoelectronic grade
semiconductors – and conditions for their high-quality growth, this study demonstrates that
perovskite photovoltaics stand to see further breakthroughs through substantial improvement in
material purity. The emergence of these intrinsically high-quality materials suggests new avenues
to deploy hybrid perovskites in an even wider range of semiconductor and optoelectronic devices.
Bio: Osman M. Bakr is an Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, SABIC
Presidential Career Development Chair, at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
(KAUST), Saudi Arabia. He holds a B.Sc. in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT (2003) as
well as a M.S. and Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Harvard University (2009). He was a post-doctoral
fellow in the Laboratory for Nanoscale Optics at Harvard University. In 2010 he moved to KAUST
and founded the Functional Nanomaterials Lab, a research group dedicated towards the study of
nanoparticles and hybrid nanomaterials; particularly advancing their synthesis and self-assembly
for applications in photovoltaics, optoelectoronics, and photocatalysis.
Web: http://funl.kaust.edu.sa/Pages/Home.aspx
26
KAUST NSF Research Conference On Electronic Materials,
Devices And Systems For A Sustainable Future 2015
Day 3: Electronic Devices For A Sustainable Future
27
Plenary Speaker – Devices
Dimitri Antoniadis
Member, US National Academy of Engineering
Ray and Maria Stata Professor of Electrical Engineering, MIT
daa@mit.edu
Talk Title: Evolution, Current State And Future Of Semiconductor Device Technology
Abstract: The basic principles of scaling of MOSFET devices that are the core of logic electronics are
reviewed. It is assumed that basic lithography and back-end (i.e. interconnect) scaling will continue
well into the future according to their own roadmap and therefore only the aspects of FET
dimensional and performance scaling are evaluated in this talk. Recent trends and research
directions in performance boosters such as maximized strain in pure Si channels, new channel
materials consisting of Ge, and Si/Ge and III-V heterostructures, and the required hi-k-metal-gate
stack properties are surveyed and analyzed in context of device structures suitable for the 15-nm
CMOS generation. Issues of source/drain resistance and gate capacitance as they affect FET
performance are also discussed. Finally, new materials and new device operating principles that
are considered as candidates to replace or supplement traditional semiconductors and FET
operating principles are discussed.
Bio: Known for his intuitive approach to complex technologies, US National Academy of
Engineering Member Dr. Dimitri A. Antoniadis has had a tremendous effect on several areas of
microelectronics technology, especially in field-effect controlled, quantum-effect devices and silicon
process modeling. At Stanford in the mid-1970s, Dr. Antoniadis played a key role in developing the
SUPREM I and II, which became the first widely used process simulation tools in industry and the
basis of programs in use today. After joining the faculty of the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT) in 1978, Dr. Antoniadis led a program that proved and quantified the dual,
vacancy-interstitialcy diffusion mechanism of substitutional dopant atoms in Si. This dual diffusion
model remains at the core of all modern process simulators. In the 1980s, Dr. Antoniadis, with his
colleagues at MIT, established a bold research program into field-effect devices that took advantage
of cutting-edge extreme sub-micron lithography techniques. The program produced many
groundbreaking demonstrations, including those of lateral-surface super lattice and quasi-onedimensional channels in silicon and GaAs, and the first silicon single-electron transistor. Working
with his students, Dr. Antoniadis has made many pioneering contributions to Bulk-Silicon and
Silicon-on-Insulator MOSFET research that had major impact on key aspects of device design for
today’s high performance silicon MOSFETs. His current research focuses on the physics and
technology of extreme-submicron Si, SOI and Si/SiGe MOSFETS. He is author and co-author of more
than 200 technical articles. In 1978, Dr. Antoniadis joined the faculty at MIT where co-founded and
was the first Director of the MIT Microsystems Technology Laboratories. He later directed the SRC
MIT Center of Excellence for Microsystems Technology. Currently, he holds the Ray and Maria Stata
Chair in Electrical Engineering and directs the Multi-University Focus Research Center for Materials
Structures and Devices.
Dr. Antoniadis is a Fellow of the IEEE. His awards include the IEEE Paul Rappaport Award and the
Solid State Science and Technology Young Author Award of the Electrochemical Society. At the
IEEE, he has served as Editor of the IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, and on various technical
committees.
Web: http://www-mtl.mit.edu/wpmu/daa/
28
KAUST Speaker – Devices
Muhammad Mustafa Hussain
Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering
IEEE EDS Distinguished Lecturer
Muhammadmustafa.hussain@kaust.edu.sa
Talk Title: Let’s Work On 22nd Century Electronics!
Abstract: My talk title may sound too ambitious or too naïve, but yes there is no harm in dreaming
and to strive to realize that dream. The reason is simple: the influence of electronics and internet in
our daily life will constantly increase. In the last decade we have observed the tremendous
complementary growth of electronics and internet. In future they will be together as internet will
be the “soul” of electronics to make them “live” (interactive). More importantly every object that we
see or we will build will have such electronics to realize “Internet of Everything”. The range of
spectrum for electronics will vary from high performance to harsh environment application. As of
today there is no ubiquitous material or device which can serve all different purposes that are in
demand. Nonetheless, one essential transformation we will see in all electronic materials and
electronics are they will be tiny, light and thin. Definitely they are tiny and light today but are they
all sufficiently thin? The answer is no and that’s why we will see rise of ultra-thin film based
electronics to make the overall system ultra-thin: super lightweight, extremely flexible,
unimaginably reconfigurable and what not? Hence, I will show a few examples of processes to
transform today’s traditional electronics into ultra-thin electronics retaining their advantages
(high-performance, low-power, thermal stability, CMOS process compatibility, ultra-large-scaleintegration density, low-cost, long-term reliability) and adding attributes which we don’t see today:
flexibility, stretchability, reconfigurability. The range of applications we envision are didactic
electronics (for existing objects) to embedded electronics (for objects we will build in future). Isn’t
it great that all our objects are interacting with us for a smart living and a sustainable future?
Bio: Dr. Muhammad Mustafa Hussain (PhD, ECE, UT Austin, Dec 2005) is an Associate Professor of
Electrical Engineering in KAUST. Before joining KAUST in Aug 2009, he was Program Manager of
Novel Emerging Technology Program at SEMATECH, Austin, Texas. His program was funded by
DARPA NEMS, CERA and STEEP programs. A regular panelist of US NSF grants reviewing
committees, Dr. Hussain is the Editor-in-Chief of Applied Nanoscience (Springer) and an IEEE Senior
Member since February 2010. He has served as first or corresponding author in 70% of his 200
research papers (including 16 invited, 12 cover articles and 80 journal papers) and as lead inventor
of 13 issued and pending US patent applications. His PhD graduates have landed faculty and
researcher positions in UC Berkeley, UIUC, KFUPM, UC-Davis and in DOW Chemicals. Prof. Hussain’s
research has recently been listed by Scientific American as one of the Top 10 World Changing Ideas.
Web: http://nanotechnology.kaust.edu.sa/Pages/Home.aspx
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In-Kingdom Invited Speaker – Devices
Dr. Ahmad Al-Yamani
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Saudi Technology Development & Investment Company (TAQNIA)
Talk Title: TAQNIA: An Initiative For Economic Development Through Technology
Abstract: To diversify the Saudi Economy away from its current (almost sole) dependence on oil,
several national plans and strategies have been suggesting to activate initiatives that would
transform the economy into a knowledge based economy. The 10th national development plan
(2010 – 2015) and the national science, technology, and innovation plan are two examples of such
plans. A vacuum that some initiatives identified was in bridging the technology commercialization
chasm.
The Saudi Council of Ministers recently approved creating a national company (TAQNIA) that is
mandated with bridging this chasm. TAQNIA’s board of directors decided to activate three tracks
for TAQNIA to achieve its mandate. These tracks are 1) Partnering with global technology leaders to
establish technology-based commercial operations in Saudi Arabia, 2) Investing in technology
companies in the sectors of focus, and 3) Commercializing the output of R&D centers in Saudi.
The talk will focus on how TAQNIA's future plans should accelerate the transformation of the Saudi
Economy to becoming a knowledge based economy.
Bio: Ahmad Al-Yamani is the Chief Operating Officer at TAQNIA, a public investments fund
company in charge of developing technology alliances with international players, investing in
technology companies, and commercializing science and technology research. He worked as the
Vice Secretary General for Sustainable Development and Authority Affairs (and formerly for
Operations) at the Economic Cities Authority. He also served as the Chief Technology Officer of the
Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) responsible for supervising the ICT
infrastructure, infostructure and services in the Economic Cities, supervising Saudi Arabia's
investment competitiveness in ICT, promoting foreign direct investment in ICT, influencing the
Saudi regulations to attract and facilitate investments, and supervising SAGIA's IT operations. Dr.
Yamani worked as a faculty member at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals where he
served as the IT champion of the national strategy for higher education. He also worked as a
consulting faculty member at Stanford and Santa Clara Universities, and as the assistant director of
Stanford Center for Reliable Computing, where he led the design, test, and analysis for one of the
largest academic projects in IC reliability in the world. He also worked at the advanced
development labs of LSI, where he led a major IC test cost saving operation based on technologies
that he patented achieving millions of dollars of annual savings. Dr. Yamani has over 40
publications and 4 patents that he co-authored with 25 different people from 17 different countries
and 5 different continents. He holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering and an MSc in Management
Science and Engineering from Stanford University.
Web: http://www.taqnia.com/2014/EN/indexen.html
30
Bright Mind Speaker – Devices
Dr. Jung-Hun Seo
Research Scientist, Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Wisconsin, Madison
seo8@wisc.edu
Title: Transfer Printed Crystalline Nanomembrane For Versatile Electronic Applications
Abstract: Single-crystalline semiconductor nanomembranes (NM) that can be released from a
number of wafer sources are mechanically very flexible yet exhibit outstanding electronic
properties that are equivalent to their bulky counterparts. These thin flexible single- crystalline
materials can furthermore be placed, via transfer printing techniques, to nearly any substrate, thus
creating the opportunity to realize unique semiconductor platforms and building blocks on various
substrates.
In this talk, two major example applications of semiconductor NM, (1) active materials for the
flexible electronics and (2) the unique doping source for the diamond electronics, will be presented.
Various RF active components such as RF transistors and RF switches made of semiconductor NMs
on plastic substrates will be firstly discussed as examples of high performance flexible electronics.
Secondly, the realization of selective substitutional boron doping, using heavily doped
semiconductor NM as a doping source, will be discussed. A detailed mechanism using
computational modeling, experimental analyses and their performance will be discussed.
Bio: Jung-Hun Seo received a B.S. degree in electrical engineering from Korea University, Seoul,
South Korea in 2006 and received the M.S degree and Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from
University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2011 and 2014, respectively. He worked for future memory
devices at the semiconductor research center in Samsung Electronics prior to join the graduate
school at University of Wisconsin. He is now a research scientist in the department of electrical and
computer engineering at University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has published over 40 peerreviewed technical papers related to his research and holds 7 U.S patents. His research interest
covers semiconductor materials and heterogeneous integration, device physics and technologies,
and their applications to electronics, optoelectronics, nanophotonics, energy conversion, and power
electronics.
Web: http://www.ece.wisc.edu/~mazq/index.html
31
Bright Mind Speaker – Devices
Deblina Sarkar, PhD Candidate, ECE, University of California, Santa Barbara
deblina@ece.ucsb.edu Web: http://nrl.ece.ucsb.edu/people/deblina-sarkar
Talk Title: 2D Steep Transistors: From Low Power Computation To Ultra-Sensitive Sensing
Abstract: Aggressive technology scaling as per Moore’s law has resulted in exponential increase in
power dissipation levels. It is extremely challenging to maintain efficient electrostatic control by the
gate in ultra-scaled devices due to the encroachment of source/drain electric fields, leading to
increased leakage. Moreover, the most effective “knob” used for lowering power, namely the power
supply voltage, cannot be scaled as rapidly as in earlier technology generations, thereby making the
devices very energy inefficient. This arises from the inability to simultaneously reduce the
threshold voltage due to the 2.3kT/q = 60 mV/decade fundamental lower limit of the subthreshold
swing (SS) (inverse of the subthreshold slope = dlogId/ dVgs) for MOSFETs. In this talk, I will discuss
the exploration of novel 2D materials (MoS2, WSe2, etc.) for obtaining improved electrostatics and
Tunneling Field Effect Transistors (T-FETs), employing a fundamentally different mechanism in the
form band-to-band tunneling for overcoming the fundamental limitations of MOSFETs. This
tailoring of both material and device technology can lead to transistors with steep SS which is
crucial for obtaining high energy efficiency and ultra-scalability. While transistors with steep SS
have mainly evolved with an aim of reducing the power consumption in digital electronics, I will
show that, they can also revolutionize a completely diverse arena of sensor technology. I will
illustrate that biosensors based on TFETs can lead to unprecedented performance improvement
compared to that of conventional electrical biosensors, with around 4 orders of magnitude higher
sensitivity and 10x lower detection time. I will also report the unique advantages of MoS2 as a
material for electrical biosensor that it offers ultra-high sensitivity surpassing that of graphene by
more than 74 fold and at the same time is highly advantageous for single-molecule detection.
Bio: Deblina Sarkar is currently a PhD candidate at the Nanoelectronics Research Laboratory in the
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA.
Her research, which combines the interdisciplinary fields of engineering, physics and biology,
includes modeling, design and fabrication of highly energy efficient Tunnel-FETs utilizing novel
device structures and materials (semi-metallic nanoparticles and 2D materials) as well as
exploration of unique physical techniques for ultra-sensitive and super-fast detection of biological
species. Her proposed idea of leveraging the phenomenon of interband tunneling for breaking the
fundamental limits of conventional electrical biosensors, has been highlighted by Nature
Nanotechnology. While completing her Master’s degree at UCSB, Deblina researched the highfrequency behavior of graphene ribbons. She also performed a detailed experimental and
theoretical analysis of the impact of strain on the ESD robustness of nanoscale devices in
collaboration with researchers at Infineon and IMEC. As an undergrad researcher, she worked on
the modeling and analysis of major sources of leakage in nanoscale MOSFETs and on the design of
spin-based energy efficient devices and logic gates. Deblina has published over a dozen papers as
lead author in premier international conferences and journals including the IEDM, IITC, Nano
Letters, ACS Nano, IEEE Electron Device Letters, IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices and Applied
Physics Letters. She is the only researcher from the Americas and one of the 3 students worldwide
to receive the prestigious "2011 IEEE Electron Devices Society’s PhD Fellowship Award". She also
received the "Outstanding Doctoral Candidate Fellowship" by University of Virginia, the
"Presidential Fellowship" by University of Buffalo, the Best Paper Award at the All India Paper
Presentation Competition “Vyakhan” in 2008, the “Best Female Student Award” during her
undergraduate studies and a National scholarship for outstanding performance in the High School
Certificate examination in India.
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Special Invited Speaker – Devices
Jackie Y. Ying
Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos, Singapore 138669
Talk Title: Advanced Nanosystems For Diagnostic Applications
Abstract: Our laboratory has been developing various nanosystems for diagnostic applications.
These include designing plasmonic nanocrystals for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
genotyping. The platform involves polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for target sequence
amplification and colorimetric detection for pharmacogenomics applications. We have also
established polymer-based lab-on-a-cartridge for automated sample preparation and PCR
detection. The integrated all-in-one system, termed MicroKit, allows for the rapid and accurate
typing and subtyping of influenza and other viral infections within 2 hours. We have created the
silicon-based Microsieve system for rapid and selective isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs)
from peripheral blood. This non-invasive, near real-time, inexpensive liquid biopsy approach allows
for the enumeration and biomarker analysis of CTCs for cancer diagnosis, prognosis and
monitoring.
Bio: Jackie Y. Ying was born in Taipei, and raised in Singapore and New York, and graduated with
B.E. summa cum laude in Chemical Engineering from The Cooper Union in 1987. As an AT&T Bell
Laboratories Ph.D. Scholar at Princeton University, she began research in materials chemistry,
linking the importance of materials processing and microstructure with the tailoring of materials
surface chemistry and energetics. She pursued research in nanocrystalline materials with Prof.
Herbert Gleiter at the Institute for New Materials, Saarbrücken, Germany as NSF-NATO Postdoctoral Fellow and Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellow. Prof. Ying joined the Chemical
Engineering faculty at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1992, and was promoted to
Associate Professor in 1996 and to Professor in 2001. She is currently the Executive Director of the
Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN), Singapore. IBN is a multidisciplinary
national research institute founded by Prof. Ying in March 2003 to advance the frontiers of
engineering, science and medicine; it has grown to over 180 research staff and students under Prof.
Ying’s leadership.
Prof. Ying’s research is interdisciplinary in nature, with a theme in the synthesis of advanced
nanostructured materials for catalytic and biomaterial applications. Her laboratory has been
responsible for several novel wet-chemical and physical vapor synthesis approaches that create
nanocomposites, nanoporous materials and nanodevices with unique size-dependent
characteristics. These new systems are designed for applications ranging from biosensors and
diagnostics, targeted delivery of drugs and proteins, generation of biomimetic implants and tissue
scaffolds, pharmaceuticals synthesis, to green chemistry and energy. Prof. Ying has authored over
320 articles, and presented over 380 invited lectures on this subject at international conferences.
Prof. Ying has been recognized with a number of research awards, including the American Ceramic
Society Ross C. Purdy Award for the most valuable contribution to the ceramic technical literature
during 1993, David and Lucile Packard Fellowship, Office of Naval Research Young Investigator
Award, National Science Foundation Young Investigator Award, Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar
Award, Royal Academy of Engineering ICI Faculty Fellowship, American Chemical Society Faculty
Fellowship Award in Solid-State Chemistry, Technology Review Inaugural TR100 Young Innovator
Award, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Allan P. Colburn Award for excellence in
publications, World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, and Chemical Engineering Science Peter
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V. Danckwerts Lectureship. She was elected a member of the German National Academy of
Sciences, Leopoldina in 2005 as the youngest member of the Academy. She was named one of the
“One Hundred Engineers of the Modern Era” by AIChE in its Centennial Celebration, and honored
with the Great Woman of Our Time Award for Science and Technology by Singapore Women’s
Weekly. She was the first recipient of the Singapore National Institute of Chemistry-BASF Award in
Materials Chemistry. She received the Service to Education Award from the Ministry of Education,
Singapore. She led the invention on MicroKit, which received the 2011 Asian Innovation Silver
Award from the Wall Street Journal Asia. She was recipient of the International Union of
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) Jubilee Medal in 2012. Prof. Ying was selected by The
Muslim 500 in 2012, 2013 and 2014 as one of the world’s 500 most influential muslims. She was
elected as a Materials Research Society Fellow in 2013, and is selected as an Inaugural Inductee for
the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame in 2014. She was named a Fellow of the Royal Society of
Chemistry (U.K.) in 2014.
Prof. Ying serves on the Advisory Board of the Society for Biological Engineering. She was
appointed by the U.S. National Academy of Engineering in 2006 to serve on the blue-ribbon
committee that identified the grand challenges and opportunities for engineering in the 21st
century. She serves on the Scientific Advisory Boards of Molecular Frontiers (a global think tank
that promotes molecular sciences) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Catalysis Center.
Prof. Ying is the Editor-in-Chief of Nano Today. Under Prof. Ying’s leadership, Nano Today
underwent a successful transition from a magazine to a journal, witnessing major increases in the
Impact Factor from 5.929 in 2007 to 17.689 in 2013 (Thomson Reuters Journal Citation Reports®).
Nano Today now ranks 2nd among the 69 journals in the ISI Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
category, 4th among the 239 journals in the Materials Science (Multidisciplinary) category, and 5th
among the 152 journals in Chemistry (Multidisciplinary) category.
In addition, Prof. Ying is Advisory Editor for Materials Today and Molecular and Supramolecular
Science, Honorary Editor of Biomaterials and Biodevices, and Associate Editor of The
Nanotechnology and Nanoscience. She serves on the Honorary Advisory Board of Journal of
Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, and the Editorial Board of Journal of Porous Materials,
Nanoparticle Science and Technology, Journal of Metastable and Nanostructured Materials, Journal
of Experimental Nanoscience, Biomolecular Frontiers, International Journal of Molecular
Engineering, Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology, Materials
Science and Engineering C: Materials for Biological Applications, Journal of Biomedical Nanoscience
and Nanotechnology, Nano Research, Cambridge Series in Chemical Engineering, Macromolecular
Bioscience, Biomicrofluidics, The Open Catalysis Journal, Nano: Letters and Reviews, Nanoscience
and Nanotechnology – Asia, American Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Nano
Energy, Nano Energy and Nano Environment, and Journal of Molecular and Engineering Materials,
Biomaterials Science, Trends in Molecular Medicine, Materials Horizons, and ACS Sustainable
Chemistry & Engineering. She was Editor for Advances in Chemical Engineering, Associate Editor of
Acta Materialia, Scripta Materialia and Nanostructured Materials, and Guest Editor for Materials
Science and Engineering A, Nanostructured Materials, AIChE Journal, and Chemistry of Materials.
She served on the Editorial Board of Journal of Electroceramics, Applied Catalysis A: General,
Journal of Nanomaterials, Biomedical Materials: Materials for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative
Medicine, Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, Letters in Organic Chemistry, and ACS Nano.
She was a member of the International Advisory Board of University of Queensland Nanomaterials
Centre (Australia), Leibniz-Institut für Festkörper- und Werkstoffforschung Dresden (Germany),
34
and National Research Council Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences (Canada). She was a
founding member of the Board of Directors of Alexander von Humboldt Association of America.
Prof. Ying is an Honorary Professor of Jilin University (China) and Sichuan University (China), and
an Adjunct Professor of National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University
(Singapore) and King Saud University (Saudi Arabia). Prof. Ying has over 150 primary patents
issued or pending, and has served on the Advisory Boards of 6 start-up companies and 2 venture
capital funds. One of the spinoff companies that she co-founded, SmartCells, Inc., has developed a
technology platform that is capable of auto-regulating the release of insulin therapeutic depending
on the blood glucose levels. Merck acquired SmartCells, Inc. in 2010, with potential aggregate
payments in excess of $500 million to further develop this technology for clinical trials.
Web: www.ibn.a-star.edu.sg
35
KAUST Speaker – Devices
Iurii Ivanov
Post-Doctoral Fellow, SMM Lab (PI: Prof. Jurgen Kosel)
Iurii.Ivanov@KAUST.EDU.SA
Talk Title: Magnetic Nanowire Devices
Abstract: Magnetic nanowires (NWs) are widely investigated nowadays owing to their broad range
of applications, including controlled drug delivery, hyperthermia treatment, cell manipulation,
microfluidics and micromechanics, conceptually new memory devices, or magnetic sensors and
actuators. Among different growth methods, template-assisted electrodeposition techniques are
very attractive, due to high level of control they provide over morphology and packing density of
NWs. Other benefits are the low cost of the process and the high degree of reproducibility of the
morphology and the magnetic characteristics. In addition, they grow inside an isolating template
and perpendicular to the substrate, which is useful for advanced device concepts.
One of the most promising applications is 3D magnetic memory devices based on the domain wall
motion in ordered arrays of NWs with cylindrical geometry. The first step toward such application
is the precise control of the DW propagation along the NWs under magnetic field or by spinpolarised currents. In the first part of the talk, I will demonstrate our recent results of transport
measurements on cylindrical NWs with artificial notches as well as NWs with modulated magnetic
anisotropy.
In the second part of the talk, I will focus on the development of polymer-based magnetic
nanocomposites for energy harvesting. The magnetoelectic nanocomposite consists of
magnetostrictive NWs embedded inside a ferroelectric co-polymer poly(vinylindene fluoridetrifluoroethylene), P(VDF-TrFE). The developed nanocomposite is a promising candidate for
flexible energy harvesting or sensing applications.
At the end of the talk, I will introduce a simple yet effective way to produce iron-iron oxide coreshell NWs with controllable magnetic properties. Such magnetic materials are very attractive for
biomedical applications, due to the large magnetic moment in combination with a high degree of
biocompatibility.
Bio: Iurii Ivanov received his PhD in 2007 from the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU),
Vladivostok, Russia. From 2007 and 2011 he held the faculty position at the Institute of physics and
information technologies of the FEFU. Ivanov got a postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of
Material Science of Madrid (Spain) in 2011-2013. He joined KAUST as a postdoctoral researcher in
2013 and received SABIC Fellowship Award in 2014. His research interests include fabrication and
characterisation of the nanoscale magnetic materials.
Web: http://smm.kaust.edu.sa/Pages/Home.aspx
36
Industry Speaker – Devices
Gennadi Bersuler
Fellow, SEMATECH, Inc.
Albany, New York
gennadi.bersuker88@gmail.com
Talk Title: Linking Device Atomic Structure To Performance: Resistive Switching Processes
In Hafnia-Based Non-Volatile Memories
Abstract: This study focuses on identifying critical features of the material structure and operation
conditions controlling the inherently stochastic switching processes in resistive memory (RRAM)
devices. While switching characteristics have been observed in RRAM devices fabricated using a
variety of dielectric materials, the underlying mechanisms controlling these characteristics are
expected to be strongly materials-specific. Thus, the essential step, which enables fabricating
devices exhibiting the required performance, is to establish a relation between electrical properties
of the employed dielectric material and its morphology and stoichiometry. Nanoscale
characteristics of the metal/dielectric stacks, as determined by physical characterization
techniques and ab initio calculations, affect the outcome of the conductive filament formation
process; the resulted filament atomic features, in turn, determine the RRAM switching processes.
The developed model is applied to evaluate the effects of temperature and applied voltages on the
conductive filament stability and its resistance values in high and low resistant states, to determine
the origin of random telegraph noise instability affecting extracted resistance values in these
devices, and to identify a set of performance-controlling material parameters.
Bio: Gennadi Bersuker focuses on the mechanisms, physical and electrical characterization and
reliability of the transistor gate stacks, advanced memories, III-V logic and 2D devices. He is the
Chair of the EDS Reliability Physics committee and an Editor of IEEE Transactions on Device
Materials and Reliability and has been involved in organizing, chairing, or serving as a committee
member in a number of technical conferences, including IRW, IRPS, IEDM, APS, etc. He has
published over 300 papers on the electronic properties of dielectrics and semiconductor processing
and reliability.
Web: http://public.sematech.org/
37
KAUST Speaker – Devices
Atif Shamim
Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering
Atif.shamim@kaust.edu.sa
Talk Title: Design And Characterization Of A 28 THz Rectenna Device For Infrared Energy
Harvesting
Abstract: The increasing energy demands of the world’s population and the quickly diminishing
fossil fuel reserves together suggest the urgent need to secure long-lasting alternative and
renewable energy resources. Infrared (IR) energy harvesting from waste heat can be a promising
contribution for sustainable energy. Here, we present a THz antenna integrated with rectifier
(rectenna) for harvesting IR energy. The implementation of rectennas for energy harvesting at IR
frequencies has remained an elusive research area due to the limitations of nano-scale fabrication
and the inability to implement rectifiers that could handle electromagnetic (EM) radiation
oscillating a trillion times per second. We demonstrate a resonant bowtie nano-antenna that has
been optimized to produce highly enhanced localized fields at the bow tip. The phenomena of
plasmon oscillation and hot spot creation at the feed point of the nano-antenna as a result of
incident IR energy have been studied through EM simulations and Electron Energy Loss
Spectroscopy (EELS). For the rectifier to function at THz frequencies, Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM)
diode has been realized because of its fast response time. To benefit from the field enhancement in
the nano-gap, the diode is realized between the overlapped antenna’s arms using a 0.7 nm copper
oxide. The thin film diode offers low zero bias resistance of 500 Ω, thus improving the impedance
matching with the antenna. In addition, the rectenna prototype demonstrates high zero bias
responsivity (4 A/W), which is critical in producing DC current directly from THz signals without
the application of an external electric source, particularly for energy harvesting applications.
Bio: Atif Shamim received his M.A.Sc. and Ph.D degrees in electrical engineering at Carleton
University, Canada in 2004 and 2009 respectively. He was an NSERC Alexander Graham Bell
Graduate scholar at Carleton University from 2007 till 2009 and an NSERC postdoctoral Fellow
from 2009-2010 at Royal Military College Canada and King Abdullah University of Science and
Technology (KAUST), KSA. In August 2010, he joined the Electrical Engineering Program at KAUST,
where he is currently an Assistant Professor and principal investigator of IMPACT Lab. He was an
invited researcher at the VTT Micro-modules Research Center (Oulu, Finland) in 2006. Dr. Shamim
was the recipient of the best paper prize at the European Microwave Association Conference in
2008. He was given the Ottawa Centre of Research Innovation (OCRI) Researcher of the Year 2008
Award in Canada. His work on Wireless Dosimeter won the ITAC SMC Award at Canadian
Microelectronics Corporation TEXPO in 2007. He received the best student paper finalist prize at
IEEE APS conference in 2005. He also won numerous business related awards, including 1st prize in
Canada’s national business plan competition and was selected for OCRI Entrepreneur of the year
award in 2010. He is an author/co-author of 90 international publications and an inventor on 9
patents. His research interests are in millimeter-wave and Tera-Hertz antennas, high frequency
CMOS integrated circuits for system-on-chip (SoC) applications and advanced system-on-package
(SoP) designs in multilayer LTCC, LCP, and paper substrates through screen and inkjet printing
techniques. Dr. Shamim is a Senior Member of IEEE and serves on the editorial board of IEEE
Transactions on Antennas and Propagation. He is the founding chair of IEEE MTTS and APS joint
chapter for Western Saudi Arabia.
Web: http://impact.kaust.edu.sa/Pages/Home.aspx
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NSF Invited Speaker – Devices
Dr. Daniel Connelly
Visiting Scholar
Synopsis/UC Berkeley
Talk Title: Extending Drift-Diffusion Simulation To The Nanoscale Regime
Abstract: Drift diffusion simulation has survived well beyond the length scales at which its
fundamental assumptions cease to be valid. Discussed here will be some of the models and
methods which are used to extend drift diffusion from a macroscopic theory to its
phenomenological application to modern field effect transistors, in particular the 3-dimensional
regime of FinFETs and nanowires.
Bio: After receiving a PhD from Stanford integrating n-channel FETs on Si substrates, worked at
Motorola Semiconductor as a device and TCAD engineer, then at Acorn Technologies developing
Fermi-level depinning and strain engineering technologies for ultra-thin SOI and FinFET
applications, then did product and application development at Synopsys TCAD, and now most
recently is a researcher at the University of California at Berkeley focusing on FinFET-based and
nanomechanical devices.
Web: http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/~tking/
39
KAUST Speaker – Devices
Hossein Fariborzi
Assistant Professor
Electrical Engineering
Hossein.Fariborzi@KAUST.EDU.SA
Talk Title: Energy Efficient Integrated Circuit Design With Post-CMOS Switching Devices
Abstract: This talk explores new frontiers in design and implementation of ultra-low power
integrated circuits and systems. In the past 4 decades feature size scaling of Complementary-MetalOxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) transistors has resulted in significant improvements in the
performance and energy efficiency of integrated circuits. However, in the last decade and for
technology nodes below 90 nm, the scaling of threshold and supply voltages has slowed, as a result
of the inherent subthreshold leakage, and power density has increased with each new technology
node. Even an inevitable move toward parallelism and multi-core processing has proved to be
insufficient, and avoiding this energy-efficiency roadblock requires an alternative device with more
ideal switching characteristics. One promising class of such devices is the electro-statically actuated
micro- and nano-electro-mechanical (MEM/NEM) relay which offers zero leakage current and
abrupt turn-on behavior. Recently optimized and tailored circuit and microarchitecture design
techniques have been developed and many functional blocks such as mixed-signal units, power
management, logic and arithmetic blocks have been demonstrated. However, certain issues such as
large device area, slow switching speed and reliability need to be addressed before the micro/nanorelay technology can be fully embraced and adapted by the chip industry. This talk discusses the
current state of the technology and challenges ahead of it, and investigates next steps towards
implementing viable post-CMOS switching devices, circuits and systems.
Bio: Hossein Fariborzi is an assistant professor of electrical engineering at King Abdullah
University of Science and Technology. He received his PhD in electrical engineering from
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2013, his M.Sc. from University of Malaya, Malaysia,
in 2008 and his B.Sc. from Sharif University of Technology, Iran, in 2006. Dr. Fariborzi is the winner
of multiple distinguished academic awards, including IEEE ISSCC best paper award for technology
direction (2010) and ISSCC/SRP best student research and presentation award (2013).
His research interests include design, modeling and optimization of ultra-low power integrated
circuits and systems, implemented with emerging switching technologies. In particular, he’s
interested in a fusion of the mainstream switching devices (CMOS) and a range of novel
solutions, such as MEM/NEM relays. He’s also exploring the application of such devices and systems
in the fields of harsh environment monitoring and wearable/implantable healthcare.
Web: http://www.kaust.edu.sa/faculty/fariborzi.html
40
Women In Science And Engineering (WISE) Speaker
Haifa Reda Jamal Allail, PhD
President, Effat University, Jeddah
Hjamalallail@effatuniversity.edu.sa
Talk Title: Saudi Women As Engineers: Unlocking Saudi Women's Potential
Abstract: Observers of the world trends in technologies agree that demand for engineers will rise
exponentially over the next decade as our lives are increasingly driven by new technology and the
pressure for renewable energy grows. Supporting Saudi female engineering students and
researchers will not only be an essential part of Saudi’s strategy to out-innovate, out-educate, and
out-build the rest of the world; it will be important to women themselves. Women in engineering
jobs can earn more than those working in non- engineering occupations earn and experience a big
income gap relative to men. In addition, engineering careers offer women the opportunity to engage
in some of the most exciting realms of discovery and technological innovation. Increasing
opportunities for women in these fields is an important step towards realizing greater economic
success and equality for women across Saudi Arabia.
Bio: Dr. Haifa Jamal Allail joined Effat University in 1998 and began her tenure as President in May
2008. She is one of the winners of 1000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize 2005 and the winner of
the Distinguished Arabian Woman Award in 2005. A respected author and researcher, she is well
known for her expertise in privatization, and women empowerment. She is the author of a number
of articles, and has developed and taught undergraduate and graduate courses on topics like public
administration and public policy. Before joining Effat University, Dr. Jamal Allail was the first Dean
of Girls’ Campus in King Abdulaziz University. She was a visiting scholar at John F. Kennedy School
of Government in 2001. She participated in the Summer Institute for Women in Higher Education
Administration in Bryan Mawr College in 2000. She is a native of Saudi Arabia and received a PhD
in Public Policy from the University of Southern California.
Web: http://www.effatuniversity.edu.sa/About/Pages/Home.aspx
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