SMA Logo - Massachusetts Institute of Technology(NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), SMA students, SMA Alumni, SMA Fellows, Associates

Front Cover Design Concept

The band around the globe, draws parallel to that in the SMA logo and symbolises the global

perspective that SMA adopts for its programmes. The finger pointing on the globe appears to be

starting the ripples of innovative and creative energy and sending them around the globe. The

energy then spreads all over and its effects of which will self-multiply. The globe exudes a faintly

glowing aura that shows abstract images of science and technology. A refreshing blue is used for

the overall colour scheme. Blue is the colour of the world as seen from outer space and is also

taken to symbolise the intellect and academia.

SMA LogoThe red dot, completing the alphabet “A”, signifies theentrepreneurial spirit, which SMA sets out to inculcate among itsstudents. The blue circle represents the stylised globe, thecollaboration and link halfway round the world between Singaporeand MIT, and also depicts the use of interactive distance educationtechnology as a new tool for education and research.

The benefits that SMA have brought, and will continueto bring, to our universities and to Singapore as awhole, are clear. Already, SMA has done well inattracting and retaining the best of regional talent,thus facilitating our development of human capital forthe New Economy. The SMA has also generated anexciting ecosystem of research and idea creationthrough close links with our research institutes,industry partners, and other programmes within NUSand NTU. Singapore’s effort to spearhead ourcompetitive advantage in the global marketplacethrough the creation of new frontiers in tomorrow’sscience and technology will certainly be given a boostby SMA.

Dr Tony Tan Keng YamDeputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence

Singapore

PreambleThe SMA Annual Report 2001/2002 documents SMA’s initiatives andeffort made during the past year and serves to inform the Ministry ofEducation (MOE), Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR),participating academic departments of National University of Singapore(NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Massachusetts Instituteof Technology (MIT), SMA students, SMA Alumni, SMA Fellows, Associatesand Research Fellows and members of industry of these developments.

Vision and Mission 3

Governing Board Members 4

Joint Academic Committee Members 5

Directors’ Office 5

Programme Co-Chairs 6

Chairman’s Message 8

Co-Director’s (Singapore) Message 10

Co-Director’s (MIT) Message 12

History 14

Programmes 15DescriptionsProfessional Master (S.M.)Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)Teaching and SupervisionInteractive Distance EducationResearch CollaborationThe MIT ExperienceStudent Resources

Research 26PublicationsResearch Activities• Research Progress• S.M. Projects (2001/2002)• Ph.D. Projects (2002/2002)• Research Fellows and Research ProjectsResearch Highlights

Participation by Industry andNational Research Institutes 50

InternshipBook Prizes

Job Placement 53

Admissions 55Application and EnrolmentAverage GRE and TOEFL scores of SMA StudentsSelectivity and Yield

Faculty and Staff 60Administrative, Professional and Non- Academic Staff Training and DevelopmentInternational ExposureFellows and Associates

Student and Alumni Matters 68Student CommitteesSMA Alumni ClubMIT Club of SingaporeSeminars

New Initiatives 72Organisational LearningThe Singapore-MIT Alliance Industry ConsortiumMIT Outreach ProgrammeSMA-2

Events 76CommencementAnnual SymposiumSeminarsIndustrial Liaison ProgrammeRecruitmentVisits by Institutions

Contents

SMA Vision To place SMA programmes atthe forefront of graduate education in Asiaand the world.

SMA Mission To educate engineeringleaders who combine academic excellencein the engineering sciences with theentrepreneurial spirit and a global outlook.

Singapore-MIT Alliance Governing Board Members

(In Singapore)1. Mr Lim Hock San

Chairman,Governing Board,Singapore-MIT Alliance

President & CEO,United Industrial Corporation Ltd

2. Prof Andrew Nee Yeh ChingCo-Director,Singapore-MIT Alliance

Professor,Department of MechanicalEngineering,National University of Singapore

3. Provost Chong Chi TatDeputy President & Provost,National University of Singapore

4. Prof Lim Mong KingDeputy President,Nanyang Technological University

5. Mr Chan Yeng KitDeputy Secretary – Policy,Ministry of Education

6. Prof Hang Chang ChiehExecutive Deputy Chairman,Agency for Science, Technologyand Research (A*STAR)

7. Mr Andy LimPresident,Moneyworld Group of Companies

8. Mr Ko Kheng HwaManaging Director,Economic Development Board

9. Mr Phua Han TianManaging Director,Btg Consulting

10. Mr Ho Meng Kit(with effect from 1st Oct ‘02)Deputy Secretary - Industry,Ministry of Trade and Industry

11. Mr Tan Chek Ming(with effect from 1st Oct ‘02)Assistant Managing Director,Economic Development Board

12. Dr Paul D. Rosso(with effect from 1st Oct ‘02)Regional Managing Director(South and Southeast Asia),3M Asia Pacific Pte Ltd

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13. Mr Low Kee Tuan(with effect from 1st Oct ‘02)General Manager,Hewlett Packard Consulting

(At MIT)14. Prof Anthony T. Patera

Co-Director,Singapore-MIT AllianceProfessor,Mechanical EngineeringDepartment,Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology

15. Prof Robert A. BrownProvost,Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology

16. Prof Thomas L. MagnantiDean,School of Engineering,Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology

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(In Singapore)1. Prof Andrew Nee Yeh Ching

Co-Director,Singapore-MIT Alliance

Professor,Department of MechanicalEngineering,National University of Singapore

2. Prof Lim Mong KingDeputy President,Nanyang Technological University

3. Prof Ng Wun JernDean,Faculty of Engineering,National University of Singapore

Singapore-MIT Alliance Joint Academic Committee Members

4. Prof Joxan JaffarDean,School of Computing,National University of Singapore

5. Prof Lai Choy HengDean,Faculty of Science,National University of Singapore



Professor,Mechanical Engineering Department,Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology

7. Prof Steven R. LermanDeputy Co-Director,Singapore-MIT AllianceProfessor,Civil and EnvironmentalEngineering Department,Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology

8. Prof Thomas L. MagnantiDean,School of Engineering,Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology

Singapore-MIT Alliance Directors’ Office

(In Singapore)1. Prof Andrew Nee Yeh Ching


Professor,Department of Mechanical Engineering,National University of Singapore

2. Prof Chua Soo JinDeputy Co-Director,Singapore-MIT Alliance

Professor,Department of Electrical andComputer Engineering,National University of Singapore

Director,Opto & Electronic System Cluster,Institute of Materials Researchand Engineering



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Joint Academic Committee Members & Directors’ Office 5

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Professor,Mechanical Engineering Department,Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology

4. Prof Steven R. LermanDeputy Co-Director,Singapore-MIT Alliance

Professor,Civil and EnvironmentalEngineering Department,Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology

Advanced Materials for Micro-and Nano-Systems (AMM&NS)

1. Assoc Prof Choi Wee KiongProgramme Co-Chair (Singapore)

2. Prof Carl V. ThompsonProgramme Co-Chair (MIT)

High Performance Computation forEngineered Systems (HPCES)

3. Assoc Prof Khoo Boo CheongProgramme Co-Chair (Singapore)

4. Prof Jaime PeraireProgramme Co-Chair (MIT)

Innovation in Manufacturing Systemsand Technology (IMST)5. Prof Yue Chee Yoon

Programme Co-Chair (Singapore)

6. Prof David E. HardtProgramme Co-Chair (MIT)

Singapore-MIT Alliance Programme Co-Chairs

Molecular Engineering of Biological andChemical Systems (MEBCS)

7. Prof Yap G. S. MirandaProgramme Co-Chair (Singapore)

8. Prof Jackie Y. YingProgramme Co-Chair (MIT)

Computer Science (CS)

9. Assoc Prof Leong Tze YunProgramme Co-Chair (Singapore)

10. Prof Charles LeisersonProgramme Co-Chair (MIT)

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Messages

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Chairman’s Message

With the high quality of SMA studentsand an outstanding faculty of SMAFellows, SMA is fulfilling its visionto be a global university - a globalknowledge enterprise and a universityof global significance for MIT, NUSand NTU respectively.”

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W ith the introduction of two newprogrammes, viz Molecular Engineeringin Biological and Chemical Systems and

Computer Science this past year, SMA operatesfor the first time the full slate of five programmes.Four of the SMA programmes are hosted by NUSand the other by NTU. There are 181 students inresidence. The quality of the students is ensuredthrough the rigorous selection jointly conductedby both the MIT and Singapore SMA Fellows.

With the increase in the number of students,two additional facilities for the live beaming oflectures were set up at NUS, with two more roomsequipped for research interaction. These state-of-the-art facilities were also put to good use inthe live beaming of seminars by Nobel laureatesfrom MIT to audiences at both NUS and NTU.Outreach programmes were launched with a MusicMaster Class held between MIT and the Music andDrama Centre of NUS and a simulcast betweenNUS and MIT. Such outreach events are open tothe public and serve to bring the MIT culture acrossto a wider audience in Singapore. We are proud

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Chairman’s Message 9

Mr Lim Hock SanChairmanSMA Governing Board

that to date, SMA is the largest interactivedistance education collaboration in the worldusing state-of-the-art facilities to achieveinteraction across twelve time zones as one singlecommunity in pursuit of knowledge.

With the full academic programmes in place,the SMA Fellows are now focusing on developingresearch and in increasing the number of Ph.D.students. To further promote research interaction,the SMA Annual Symposium, which was held inJanuary saw the participation of the MIT Professorstogether with some of their graduate students.The presence of MIT President Charles Vest,Chancellor Clay and Provost Brown at theSymposium demonstrates the commitment of MITin fulfilling the vision of SMA to be a globaluniversity - a global knowledge enterprise and auniversity of global significance for MIT, NUS andNTU respectively. Through SMA, NUS and NTU willhave the opportunity to adapt and improve onthe best MIT institutional practices on researchand education.

Research institutes and industry in Singaporewill also be the beneficiaries of the SMA as theyparticipate in the SMA Industry Consortium(SMAIC). These organisations and their staff willhave access to the recorded lectures and lecturematerials, be invited to participate in outreachseminars, as well as involve SMA students in theirrelevant research projects.

With the high quality of SMA students andan outstanding faculty of SMA Fellows, SMArepresents a partnership of graduate science andengineering education and research in a globalisedeconomy.

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T he success of an academic programmedepends on a number of crucial factors. Theoutstanding reputation of the university and

its faculties, and the high calibre of its studentsare the two major elements. For a new programme,it is the former that provides the pull factor. Otherenabling factors include excellent infrastructure,strong technical support and a conducive learningenvironment. The Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA)Programme, started in 1999, has met all of theabove criteria. Over a relatively short period ofjust over three years, the Programme has attractedtop students from the region and beyond and hasfirmly entrenched itself as one of the best graduateprogrammes in the world. However, even with allthese elements in place, without strongleadership, the Programme would not have beenwhat it is today. This address will be totallyincomplete without giving due credit to ProfessorHang Chang Chieh, the first Singapore Co-Directorof the Programme, for his vision and dedicationin guiding SMA through its formative years. TheChairman, Members of the Governing Board andProfessor Lam Khin Yong, the former SingaporeDeputy Co-Director have played equally pivotalroles and provided their unfailing support.

As SMA enters into its fourth year of operation,it is important to reflect on what we have achievedand determine where we should be heading.

1) ResearchAll the five graduate programmes and theircurricula have been firmly established over thelast three years, with research beginning to takeon a much stronger emphasis. Faculties haveclearly defined joint research as the next mostimportant activity. During the three years ofclose interaction with MIT faculties, the NUSand NTU faculties as well as the researchers atthe National Research Institutes (NRIs) havedeveloped a deep understanding of oneanother’s research strengths and foci. Many jointresearch projects and co-supervision of Ph.D.students are already in place. Large flagshipresearch projects will clearly be the next phaseof SMA’s natural development. Without theinitial co-teaching and co-development of thecurricula and nurturing of relationships amongthe faculties of the three partner universitiesand the NRIs, this would not have beenpossible.

Co-Director’s(Singapore) Message

SMA has had a very goodhead start. This momentumwill be upheld and furtherstrengthened in yearsahead.”

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2) Organisational learningMIT’s standing as one of the world’s premiertertiary institutions is anchored upon several majorthrusts which include education, research andcommercialisation. For NUS and NTU to be globaland world-class universities, it would be mostbeneficial to learn from the success factors of ourpartner university. Through the close interactionof Singapore fellows with the MIT faculties, manyof the best practices are shared with one another.A systematic examination and dissemination ofsuch traits and practices among the local tertiaryinstitutions would enable us to leap-frog andbenefit from one of the best academic systems inthe world.

3) Industry relationsClose working relationship with industry is one ofthe most important factors of any engineering-and science-based programmes. Industry can bea leader in science and technology in manyrespects. Having joint projects with industry isan important feature of the SMA Programme,especially for the Professional Master’s Programme.The SMA Industry Consortium (SMAIC) was setup last year. Through this effort, we are able to

attract companies to join the Consortium as itsmembers. By providing opportunities forinteraction through regular seminars, talks,projects and co-supervision of Ph.D. students, SMAhas lent itself as the scientific and research partnerof many companies while at the same timebecoming an excellent source of top-notch talent.

4) Strong alumniStrong alumni bonds are one of the most powerfulsources of support for a world-class university.The SMA Alumni has been firmly established andit is most heartening to witness the strongnetworking among SMA graduates from variousparts of South East Asia and the SMA faculties.This would not have been possible without thestrong support of the Singapore MIT Club.

SMA has had a very good head start. Thismomentum will be upheld and furtherstrengthened in years ahead.

Professor Andrew Nee Yeh ChingCo-Director (Singapore)

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Co-Director’s (Singapore) Message 11

Co-Director’s (MIT) Message

When SMA was first proposed, there weremany doubters at MIT, including manyof us involved in SMA today.

They, in fact we, said that Singapore was veryfar away from MIT. And They were very right.

They said that distance-education technologyis not yet (and may never be) perfect, and will onoccasion prove intrusive or inadequate. And Theywere right.

They said that face-to-face interactions willalways be necessary, even in a predominantlydistance-education program. And They were right.

They said that meaningful researchcollaborations can not be developed overnight,in particular at 12,000 miles. And They were right.

But also…

They said that SMA would benefit only a fewat MIT. There are those that would disagree: 71%of the MIT students in Cambridge who take MITSMA courses have MIT advisors that are notassociated with SMA.

They said SMA could notbe done. But it can bedone. And it has beendone. And it is the SMAstudents who did it.”

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They said that distance education woulddistract and detract from the MIT residentialexperience. There are those that would disagree:89% of the MIT students in Cambridge who takeMIT SMA courses find these MIT SMA coursesas good as, or better than, their MIT non-SMAcourses.

They said that distance education would beless interactive, a poor replica of MIT’s residentialmodel of high-contact, highly interactive, student-faculty exchange. There are those that woulddisagree: 70% of the SMA students who haveattended both MIT classes at a distance (inSingapore) and MIT classes in Cambridge find thatposing in-class questions to their MIT professoris as easy at a distance as face-to-face.

They said that MIT courses at a distance wouldsimply be not as good as MIT courses on the MITcampus. There are those that would disagree: 90%of the SMA students who have attended both MITclasses at a distance and MIT classes in Cambridgestate that they learned the material just as wellat a distance.

It is true that students enjoyed the MIT classesin Cambridge more than the MIT classes at adistance; and it is true that there is much moreto the residential experience than just classwork;and it is true that only very limited data ondistance-mediated research is currently available– with no obvious conclusions. Furthermore, it istrue that the statistics quoted above are basedon small samples, and that cause and effect arenot yet entirely understood. In short, we cancertainly not conclude that all that MIT standsfor, and insists upon, can be preserved at adistance.

But one thing is clear.

They said SMA could not be done. But it canbe done. And it has been done. And it is the SMAstudents who did it.

Professor Anthony T. PateraCo-Director (MIT)

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An important chapter of SMA’s history was marked with the signing of the Memorandumof Understanding between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the NationalUniversity of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) on 3 November1998.

SMA is MIT’s unprecedented effort to collaborate with universities beyond the UnitedStates. It was established with the aim to promote global science and engineeringeducation and research. Drawing the combined resources of the three premier academicinstitutions, SMA is the world’s largest interactive distance education initiative, offeringits students access to vastly rich faculty expertise and world-class research facilities.

The teaching programmes were launched in stages. The programmes in AdvancedMaterials for Micro- and Nano-Systems (AMM&NS) and the High Performance Computationfor Engineered Systems (HPCES) were launched in July 1999, followed by the Innovationin Manufacturing Systems and Technology (IMST) programme in July 2000 and both theMolecular Engineering of Biological and Chemical Systems (MEBCS) and Computer Science(CS) in July 2001.

SMA had its first enrolment of 63 students, both local and from around Asia in July1999. This increased to 69 in July 2000 and 149 in July 2001. From the total of 281students enrolled, 248 students have graduated, 26 students are on the direct researchtrack while the remaining students have decided to do their Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)after receiving their Professional Master’s (S.M.) degree.

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1. Massachusetts Instituteof Technology

2. National University ofSingapore

3. Nanyang TechnologicalUniversity

4. The Signing Ceremonyof the MOU betweenMIT, NUS and NTUin 1998

History

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Low and room temperaturephotoluminescence toprobe the electronic bandstructure of a material.

Programmes

Students using the30-litre MicrobialFermentor.

16 Programmes

SMA offers a total of fivefull-time programmes in:

• Advanced Materials for Micro-and Nano-Systems (AMM&NS)

• High Performance Computationfor Engineered Systems (HPCES)

• Innovation in Manufacturing Systemsand Technology (IMST)

• Molecular Engineering of Biologicaland Chemical Systems (MEBCS)

• Computer Science (CS)

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The Future of Modern Technologies >The AMM&NS degree programme offers a comprehensive and intensive approach to a field ofstudy that is rapidly defining the frontier of modern technologies. Students are exposed tothe broad foundations of advanced materials that encompass processing, microstructure,properties and performance, with a particular emphasis on microelectronics applications.The preparation, characterisation and optimisation of materials comprise the core of thismulti-disciplinary coursework, which prepares students for the challenges of a variety ofadvanced industrial problems. The AMM&NS degree programme also promotes concepts thatare widely linked to critical advances in the science and engineering of materials.

The coursework provides an exceptional opportunity for research collaboration betweenSMA students, world-renowned faculties and industry experts. Students interact with scientistsand engineers at a number of research institutes such as the Institute of Materials Researchand Engineering (IMRE) and the Institute of Microelectronics (IME).

Advanced Materials for Micro- and Nano-Systems (AMM&NS)

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High Performance Computation for Engineered Systems (HPCES)

New Frontiers in High Performance Computation >The HPCES degree programme is the most technologically advanced and critically acclaimedcomputational engineering coursework available in the world today. Through a powerfulcombination of state-of-the-art interactive distance learning technology and premier academiccollaboration, the HPCES programme is graduating the very best, high performance computationprofessionals.

High performance computation for engineered systems is a crucial component in themodelling, simulation, design, optimisation, control and visualisation of engineered systemsin a wide range of technology and service industries. HPCES courses promote creativity aswell as hands-on experience in an effort to study the improvement of both product andsystems design. The programme’s unified approach combines engineering science and systemsoptimisation:

Engineering ScienceA keen focus on modelling and simulating physical phenomena and product behaviour helpsstudents to uncover shorter design cycles and improve functionality. Such virtual testingallows industries to design innovative, quality products with a minimum number of costlyphysical prototypes.

Systems OptimisationCareful attention to modelling and designing complex systems allows students to identifyoptimal configurations for maximum operational performance. The study of efficient processautomation and integration is also emphasised. Such virtual design tools are widely usedby industries to construct innovative solutions to complex tactical and strategic decisions.

Descriptions

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The SMA academic programmes are also unique in their close affiliation with the Instituteof High Performance Computing (IHPC), a premier research institute in Singapore’s SciencePark. The IHPC specialises in research involving simulation and visualisation using advancedcomputational techniques. The Institute maintains close ties with the academia to undertakeupstream research for the development of new technology and at the same time, supportslocal companies in industry-inspired research to enhance their capabilities and productivity.

Strategic Tools for Manufacturing Innovation >The IMST degree programme offers highly competitive courses of study that explore themany facets of manufacturing technology. Challenging coursework integrates the process,product, system and business aspects of this vibrant industry while focusing on the core ofmanufacturing systems - the operational flow problems of the factory environment.

While staying firmly grounded in the engineering sciences, the advanced courseworkexposes students to innovative theories and methodology as well as a rigorous investigationof financial, strategic and global aspects of technology innovation and new businessgeneration.

Innovation in Manufacturing Systems and Technology (IMST)

A Unique Perspective on Molecular Engineering >The MEBCS degree programme offers an exciting and innovative curriculum in the field ofmolecular engineering. Its innovative courses of study integrate a molecular-levelunderstanding of biological and chemical phenomena with advances in process engineeringfor the life sciences and fine chemical industries. Coursework presents advanced engineeringconcepts that unite multiple length scales “molecular, microscopic and macroscopic” througha close coupling of biological and chemical sciences. Students are exposed to state-of-the-art concepts in structured fluids, surface functionalisation, microstructure tailoring andmaterials design in relation to fine chemicals and pharmaceutical synthesis. Students alsostudy the molecular and cellular aspects of biotechnology, genomics, bioinformatics,proteomics, drug design and delivery that underlie advanced bioengineering.

MEBCS coursework provides a unique curriculum and a companion research programme thatemphasises molecular engineering as it pertains to advanced materials synthesis andbiotechnology. Classes and research are conducted collaboratively with the MIT faculty andSMA students will also have the opportunity to interact with scientists and engineers at anumber of leading research institutes and centres such as the Institute of Molecular and CellBiology (IMCB), Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) and BioprocessingTechnology Centre (BTC), all of which are internationally renowned for their basic and appliedR&D programmes.

Molecular Engineering of Biological and Chemical Systems (MEBCS)

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The S.M. degree programme takes one year to complete and combines coursework with project.The graduates provide industry with a pool of highly trained manpower quickly. The projectsundertaken in the S.M. programme are of a collaborative and multi-disciplinary nature.

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Manufacturing ofinjection mouldedparts for verificationwith simulation.

New Advances in a Thriving Discipline >The CS degree programme offers an in-depth understanding of and appreciation for therapidly growing field of computer science. The primary goal of the CS programme is to trainstudents to discover and develop new technology with immediate economic impact whileproviding a solid foundation to enable adaptation. Students are exposed to the broadfoundations of computer science, encompassing computer architecture, software systems,algorithms and advanced applications. Through a challenging and rigorous course of studyand diverse interaction with industry leaders as well as young entrepreneurs, graduates willclosely examine advanced developments in web applications and infrastructure, embeddedsystems and computational biology.

Computer Science (CS)

Professional Master (S.M.)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)The Ph.D. Degree takes between three to four years to complete and combines research withcoursework. Their research topics are formulated through discussions with the Singaporeand MIT Fellows. Each of the Ph.D. research projects is co-supervised by MIT and SingaporeFellows. The projects are worked out jointly and undertaken for their topical relevance andpotential impact to industry in Singapore and the region.

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Approximately 50 professors from MIT and another 50 from NUS, NTU and the nationalresearch institutes (NRIs) are involved. They conduct courses and co-supervise the studentsin their research. Besides classes conducted in the usual face-to-face setting, SMA studentsattend lectures conducted through Internet2, enabled by state-of-the-art interactive distancelearning technology, delivered by lecturers at MIT in real time. In addition, MIT Fellowsspend up to a semester in Singapore each year.

AMM&NS Programme IMST Programme MEBCS Programme

Assoc Prof Craig Carter Prof Chun Jung-Hoon Prof Kenneth A. Smith

Yr 2001 Prof Gerbrand Ceder Prof Stephen Graves Prof T. Alan Hatton

Summer/ Fall Terms Prof Joel P. Clark Prof Lawrence Wein

Prof Eugene A. Fitzgerald Prof Kamal Youcef-Toumi

Yr 2002 Prof Clifton G. Fonstad Prof David E. Hardt Prof Gregory N. Stephanopoulos

Spring Term Prof Daniel I. C. Wang

Prof Jackie Y. Ying

MIT Fellows’ visits to Singapore for teaching and research interaction during the period stated.

Lecture in Singapore which was also beamed to MIT.SMA students interact with their MIT professors andcounterparts in real time via videoconferencing.

Teaching and Supervision

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The use of the Internet and computers for communication, web-based learning and netmeetings for research interaction all form an important part of the learning environmentat SMA.

SMA utilises state-of-the-art synchronous and asynchronous facilities to achieve seamlessinteraction between Singapore and MIT. Nine distance education facilities, as well as eightrooms equipped for research interaction, are established at MIT, NUS and NTU. Web-basedexperiments are part of the innovative efforts spearheaded at SMA whereby students inSingapore are able to manipulate electronic equipment and characterisation tools at MIT,through the Internet.

The Academic Media Production Services (AMPS) at MIT, the Centre for EducationalDevelopment (CED) at NTU, the Centre for Instructional Technology (CIT), the Centre for IT &Application (CITA) at the Faculty of Engineering and the School of Computing at NUS take onthe role of providing technical assistance to ensure that the lectures are successfully beamedand delivered. Members from these departments constitute a joint technical committee,which is responsible for overseeing the interactive distance education technology.

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Interactive Distance Education

Lectures are delivered through Internet2, backed up with Integrated Services Digital Network(ISDN), together with state-of-the-art videoconferencing facilities. Internet2 is a high-speed broadband network platform that supports users from academic institutions, researchorganisations and industry, with the aim of facilitating research and development and advancedtechnology development.

Synchronous Platform

A CS recitationconducted viabeaming.

Synchronous Delivery

Room A Room B

view 1 view 2

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Access via webfor revision

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�Real timedigitisation

Video Server

Room B

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Asynchronous delivery is achieved via an E-learning system called Stellar. The web-basedapplication includes a back-end database server that is designed to allow easy access, control,and organisation of contents. Course videos, for example, are digitised from the dailyvideoconferencing lectures and stored, together with course materials such as lecture notes,assignments and solutions. All these canbe easily accessed by the lecturers andstudents via the Internet.

Student viewing archived course video fromthe SMA website at her own pace.

The videoconferencing facilities, which have been specially designed to enhance the learningand teaching experience, include:

• Dual-Screen projection that allows the user at the foreign site (lecturer/student) to beviewed continuously on one screen and the lecturer’s teaching materials on the other; and

• An audio system with auto-tracking camera that enables interactive verbal communication,allowing the lecturers and students to interact as they would like in a normal classroomsetting. The voices and video images of the students at a remote end (at NUS, for example)are automatically sent to the lecturers at the other end at MIT.

These facilities enable SMA Fellows and students from MIT, NUS and NTU to conduct andparticipate in highly interactive settings without having to be physically present in onesingle location. Research interactivity rooms, which help to make the students’ and lecturers’group discussions through videoconferencing possible, are also available.

Asynchronous Platform

Conferencing Facilities• NUS CIT Auditorium (*60)• NUS CIT Smart Classroom (*35)• NTU CED Smart Classroom (*50)• NUS Eng Smart Classroom (*39)• NUS SOC Conference Room (*50)• MIT Room 1-390 Bechtel (*69)• MIT Room 3-370 (*58)• MIT Room 8-404 (*25)• MIT Room 9-057 LINC (*45)

* seating capacity

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24 Programmes

As part of its goal in achieving excellence in research through collaboration with MIT, SMAstudents and faculty are in constant touch with the professors and students at MIT throughthe use of sophisticated and user-friendly videoconferencing tools. This enables communicationto take place from anywhere, at any time.

The frequent and almost effortless interaction and discussions facilitate the exchange ofinnovative ideas and cutting-edge technology while helping to foster closer relationshipswith the MIT professors at the same time.

In this way, SMA hopes to inculcate the culture of engaging in research collaboration throughvideoconferencing.

All SMA students spend two and a half weeks at MIT for the Summer Conference, which comprisesa series of entrepreneurship seminars, delivered by Chief Executive Officers and founders ofstart-up companies, followed by intensive discussion sessions held on the MIT’s campus.

Research collaboration using videoconferencing tools.

Research Collaboration

The MIT Experience

SMA students are each allocated a computer in the Student Atheneum. Throughthese terminals, they can interact and videoconference with MIT professorsand engage in net meetings as well as obtain access to web-based lecturematerials and homework assignments. The Atheneum houses about 220computers, located at both NUS and NTU.

The Student Atheneum provides a conducive environment and ampleinteraction opportunities for SMA students, through which the students getto foster bonds with their peers and build networks that will help them asthey advance in their careers.

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SMA Atheneum at School of Computing, NUS.SMA Atheneum in NTU.

The speakers, who have achieved prominence on the entrepreneurial scene,are invited to share their own experiences on starting up their companies, theimportance of having effective teams for their companies and how to sellbusiness models to venture capitalists. The students are given opportunitiesto discuss case histories and business trends with the speakers. This sets thetenor for intensive lectures and self-study expected of a world-class university.

The topics that were presented at the Summer Conference Entrepreneurshipsession at MIT in 2001 included:

• High Tech Entrepreneurship at MIT - What’s Hot and What’s Not• The OmniGuide Fibre: From Basic Science to the Marketplace• Personal Experiences in a Technology Start-up• Great Technology! - Great Business?• Advances in Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering• Confessions of an Academic Entrepreneur• On the Road to Commercialisation of a Materials Technology• Mind over Matter: The Intellectual Capital Revolution in Communication

Systems Design• Towards a Manufacturing Equipment Infrastructure for the Optical

Communication Industry• Down in the Trenches• Being an Entrepreneur

SMA Atheneum at Faculty ofEngineering, NUS.

Students at MIT for SummerConference.

Student Resources

Research

Micro-machining of medicaldevices using FemtosecondLaser machine.

At SMA, students get to adopt the longstanding tradition amongMIT’s graduate students, that is, to take on central roles in bringingabout scientific breakthroughs and technological advances. SMA

students have the opportunity to undertake research work that will havedirect and long-term economic influences on the global engineering industry.

The research projects undertaken in SMA are collaborative and multi-disciplinary in nature. They offer the students the opportunity to work withpioneers in the academic and research fields, both at MIT as well as fromindustry.

SMA students have the access to research facilities at MIT, NUS, NTU aswell as those at the NRIs. In the SMA programme, the NRIs play multipleroles of initiating cutting-edge research, co-supervising students’ researchand allowing the students access to world-class facilities that are not usuallyavailable at universities.

The Institute of Microelectronics (IME) and the Institute of MaterialsResearch and Engineering (IMRE) are involved in the AMM&NS programme.The two NRIs are dedicated to adding value to their partners through strategicand innovative applications in their respective fields.

The Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) participates in theHPCES programme to undertake upstream research for the development ofnew computational techniques and methodologies. It also supports localcompanies in industry-initiated research to enhance their capability andproductivity.

Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) is involvedin the IMST programme. It seeks to complement the expertise in manufacturingcapabilities that are currently available at NTU. One of SIMTech’s focuses isthe development and application of new and advanced manufacturingprocesses and technology in and to the existing local industry.

By advancing the capacity and depth of the existing research, SMA hopesto conquer even greater research frontiers and revolutionise industrialmindsets. Through establishing a foothold in tomorrow’s science andtechnology, SMA hopes to help boost Singapore’s ability to compete in theglobal economy.

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3. Choi W. K., Pey K. L. & Zhao H. B., “Nickel Silicidation onPolycrystalline Silicon Germanium Films”, 8th InternationalConference on Electronics Materials, Xian, China, 10-15June 2002.

4. Choi W. K., Leoy C. C., Arianto J., Kan E. W. H., Wee A. T. S.& Liu Y. J., “Oxidation Study and Formation of GeNanocrystals in RF Sputtered Polycrystalline SiliconGermanium Films”, 8th International Conference onElectronics Materials, Xian, China, 10-15 June 2002.

Oxidation and Silicidation of Epitaxial SiGe films

Journal Publications1. Tan C. S., Choi W. K., Bera L. K., Pey K. L., Antoniadis D. A.

& Fitzgerald E. A., “N2O Oxidation of Strained Si/RelaxedSiGe Heterostructure Grown by UHVCVD”, Solid StateElectronics, Vol. 45, pp. 1945 (2001).

2. Zhao H. B., Pey K. L., Choi W. K., Chattopadhyay S.,Fitzgerald E. A. & Antoniadis D. A., “Interfacial Reactionsof Ni on Si1-xGex (x=0.2, 0.3) at Low Temperature by RapidThermal Annealing”, accepted for publication in Journalof Applied Physics.

Conference PublicationSanatan C., Pey K. L., Choi W. K., Chi D. Z., Antoniadis D. A.& Fitzgerald E. A., “Identification of Deep Traps in aCompositionally Graded n-Si0.75Ge0.25 Alloy using Ti SchottkyDiode”, presented in the International Conference onCommunications, Computer & Devices, IIT Kharagpur, India,14-16 December 2000.

SiGe Optical Communication Component

Journal PublicationLi B. J., Chua S. J., Leitz C. W. & Fitzgerald E. A., “1x2 opticalWaveguide Filters based on Multi-Mode Interference for 1.3-and 1.55- m Operation”, Opt. Eng., Vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 723-727 (2002).

Related PublicationsJournal Publications

1. Li B. J. & Chua S. J, “High Carrier Injection Optical Switchbased on Two-Mode Interference in SiGe Alloy”, AppliedPhysics Letters, Vol. 80, No. 2, pp. 180-183 (2002).

2. Li B. J. & Chua S. J., “Reflection-Type Optical WaveguideSwitch with Bow-Tie Electrode”, Journal of LightwaveTechnology, Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 65-70 (January 2002).

Thin Film Microbatteries for Integration with Microelectronics

Journal PublicationZhao J., Lu L., Thompson C. V., Lu Y. F. & Song W. D.,“Preparation of (001)-Oriented PZT Thin Films on SiliconWafers using Pulsed Laser Deposition”, Journal of CrystalGrowth, Vol. 225, pp. 173 (2001).

Conference PublicationZhao J., Lu L., Thompson C. V., Lu Y. F. & Song W. D. “Growthof (001)-Oriented PZT Thin Films on Amorphous SiO2 byPulsed Laser Deposition”, presented in the 2nd InternationalSymposium on laser precision microfabrication, Singapore,2001.

AMM&NS programme

Collaborative Research Projects with SMA-MIT Fellows

Bulk Metallic Glasses and their Mechanical Properties

Conference PublicationTan H., Zhang Y., & Li Y., “La-Al-Cu-Ni Bulk Metallic GlassComposite”, Bulk Metallic Glasses (Bulk Amorphous Alloys)II Conference, Keelung, Taiwan, 22-30 March 2002.

Copper Reliability

Journal PublicationGan C. L., Thompson C. V., Pey K. L., Choi W. K., Tay H. L., YuB. & Radhakrishnan M. K., “Effect of Current Direction on theLifetime of Different Levels of Cu Dual-DamasceneMetallization”, Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 79, pp. 4592(2001).

Conference Publications1. Gan C. L., Thompson C. V., Pey K. L., Choi W. K., Wei F., Yu

B. & Hau-Riege S. P., “Experimental Characterization ofthe Reliability of 3-Terminal Dual-Damascene CopperInterconnect Tress”, to be published in the Proceedings ofMRS Spring 2002 Meeting.

2. Wei F., Gan C. L., Thompson C. V., Clement J. J., Hau-RiegeS. P., Pey K. L., Choi W. K., Tay H. L., Yu B. & RadhakrishnanM. K., “Length Effects on the Reliability of Dual-DamasceneCu Interconnects”, to be published in the Proceedings ofMRS Spring 2002 Meeting.

3. Gan C. L., Wei F., Thompson C. V., Pey K. L., Choi W. K. & YuB., “Consequence of Preferential Void Formation at the Cu/Si3N4 Interface on the Multiple Failure Mechanisms of CuDual-Damascene Metallization”, to be presented atIPFA2002.

Germanium Nanocrystal Growth and its Applications inElectronic Devices

Journal PublicationChoi W. K., Chim W. K., Heng C. L., Teo L. W., Ho V., Ng V., AntoniadisD. A. & Fitzgerald E. A., “Observation of Memory Effect in GermaniumNanocrystals Embedded in an Amorphous Silicon Oxide Matrix of aMetal-Insulator-Semiconductor Structure”, Applied Physics Letters,Vol. 80, No. 11, pp. 2014 (2002).

Conference PublicationTeo L. W., Heng C. L., Ho V., Tay M., Choi W. K., Chim W. K.,Antoniadis D. A. & Fitzgerald E. A., “Manipulation ofGermanium Nanocrystals in a Tri-Layer Insulator Structure ofa Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor Memory Device”, to bepublished in the Proceedings of MRS Spring 2002 Meeting.

Related PublicationsConference Publications

1. Heng C. L., Teo L. W., Ho V., Tay M. S., Lei Y., Choi W. K. &Chim W. K., “Effects of Rapid Thermal Annealing Time andAmbient Temperature on the Charge Storage Capability ofSiO2/pure Ge/Rapid Thermal Oxide Memory Structure”, tobe presented in NANO 2002, Florida, USA, June 2002.

2. Ho V., Tay M. S., Moey C. H., Teo L. W., Choi W. K., Chim W.K., Heng C. L. & Lei Y., “Electrical Characterization of aTrilayer Germanium Nanocrystals Memory Devices”, to bepresented in the 8th International Conference onElectronics Materials, Xian, China, June 2002.

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1. Yang Z. L., Liu G. R., Venkatasubramanian S. H. & Lam K.Y., “Inverse Identfication of Dynamic Parameters of PCBand Components using an Improved GA” (2001).

2. Yang Z. L., Liu G. R. & Lam K. Y., “An Inverse Procedure forCrack Detection using Integral Strain Measured by OpticalFibers”, Smart mater. Struct. 11, pp. 72-78 (2002).

Conference Publications

1. Yang Z. L., Liu G. R. & Lam K. Y., “Flaw Detection using anInverse Procedure and an Integral Strain measured by anOptic Fiber”, the 1st Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA) AnnualSymposium, Singapore, 16 January 2001.

2. Yang Z. L., Liu G. R., Xu Y. G. & Lam K. Y., “A Local OptimizedGenetic Algorithm and Its Application to Inverse Detectionof Delamination in Laminates”, in Proceedings of the Asia-Pacific Vibration Conference, pp. 1155-1159, Hangzhou,China, 28 October - 1 November 2001.

Parametric Model Order Reduction

Conference PublicationDaniel L., Ong C. S., C. L., Low S. C., Lee K. H. and White J.,“Geometrically Parameterized Interconnect PerformanceModels for Interconnect Synthesis”, in Proceedings ofInternational Symposium on Physical Design ISPD 02, SanDiego, USA, 7-10 April 2002.

Robust Optimization in Logistics and Finance

Journal PublicationTeo C. P. & Bertsimas D., “Multistage Lot Sizing via RandomizedRounding”, Operations Research, Vol. 49(4), pp. 599-608(July-August 2001).

Conference PublicationBertsimas D., Karthik N. & Teo C. P., “Applications ofSemidefinite Optimization in Stochastic Project Scheduling”,in Proceedings of the 2nd Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA)Annual Symposium, 14-16 January 2002, section D.

Simulation of Bubble Dynamics


1. Zhang Y. L., Yeo K. S., Khoo B. C. & Wang C., “Three-Dimensional Jet Impact and Toroidal Bubbles”, J. Comp.Phys., Vol. 166, pp. 336-360 (2001).

2. Zhang Y. L., Yeo K. S., Khoo B. C., Chong W. K., “Simulationof Three-Dimensional Bubbles using De-SingularisedBoundary Integral Method”, Int. J. Num. Method in Fluids,Vol. 31, pp. 1311-1320 (1999).

The Enclosing Ball Problem

Related PublicationJournal Publication

Zhou G., Sun J. & Toh K., “An Efficient Algorithm for theSmallest Enclosing Ball Problem in High Dimensional Space”,to appear in Novel Approaches to Hard Discrete Optimization,P. Pardalos and H. Wolkowicz eds., Fields Institute ofMathematics (2002).

Other SMA Research Projects

Cooling of Electronic Components

Conference PublicationTay A. O. A, “Cooling Electronic Components with Free JetImpingement Boiling”, ITherm 2002 - Eight IntersocietyConference on Thermal and Thermomechanical Phenomena inElectronic Systems, San Diego, USA, 29 May - 1 June 2002.

Nanostructured Materials

Conference PublicationLu L. & Lai M. O., “Formation of Nanostructured MagnesiumAlloy via Mechanical Alloying”, Conference on HighPerformance Powder Metallurgy Components, Coimbra,Portugal, 28 April - 3 May 2002.

Reliability of Electronics Packaging

Conference PublicationTay A. O. A, “A Numerical Study of the Effect of Die, Die Padand Die Attach Thickness on Thin Plastic Packages”, 52ndElectronic Components & Technology Conference, San Diego,USA, 28-31 May 2002.

HPCES programme


A Posteriori Error and Output Bounds for PDEs usingApproximate Hybrid Flux

Conference PublicationAli S., Damodaran M. & Patera A. T., “Regularization andReduced Order Modeling for the Parametric Estimation ofSystems Governed by Elliptic Partial Differential Equations”,presented at the 1st Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA) AnnualSymposium, Singapore, 16-17 January 2001.

Evolutionary Computing for Complex Engineering and Bio-Science System

Journal Publications1. Yang Z. L., Lee J. H., Liu G. R., Patera A. T. & Lam K. Y.,

“Inverse Identification of Boundary Constants for ElectronicPackages Using Modified Micro-Genetic Algorithm andReduced-basis Method”, Adaptive Computing in Design andManufacture V, I. C. Parmee (ed), pp. 143 (2002).

2. Yang Z. L., Lee J. H., Liu G. R., Patera A. T. & Lam K. Y.,“Inverse Identification of Thermal Parameters forMicroelectronic Packages Using Reduced-Basis Method”,Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering(CMAME) (2001).

Conference Publications1. Yang Z. L., Lee J. H., Liu G. R., Patera A. T. & Lam K. Y.,

“Identification of Convection Constants for ElectronicPackages Using Modified Genetic Algorithm and Reduced-Basis Method”, in Proceedings of the 2nd Singapore-MITAlliance (SMA) Annual Symposium, 14-16 January 2002,section C.

2. Yang Z. L., Lee J. H., Liu G. R., Patera A. T. & Lam K. Y.,“Coefficients Identification for Microelectronic PackagesUsing Inverse Analysis and Reduced-Basis Method”, the2nd Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA) Annual Symposium,Singapore, 14-16 January 2002.

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2. Xu Y. G. & Liu G. R., “Improved Impedance Model ofPiezoelectric Actuator-Sensors and Application to DebondingDetection”, SEM Conference, USA, 8-12 June 2002.

3. Xu Y. G. & Liu G. R., “A Simple But Effective Hybrid GeneticAlgorithm With Application to Inverse Problems in MEMS”,Proc. of International Conference on Inverse Problems -Recent Development in Theories and Numerics, Hong Kong,9-12 January 2002 (published by the World Scientific).

4. Xu Y. G. & Liu G. R., “A Novel Evolutionary Algorithm forComplicated Optimization Problems”, Proc. of the 2ndSingapore-MIT Alliance (SMA) Annual Symposium,Singapore, 14-16 January 2002.

5. Xu Y. G. & Liu G. R., “A Novel Hybrid Genetic Algorithm forDamage Detection of Composite Laminates”, Proc. of the1st Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA) Annual Symposium,Singapore, 15-17 January 2001.

6. Xu Y. G., Liu G. R. & Wu Z. P., “An Accelerated GeneticAlgorithm Using Hooke-Jeeves Method For Local Searching”,Proc. of the 1st Int. Conf. on Structural Stability andDynamics, pp. 781-786, Taipei, Taiwan, 7-9 December 2000.

7. Xu Y. G. & Liu G. R., “A New Coupled Electro-MechanicalDynamics Model of Piezoelectric Actuator-Sensors andApplication”, International Conference on StructuralStability and Dynamics, Singapore, 17-19 December 2002.

Convex Optimization

Journal Publications1. Hegland M., Osborne M. & Sun J., “Parallel Interior Point

Solution of Multistage Convex Programming”, to appear inAnnals of Operations Research.

2. Sun J. & Zhang L., “On the Log-exponential Trajectory ofLinear Programming”, to appear in Journal of GlobalOptimization.

Discrete Optimization

Journal PublicationSun J. & Gu Y., “A Parametric Approach for a Nonlinear DiscreteLocation Problem”, Journal of Combinatorial Optimization,Vol. 6, pp. 119-132 (2002).

Distribution Network Design Problem in Logistics

Journal PublicationTeo C. P., Ou J. & Goh Mark, “Impact On Inventory Cost WithConsolidation of Distribution Centers”, IIE Transactions, Vol.33, Issue 2, pp. 99-110 (February 2001).

Micro- and Nano-Structure Simulation

Journal Publications1. J. Cai & Wang J.-S., “Reconstruction of Si(001) and

Adsorption of Si Adatoms and Ad-Dimers on the Surface:Many Body Potential Calculations”, Phys. Rev. B. {64},035402 (2001).

2. J. Cai & Wang J.-S., “Reconstruction of Si(001): A ComparisonStudy of Many Body Potential Calculations”, Phys. Stat. Sol.(b) {223}, 773 (2001).

3. J. Cai & Wang J.-S., “Adsorption and Difussion of Si on theSi(001): An Empherical Potential Calculation”, InternationalJournal of Modern Physics B, Vol. 16, No. 4, pp. 621-629 (2002).

4. J. Cai & Wang J.-S., “Friction between a Ge tip and the(001)-2x1 Surface: A Molecular-Dynamics Simulation”, Phys.Rev. B {64}, 113313 (2001).

5. J. Cai & Wang J.-S., “Molecular Dynamics Study of theFriction Properties for a Ge Tip-Surface System”, SurfaceReview Letters, {8}, 581 (2001).


Aerodynamic Shape Optimization Using Computational FluidDynamics and Simultaneous Perturbation StochasticApproximation Method

Journal PublicationXing X. Q. & Damodaran M., “Assessment of SimultaneousPerturbation Stochastic Approximation Method for Wing DesignOptimization”, to appear in AIAA Journal of Aircraft, Vol. 39,No. 2 (March-April 2002).

Conference Publications1. Damodaran M., “Leveraging Computational Fluid Dynamics

Simulations and Optimization Methods for OptimalAerodynamic Shape Design”, presented at the 1stSingapore-MIT Alliance (SMA) Annual Symposium,Singapore, 16-17 January 2001.

2. Xing X. Q. & Damodaran M., “Optimal Design of TransonicRotor Blade Leading Edge Shape Using CFD andSimultaneous Perturbation Stochastic ApproximationMethod”, presented at the 2nd Singapore-MIT Alliance(SMA) Annual Symposium, Singapore, 14-16 January 2002.

3. Xing X. Q. & Damodaran M., “Comparison of SimultaneousPerturbation Stochastic Approximation and SimulatedAnnealing in Transonic Airfoil Design Optimization”, to bepresented at the 2nd International Conference onComputational Fluid Dynamics, ICCFD2, Sydney Australia,15-17 July 2002.

4. Xing X. Q. & Damodaran M., “Application of theSimultaneous Perturbation Stochastic ApproximationMethod for Aerodynamic Shape Design Optimization”, AIAA-2002-5653, to be presented at the 9th AIAA/ISSMOSymposium on Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization,Atlanta, GA, USA, 4-6 September 2002.

Atomistic Computer Simulation of Micro- and Nano-Systems

Journal Publications1. Liu G. R., Xu Y. G. & Wu Z. P., “Total Solution for Structural

Mechanics Problems”, Computer Methods in Applied Mechanicsand Engineering, Vol. 191 (8-10), pp. 989-1012 (2001).

2. Xu Y. G., Liu G. R., Wu Z. P. & Huang X. M., “Adaptive MultilayerPerceptron Networks for Detection of Cracks in AnisotropicLaminated Plates”, International Journal of Solids andStructures, Vol. 38 (32-33), pp. 5625-5645 (2001).

3. Xu Y. G., Liu G. R. & Wu Z. P., “A Novel Hybrid GeneticAlgorithm Using Local Optimizer Based on Heuristic PatternMove”, Applied Artificial Intelligence - An InternationalJournal, Vol. 15(7), pp. 601-631 (2001).

4. Xu Y. G., Liu G. R. & Wu Z. P., “Damage Detection forComposite Plates Using Lamb Waves and Projection GeneticAlgorithm”, AIAA Journal, No. J-25481 (2002) (in press).

5. Liu G. R., Han X., Xu Y. G. & Lam K. Y., “Material Characterizationof Functionally Graded Material Using Elastic Waves and aProgressive Learning Neural Network”, Composites Scienceand Technology, Vol. 61(10), pp. 1401-1411 (2001).

6. Xu Y. G. & Liu G. R., “Detection of Flaws in CompositeMaterials From Scattered Elastic-wave Field Using Modified GA and Gradient-based Optimizer”, Computer Methods inApplied Mechanics and Engineering, MP/01/209 (2001).

7. Xu Y. G., Liu G. R., Pan L. S., “Parameter Identification ofDynamic Flow-Pressure Characteristics in Valve-lessMicropumps”, Sensors and Actuators A: Physical (March 2002).

Conference Publications1. Xu Y. G. & Liu G. R., “A Novel Inverse Algorithm for

Parameter Identification Problems in MEMS”, WCCM 2002.

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6. J.Cai & Wang J.-S., “Friction between Si Tip and (001)-2x1Surface: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation”, to be publishedin the Computer Physics Communications.

7. J. Cai & Wang J. S., “Modeling Generalized Stacking Faultin Au using Tight-Binding Potential Combined with aSimulated Annealing Method”, to be published in theEuropean Physical Journal B.

Conference PublicationJ. Cai & Wang J.-S., “Modeling Generalized Stacking Fault in AuUsing Tight-Binding Potential Combined with a SimulatedAnnealing Method”, presented at the 2nd Singapore-MIT Alliance(SMA) Annual Symposium, Singapore, 14-16 January 2002.

Nonlinear Optimization

Journal Publications1. Chen X. & Sun J., “Global Convergence of a Two-parameter

Family of Conjugate Gradient Methods without Line Search”,to appear in Journal of Computational and AppliedMathematics.

2. Han J., Sun J. & Sun W., “Global Convergence ofNonmonotone Descent Methods for UnconstrainedOptimization Problems”, to appear in Journal ofComputational and Applied Mathematics.

Numerical Simulation on Shock Waves in Bio-MEMS andBiological Systems

Journal Publications1. Liu T. G., Khoo B. C., Yeo K. S., “The Simulation of

Compressible Multi-Medium Flow. Part I: A New Methodologywith Test Applications to 1D Gas-Gas and Gas-Water Cases”,Comp. & Fluids, Vol. 30, pp. 291-314 (2001).

2. Liu T. G., Khoo B. C., Yeo K. S., “The Simulation ofCompressible Multi-Medium Flows. Part II : Applicationsto 2D Underwater Shock Refraction”, Comp. & Fluids, Vol.30, pp. 315-337 (2001).

Semidefinite Programming and Matrix Equations

Journal Publications1. Toh K., Zhao G. & Sun J., “ A Multiple-Cut Analytic Cutting

Plane Method for Semidefinite Feasibility Problems”, toappear in SIAM Journal on Optimization.

2. Sun J., Toh K., & Zhao G., “An Analytic Cutting Plane Methodfor Semidefinite Feasibility Problems”, to appear inMathematics of Operations Research.

3. Sun D. & Sun J., “Semismooth Matrix Valued Functions”,Mathematics of Operations Research, Vol. 27, pp. 150-169 (2002).

Simulation of Wave-Structure Interaction: NonlinearSea-Keeping

Conference PublicationWang C. Z., Khoo B. C. & Wu G. X., “Numerical Study on LargeScale Amplitude Motions of a Floating Body”, in Proceedingsof the Int. Conf. On Port & Maritime R & D and Technology,pp. 751-758, 2001.

Stable Matching Problem

Journal Publications1. Teo C. P., Sethuraman J. V. & Tan W. P., “Gale-Shapley

Stable Marriage Problem Revisited: Strategic Issues andApplications”, Management Science, Vol. 47, No. 9, pp.1252-1267 (September 2001).

2. Sethuraman J. & Teo C. P., “A Polynomial Time Algorithmfor Bistable Roommates Problem”, Journal of Computerand System Sciences, pp. 498-508 (November 2001).

3. Qian L., Sethuraman J. & Teo C. P., “The Geometry of StableAdmission Polytope and Its Applications” Preprint.

Stochastic Optimization

Journal PublicationLiu X. & Sun J., “A New Decomposition Technique in SolvingMultistage Stochastic Linear Programs by Infeasible InteriorPoint Methods”, to appear in Journal of Global Optimization.

Web-based Simulator Engines and Tools forNumerical Simulation

Journal PublicationKannan V., Damodaran M. & See C. W., “Developmment of aWeb-Based Simulator Engine for Programmable SoftwareEnvironments”, in Advances in Automation, Multimedia andVideo Systems and Modern Computer Science, Ed. Kluev, V. V.,D’Attellis, C. E. and Mastorakis, N. E., pp. 274-278, WSESPress (ISBN: 960-8052-44-0) (October 2001).

IMST programme


Data-Mining in Product Development Process (PDP)


1. Loh H. T., Koh W. L., Menon R. & Leong C. K., “A Study ofService Center Records Using Data Mining”, the 2ndSingapore-MIT Alliance (SMA) Annual Symposium,Singapore, 14-16 January 2002.

2. Loh H. T., Menon R. & Leong C. K., “Mining of Text in theProduct Development Process”, the 2nd Singapore-MITAlliance (SMA) Annual Symposium, Singapore, 14-16January 2002.

Development of Nitrogen-containing Group III-VSemiconductor Alloys for Optoelectronics and HighFrequency Device Applications


1. Loke W. K., Yoon S. F., Wang S. Z., Ng T. K. & Fan W. J.,“Rapid Thermal Annealing of GaNxAs1-x grown by RadioFrequency Plasma Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy and itsEffect on Photoluminescence”, Journal of Applied Physics,Vol. 91, No. 7, pp. 1-5 (April 2002).

2. Ng T. K., Yoon S. F., Wang S. Z., Loke W. K. & Fan W. J.,“Photoluminescence Characteristics of GaInNAs QuantumWells Annealed at High Temperature”, to be published inJournal of Vacuum Science & Technology (May/June 2002).

Conference Publications

1. Loke W. K., Yoon S. F., Ng T. K., Wang S. Z. & Fan W. J.,“Effect of Rapid Thermal Annealing: Red and Blue Shift inPhotoluminescence of GaAsN Grown by RF Plasma-AssistedMolecular Beam Epitaxy”, Materials Research Society FallMeeting, Boston, USA, October/November 2001.

2. Wang S. Z., Yoon S. F., Ng T. K., Loke W. K. & Fan W. J.,“Ga(In)AsN Grown by Plasma-Assisted Molecular BeamEpitaxy Towards 1.31 m and 1.55 m”, 14th IndiumPhosphide and Related Materials Conference, Stockholm,Sweden, 12-16 May 2002.

3. Ng T. K., Yoon S. F., Wang S. Z., Loke W. K., Fan W. J., YewK. C. & Sun Z. Z., “Photoluminescence Behavior of GaInNAsQuantum Wells Annealed at High Temperature”, 14th IndiumPhosphide and Related Materials Conference, Stockholm,Sweden, 12-16 May 2002.

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4. Yew K. C., Yoon S. F., Sun Z. Z., Ng T. K., Loke W. K., WangS. Z. & Fan W. J., “Studies of In and N Composition Effectson the Optical Properties and Surface Morphology ofGaInNAs Quantum Dots Grown by RF-Plasma Assisted MBE”,14th Indium Phosphide and Related Materials Conference,Stockholm, Sweden, 12-16 May 2002.

Improved Supply Chain Coordination throughInformation Sharing

Related PublicationsJournal Publication

Bhatnagar R. & Viswanathan S., “Analysis of WarehouseLocation Decisions in Urban FMCG Distribution Systems”,Revisions submitted to International Journal of PhysicalDistribution and Logistics Management (2002).

Conference Publication

Si L., Bhatnagar R. & Sivakumar A. I., “Impact of DistributionNetwork Configuration on Supply Chain Cost: An e-BusinessPerspective”, Proceedings of the LOGISTICS 2001 Conference,pp. 43-50, Singapore, August 2001.

Network Configuration for Supply Chain Design

Related PublicationJournal Publication

Bhatnagar R., Jayaram J. & Phua Y. C., “The Impact of PlantLocation Factors on Competitiveness of Supply Chains”,Journal of Business Logistics, USA (2002).

One Step Transfer of Diffractive Structure from DesignedPattern to Replica with Hybrid Sol-gel film


1. Fu Y. & Ngoi K. A. B., “One Step Transfer of DiffractiveStructure from Designed Pattern to Replica with HybridSol-Gel Film”, Optics Express, Vol. 10, No. 10, pp. 436-442(20 May 2002).

2. Fu Y. & Ngoi K. A. B., “Investigation of Hybrid MicrolensIntegration with Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers forFree-Space Optical Link”, Optics Express, Vol. 10, No. 9,pp. 413-418 (May 2002).


Fu Y. & Ngoi K. A. B., “One-Step Fabrication of HybridMicro-Diffractive-Refractive Lens with Continuous Reliefusing Focused Ion Beam Milling”, OSA Technical Digest,Diffractive Optics and Micro-Optics, pp. 87-89, Tucson, USA,3-7 June 2002.

Optimization of Planning and Scheduling of AdvancedManufacturing Systems and Supply Chains


1. Wang J. G., Wong Y. S., Lee K. S., Huang X. G., Liao Q., LohH. T. & Liu Z. J., “Domain-Specific Portal for theManufacturing Industry in Singapore - ImplementationIssues”, IMLF-2002 International Manufacturing LeadersForum 2002 - Leadership of the future in Manufacturing,Adelaide, Australia, 8-10 February 2002.

2. Zhang Y. F., Loh H. T., Fuh J. Y. H. & Wang G. J., “Agent-Based Manufacturing Resource Planning”, IMLF-2002International Manufacturing Leaders Forum 2002 -Leadership of the future in Manufacturing, Adelaide,Australia, 8-10 February 2002.

3. Rajagopalan A., Bhatnagar R. & Sivakumar A. I., “OptimalLabor Induction in Personal Computer Supply Chain”,Proceedings of the LOGISTICS 2001 Conference, pp. 153-160, Singapore, August 2001.

4. Srivastava V., Sivakumar A.I. & Bhatnagar R.,“Quantification of Bull Whip Effect in a global computermanufacturer’s supply chain”, Proceedings of the LOGISTICS2001 Conference, pp. 137-143, Singapore, August. 2001.

Simulation and Control of Femto-laser Micro-machining

Related PublicationsJournal Publication

Lam Y. C., Chen X., Tan K. W., Jan M., Tam K. C. & Yu S. C. M.,“Experimental Measurements And Simulation Of ParticleMigration In A Pressure-Driven Tube Flow: Applications ToFlow In Runners”, accepted by Journal of Injection Technology.


Chen X., Lam Y. C., Tan K. W., Jan M., Tam K. C. & Yu S. C. M.,“Shear-Induced Particle Migration In A Pressure-Driven TubeFlow”, International Conference on Advanced MaterialTechnology (ICMAT), Singapore, July 2001, accepted by KeyMaterial Engineering.


Advanced Manufacturing Processes

Conference Publications1. Krishnan P. & Yue C. Y., “Interfacial Properties of Zylon

AS/Epoxy Composites by the Multiple Fibre PulloutTechnique-A Case Study”, presented at ACUN-4,International Conference on Composites, July 2002.

2. Yue C. Y., Lam Y. C., Yang Y. X., Joshi S. C., Tam K. C. & HuX., “Factors Governing In-Situ Fibre Formation in LCP/PCBlends”, presented at ACUN-4, International Conferenceon Composites, July 2002.

Autonomous Robotic Manipulation

Conference PublicationXie M. & Yuan M. L., “A Developmental Principle for RoboticHand-Eye Coordination Skill”, IEEE International Conferenceon Development and Learning, MIT, 12-15 June 2002.

Customer Demand Fulfilment Under Limited Capacity

Journal PublicationXiong M., Tor S. B., Khoo L. P. & Chen C. - H., “A Web-enhancedDynamic BOM-based Available-To-Promise System”,International Journal of Production Economics (accepted forpublication) (2002).

Dynamic Scheduling

Conference PublicationGupta A. K. & Sivakumar A. I., “Approaches to MultiobjectiveScheduling in Semiconductor Manufacturing”, Proceedings ofthe International Conference on Modeling and Analysis ofSemiconductor Manufacturing, pp. 223-228, Arizona, USA,March 2002.

Feature-based Design

Conference PublicationDeng Y. M., Britton G. A., Lam Y. C., Tor S. B. & Ma Y. S., “AFeature-Based CAD-CAE Integration Model for Injection MoldedProduct Design”, 16th International Conference on ProductionResearch, pp. 1-18, Prague, Czech Republic, 2001.

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Other SMA Research Project

Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversions

Journal PublicationChen W. X., Lee J. Y. & Liu Z. L. (IMRE), “ElectrochemicalLithiation and De-Lithiation of Carbon Nanotube-Sn2SbNanocomposites”, Electrochemistry Communications 4, pp.260-265 (2002).

Conference PublicationLee J. Y., Chen W. X. & Liu Z. L. (IMRE), “Carbon NanotubeComposites of Sb, Sn2Sb and Sn2Co Alloys as Li-ion BatteryAnodes”, presented at the 201st meeting of theelectrochemical society, Philadelphia, USA, 11-17 May 2002.

Functional Design of Mechanical Systems

Journal Publications1. Britton G. A., Tor S. B., Lam Y. C. & Deng Y. M., “Modeling

Functional Design Information for Injection Mold Design”,International Journal of Production Research, Vol. 39, No.12, pp. 2501-2515 (2001).

2. Tor S. B., Britton G. A., Zhang W. Y. & Deng Y. M., “GuidingFunctional Design of Mechanical Products through Rule-Based Causal Behavioral Reasoning”, International Journalof Production Research, Vol. 40, No. 3, pp. 667-682 (2002).

Humanoid Robot

Conference PublicationXie M., Yuan M. L. & Yin X. M., “Vision Functions for HumanoidRobot”, IEEE-RAS International Conference on HumanoidRobots”, Tokyo, Japan, 22-24 November 2001.

Knowledge-Based System and Functional Design Research

Conference PublicationZhang W. Y., Tor S. B. & Britton G. A., “A Knowledge-BasedFunctional Reasoning Strategy to the Conceptual Design ofMechanical Products”, 13th International Conference onEngineering Design, ICED 01, pp. 291-298, Glasgow, Scotland,U.K., 21-23 August 2001, ICED 01-C586/658.

Mental and Physical Development of Robotic Systems

Conference PublicationYin X. M. & Xie M., “Finger Identification in Hand GestureBased Human Robot Interaction”, IEEE/RAS InternationalConference on Humanoid Robots, MIT, Cambridge, 7-8September 2000.

Smart and Mechatronics Products

Conference PublicationYuan M. L. & Xie M., “An Incremental Representation ofConceptual Symbols Using RCE Neural Networks”, IEEEInternational Conference on Development and Learning, MIT,12-15 June 2002.

Unmanned Factory

Conference PublicationYuan M. L., Xie M. & Yin X. M., “Robust Cooperative Strategyfor Contour Matching Using Epipolar Geometry”, AsianConference on Computer Vision, Melbourne, Australia, 23-25January 2002.

MEBCS programme

Collaborative Research Project with SMA-MIT Fellows

Stimuli Sensitive Polymers for Protein Separation, ProteinRecognition and Enhanced Drug Release Applications

Conference PublicationTam K. C. Micheal, Dai S., Bromberg L. & Hatton A. T.,“Rheological and Thermodynamic Properties of PEO-PPO-PEOand PAA-g-PEO-PPO-PEO Systems”, to be presented atEurheo2002, Germany, September 2002.

Research Progress

In the AMM&NS programme, the emphasis is ondeveloping an understanding of the selection, processingand property-optimisation of a wide array of materialsand material combinations. The new materials andtechnologies will facilitate the development of micro-and nano-systems of ultra-high performance, consistingof electronic and optoelectronic devices for applicationin information transmission, processing, storage andelectromechanical actuation.

Currently, the AMM&NS programme has fourteen Ph.D.students and has graduated six M.Eng. students. Theresearch topics include the use of heteroepitaxial SiGefilms on Si substrates for fabrication of multi-modeinterference optical filters. The application of strained Sifilms on SiGe substrates are also under investigation forthe fabrication of CMOS devices. Silicidation processes ofNi on SiGe films have been examined for future metallisationon devices fabricated on such substrates. Research is beingcarried out on circuit-level assessments of the reliabilityof advanced metallisation technology for 0.1 and0.18micron technologies, including Cu-based metallurgies

and low-k dielectric materials. The development of processes for the growth of piezoelectric (PZT)films on Si microelectromechanical devices to serve as ”active” materials for actuation is also underinvestigation. Metallic glasses obtained through rapid quenching from melt, as well as their applicationsin high frequency cores in electronics and as the electrolyte medium and electrodes for high powerand energy density rechargeable micro-batteries, are also being studied. New projects on the role ofgraded InGaN buffers for strain relaxation in InGaN/GaN epilayers, the growth of germanium nano-crystals and their applications in electronic devices, dislocations and their effects on theelectroluminescence and photoluminescence emissions of III-Nitrides and in micro-cavity LEDs andlasers and the structural evolution of growth of III-nitrides on silicon are currently underway.

Over the last three years, the programme has acquired three major pieces of equipment thathave enhanced the research capability significantly, namely, a scanning near-field opticalmicroscopy for the characterisation of optical properties of nano-size structures, a laser ablationsystem for the deposition of PZT films, and an electromigration test system for the copperreliability work. Discussions on a major project have been initiated for the fabrication of anautonomous sensor, involving the integration of energy sources, micro-batteries, MEMS andGaN LEDs on silicon electronics. This project calls for the expertise from IME, IMRE, the staff ofmicrofabrication facility at MIT and the SMA Fellows in the programme.

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Research Activities

Advanced Materials for Micro- and Nano-Systems (AMM&NS) programme

Deposition of Silicon-Germanium thin film using an ArgonPlasma RF Sputterer.

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The research themes in the HPCES programme aresimulation and optimisation. The emphasis is on the newand effective numerical techniques and methodologiesfor large-scale engineering/engineered systems that utiliseHPC (High Performance Computing) technology like clusterand grid computing. One of the major research areas isthe marrying up of simulation and optimisation for suchdiverse applications ranging from the use of fast multipolemethods and model order reduction techniques for micro-arrays in MEMS (Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems) totraffic network flow and port management. A major thrustis in Bio-MEMS where HPC is becoming an increasinglyimportant tool for simulation and optimisation.

Currently, the HPCES programme has seven Ph.D.students. The computing facilities available for researchand teaching include a 72-node cluster of Pentium III

computers for distributed computing. Another 60 nodes of Mckinley processors of the Itanium-family (IA-64) will be added for the researchers within SMA and related organisations. Theresearchers and students at the SMA-HPCES Programme also have access to the newly installedIBM-family Regattas at the IHPC (Institute of High Performance Computing). A large researchproject proposal based on Bio-MEMS with participation of staff from other programmes andnon-SMA faculties is being worked out.

The IMST programme takes cognisance of the factthat a modern enterprise is a complex networkcomprising suppliers, manufacturers, warehouses,retail stores and customers, in which merchandisemust be produced and distributed in such a way asto minimise overall costs and provide services ofstandard. The research objective is therefore topropose models and efficient solution methodologiesfor a variety of frequently occurring supply chainmanagement scenarios, using a broad set ofmathematical approaches. Various manufacturingprocesses are also investigated and optimised, inparticular in the context of global competitiveness.

Some of the Theme Projects undertaken by S.M. students, which are jointly supervised bystaff of participating companies, MIT and Singapore SMA Fellows, have flourished to becomefull-scale research projects for more in-depth investigation. Currently, the research activitiesin Manufacturing Systems are gathering momentum and research initiatives on ManufacturingPhysics in optoelectronics, micro-machining and fabrication have started.

Currently, the IMST programme has seven Ph.D. students. The research topics have relevancefrom both global as well as Singapore perspectives.

IBM X-Series 330 cluster

Innovation in Manufacturing Systems and Technology (IMST) programme

High Performance Computation for Engineered Systems (HPCES) programme

Design of injection moulded parts using the latest simulationsoftware.

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Molecular Engineering for Biological and Chemical Systems (MEBCS) programme

The MEBCS programme aims to let its students have afundamental understanding of biological and chemicalsciences as well as the engineering and design aspects ofproducts and processes. Research encompasses areas suchas structured fluids, surface functionalisation,microstructure tailoring and materials design in relationto fine chemical and pharmaceutical syntheses as well asthe molecular and cellular aspects of biotechnology andbioprocess engineering. Two proposals have been preparedfor potential funding: “DNA-Guided Synthesis of Materials”and “Signalling Biochips and Microarrays”. They representthe collaborative efforts that bring together the researchexpertise of various MEBCS faculties.

Currently, the MEBCS programme has three Ph.D.students (all of whom are graduates of NUS) who are top students in their coursework. Theypassed their qualifying examinations in January 2002 and have just embarked on their theses(April 2002). With a much larger pool of applicants for the 2002/2003 intake, 19 out ofthe 40 students who have enrolled indicate interest to pursue Ph.D. and the number is setto rise.

Handling of an Electronic Pipettor in a Biosafety Cabinet.

The CS Fellows are experts in artificial intelligence,compilers, databases, embedded systems, machinelearning and parallel and distributed processing. Thejoint supervision of Ph.D. students will begin in July2002 and more collaboration is expected to take placewhen the research theme is settled.

The research theme is likely to be centred round theuse of computing technologies in order to boost theproductivity of human endeavours. The aim is to takeadvantage of the exponentially decreasing costs fordisk storage, memory, processing power and cameraarrays to capture and store records of human activitiessuch as classroom lectures, engineering discussionsand corporate meetings. Research in the areas suchas graphics, media, artificial intelligence, databases

and parallel processing technologies will allow these records to be indexed, organised andstored with minimum hassle. Search technologies allow the appropriate material to be foundwhen required, while graphics and media technologies allow the knowledge to be absorbedquickly by allowing playback at higher speeds, skipping of irrelevant material and viewing ofthe reconstructed scenes from the best vantage point. The use of 3-D reconstructiontechnology, together with the advantage of being able to review the material and play backthe appropriate sections at the appropriate speeds, should make the experience of using thematerial comparable to, or better than, actually being present at the event. The technologiescreated can be used in applications such as e-learning, global collaboration and knowledgemanagement in organisations. Currently, the CS programme has one Ph.D. student.

Computer Science (CS) programme

A CS student working on his computer.

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S.M. Projects (2001/2002)Project abstracts can be viewed online on the SMA website (http://www.sma.nus.edu.sg).

AMM&NS programme

High Performance and High Yield MIM CapacitorStudent : Arun SreeranganathanSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Choi Wee KiongCompany Supervisor : Mr My The Doan

Growth, Characterization and Development of Ultra-Thin(1-2nm) Gate Dielectrics Using Combination of NitrousOxide and OxygenStudent : Au Yin KhengSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Choi Wee KiongCompany Supervisor : Dr Bera Lakshmi Kanta

Photodectors Based on lll-V MaterialsStudent : Cheow Lei KunSMA Supervisor : Prof Chua Soo JinCompany Supervisor : Dr Ramam Akkipeddi

Shrink 0.13nm Backend Structure Using ResolutionEnhancement Lithography Assisted by Chemical Shrink(RELACS) Process

Student : Foong Yee MeiSMA Supervisor : Prof Chua Soo JinCompany Supervisor : Ms Moitreyee Mukherjee-Roy

Polycrystalline Silicon Germanium as a Gate Material inCMOSStudent : Ganapathi SubrahmanyamSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Choi Wee KiongCompany Supervisor : Mr Simon Chan

Growth and Characterization of Ta and Ta Nitride as aDiffusion Barrier in Cu/Si02 StructureStudent : Gong ZhengSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Pey Kin LeongCompany Supervisor : Dr Pan Jisheng

The Impact of CMOS Processes on Negative Bias TemperatureInstabilityStudent : Irwan Bin KarimSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Choi Wee KiongCompany Supervisor : Dr Ang Chew Hoe

Study of Nickel Silicidation Process on Device PerformanceStudent : Kan ShidongSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Pey Kin LeongCompany Supervisor : Dr Chi Dongzhi

Nickel Metal Gate for CMOS DevicesStudent : Kuang WeiweiSMA Supervisor : Prof Chua Soo JinCompany Supervisor : Dr Chi Dongzhi

Vertical Profile Control in High Aspect Ration Low-KDielectric Contact HoleStudent : Lan PeiyuanSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Choi Wee KiongCompany Supervisor : Dr Vladimir N. Bliznetsov

Silicidation on Poly-SiGe Gate StacksStudent : Li YisuoSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Pey Kin LeongCompany Supervisor : Dr Lee Pooi See

Triple Gate Oxide Integration for System-Ou-A chipStudent : Liu XiaohongSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Chim Wai KinCompany Supervisor : Mr Simon Chan

Corrosive Effect of Trace Contaminants on Metal SurfaceStudent : Ng Soon SingSMA Supervisor : Prof Andrew Tay Ah OngCompany Supervisor : Dr Thomas Liew

Study on the Reduction of Leakage Current of CMOS for N-Channel MOS Field-Effect TransistorStudent : Ng Wei BengSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Chim Wai KinCompany Supervisor : Mr Dhruva Kant Shukla

Junction Leakage Characterization in Silicide JunctionsStudent : Nikholas Gerochi ToledoSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Pey Kin LeongCompany Supervisor : Dr Lee Pooi See

Characterization of HF Aluminate as a Gate DielectricStudent : Pan ManyiSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Chim Wai KinCompany Supervisor : Dr Ang Chew Hoe

Atomic Layer Deposition of Low Dimensional Structures onHOPG SurfacesStudent : Poon Siew WaiSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Chim Wai KinCompany Supervisor : Dr Pan Jisheng

Process Improvement in 0.25 Micron CMOS Logic Process toHave Better Hot Carrier ReliabilityStudent : Rajivakshan RamanathanSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Chim Wai KinCompany Supervisor : Mr Dhruva Kant Shukla

Design, Simulation, Fabrication and Test of MicrofluidicSilicon-Based Bio MEMS Devices with Patterned Self-Assembled Monolayer Surface ModificationStudent : Shu WenmiaoSMA Supervisor : Prof Andrew Tay Ah OngCompany Supervisor : Dr Victor D. Samper

Design and Simulations of Spring and Hinge Mechanism forMEMS Micro-Mirror DevicesStudent : Sohini BoseSMA Supervisor : Prof Andrew Tay Ah OngCompany Supervisor : Dr Janak Singh

Simulation and Modeling of Nanometer Scale Magnetic DevicesStudent : Steby RodriguezSMA Supervisor : Prof Chua Soo JinCompany Supervisor : Dr Wu Yihong

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Microstructural and Mechanical Behavior of Lead-Free SolderJointsStudent : Su Chun WeiSMA Supervisor : Prof Andrew Tay Ah OngCompany Supervisor : Dr Yang Qianjin

Fabrication and Characterization of ERS2 Silicide InfraredPhotodetector ApplicationStudent : Su NingSMA Supervisor : Prof Chua Soo JinCompany Supervisor : Dr Chi Dongzhi

To Study the Effect of Oxidation of AlGaAs on the Qualityof the Upper GaAs LayerStudent : Vernon Goh Tat BoonSMA Supervisor : Prof Chua Soo JinCompany Supervisor : Mr Jason Tan

Correlation Between the Post Copper ECP Anneal and TheMicrostructure in Copper Metal Lines & The Effect ofMicrostructure on Copper Metal Lines PropertiesStudent : Vikas JindalSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Pey Kin LeongCompany Supervisor : Mr Alex See

Applications of Laser Scanning Microscopy to IntegratedCircuits Failure AnalysisStudent : Wang JianweiSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Chim Wai KinCompany Supervisor : Dr Ong Soon Huat

Photodetectors Based on lll-V MaterialsStudent : Wang KejiaSMA Supervisor : Prof Chua Soo JinCompany Supervisor : Dr Ramam Akkipeddi

Design and Simulation of Thermal Bimorph Actuator andXY Micro Stage for Applications in Optical CommunicationsNetworkStudent : Yong Mee LeeSMA Supervisor : Prof Andrew Tay Ah OngCompany Supervisor : Dr Janak Singh

Surface Modification and Characterization of Low-KDielectric FilmsStudent : Zhou XingSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Choi Wee KiongCompany Supervisor : Dr Pan Jisheng

HPCES programme

Transiet Fluid-Structure Interaction in 2DStudent : Ajaykumar RajasekharanSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Khoo Boo CheongCompany Supervisor : Dr Kantharaj Murali

Scattering from the Interior Surface of Air InletStudent : Chien Tze HowSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Li Le-WeiCompany Supervisors : Dr Gan Yeow Beng, Dr Wang Chao-Fu

Virtual Prototyping Development of Head-Actuator HardDisk DriveStudent : Ding FeiSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Liu GuirongCompany Supervisor : Dr Yang Jiaping

Simulation of Air Flow Structure in a Near – HDD ConfigurationStudents : Dong Peng, For Chee WeiSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Lee Kwok HongCompany Supervisor : Dr Ong Eng Hong

Automatic Crane SequencingStudent : Duong Hong DucSMA Supervisor : Asst Prof Toh Kim ChuanCompany Supervisor : Dr Tan Kok Choon

Combining HW/SW Partitioning and Chip Planning forSystem-on-Chip (SOC) DesignStudent : Guan LiSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Li Le-WeiCompany Supervisor : Dr Olivier Peyran

Timetable Scheduler for ITM (Integrated Training Manager)Students : Ho Liang Yoong, Keh Chin Chai,

Teo Soo KngSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Teo Chung PiawCompany Supervisor : Mr Yeo Jan Chee

Treating Framework for LP/MIP ProgrammesStudent : Kalyana ChakravarthySMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Huang Huei ChuenCompany Supervisor : Mr Gosselin Vincent

Multiobjective Flight Control System DesignStudent : Lam Wooi FunSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Murali DamodaranCompany Supervisor : Dr Yang Guang Hong

Simulation of Cavitating FlowsStudent : Lee Kien Leng, LawrenceSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Khoo Boo CheongCompany Supervisor : Dr Tsai Her Mann

Reliability of Multiprocessor Embedded SystemsStudent : Liu ShudongSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Li Le-WeiCompany Supervisor : Dr Rajendra Patrikar

Modeling and Optimization of a Micro Comb Driven FiberOptic SwitchesStudents : Liu Xiaoxing, Xu JianfengSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Lee Kwok HongCompany Supervisor : Mr Wang Zhiping

Real Time Crane DeploymentStudent : Mayank GuptaSMA Supervisor : Prof Sun JieCompany Supervisor : Dr Tan Kok Choon

Single and Multiobjective Wing Platform and Airfoil ShapeOptimization using Swarm AlgorithmStudent : Ng Kuan YingSMA Supervisor : Asst Prof Tai KangCompany Supervisors: Dr Tsai Her Mann, Dr Tapabrata Ray

Chip Planning for FPGA IC DesignStudent : Ong Chen GuanSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Li Le-WeiCompany Supervisor : Dr Olivier Peyran

Optimization of Active Constrained Layer DampingTreatments for Sound Radiation Control of Cylindrical ShellsStudent : Pau Shu Heng, GeorgeSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Liu GuirongCompany Supervisor : Dr Zheng Hui

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Development of Effective Constraint Handling Methods forConstrained Optimization ProblemsStudent : Poan Choy LingSMA Supervisor : Asst Prof Tai KangCompany Supervisor : Dr Tapabrata Ray

Simulation of One Dimensional Detonation Waves using theMethod of Conservation Element and Solution ElementStudent : Sandeep SomaniSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Khoo Boo CheongCompany Supervisor : Dr Tsai Her Mann

Back Solving Strike and Barrier for Option and Option BasedStructureStudent : Song MiaoSMA Supervisor : Asst Prof Toh Kim ChuanCompany Supervisor : Mr Milind Kulkarni

Stochastic Search Algorithms for Airfoil Shape OptimizationProblemsStudent : Tan Chee MengSMA Supervisor : Asst Prof Tai KangCompany Supervisors: Dr Tsai Her Mann, Dr Tapabrata Ray

Selection Model for Ship SelectionsStudent : Tan May LingSMA Supervisors : Assoc Prof Murali Damodaran,

Assoc Prof Teo Chung PiawCompany Supervisor : Mr Mark Lim Yew Guan

Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of High PerformanceLiquid ChromotographyStudent : Tan Sock NginSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Khoo Boo CheongCompany Supervisor : Dr Lim Chia Ni

Bender’s Decomposition for Stochastic ProgrammeStudent : Ting Shang KeeSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Huang Huei ChuenCompany Supervisor : Mr Gosselin Vincent

Virtual Reality for Reverberation Chamber E Field SimulationStudent : Wang HailongSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Li Le-WeiCompany Supervisor : Dr Zhang Daming

Numerical Investigation of the Performance of Fluid FilmJournal BearingsStudent : Wang ZhengyuanSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Murali DamodaranCompany Supervisor : Mr Zhang Qide

Single Carrier Prefix Assisted CDMA for High Speed WirelessCommunication SystemsStudent : Yang KaiSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Li Le-WeiCompany Supervisor : Dr A S Madhukumar

Error Performance of a Multiple Access Based Ultra-WideBand SystemStudent : Zeng HuiwenSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Li Le-WeiCompany Supervisor : Dr Francois Chin

A Heuristic for Real-Time Container Load SequencingStudent : Zhang ChangyongSMA Supervisor : Prof Sun JieCompany Supervisor : Dr Tan Kok Choon

Method for a Bridge Topology of 3-Level IGBT ConvertersStudent : Zhao ZhengyiSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Li Le-WeiCompany Supervisor : Dr Rajendra Patrikar

The S.M. project “What Determines the Outcome of KidneyTransplants?” of Tam Soh Khum, an S.M. student from the HPCESProgramme (2000/2001) (Project Advisors: Assoc Prof Teo ChungPiaw, Prof Vladimir Bajic, and Dr Vladimir Brusic) has resultedin an article “Use of Artificial Neural Networks in ImprovingRenal Transplantation Outcomes”. On 8 October 2001, it hasbeen accepted for publication in Graft, Vol. 4, No. 8 (Dec 2001).The co-authors include Nikolai Petrovsky, Vladimir Brusic, GraemeRuss, Luis Socha and Vladimir B. Baijc.

IMST programme

Analysis, Appraisal and Improvement on Airbag Sensor AssemblyLineStudents : Cao Zhe, Keh Teng Yang, Xu QingSMA Supervisors : Assoc Prof Bryan Ngoi Kok Ann

(Singapore),Prof Kamal Youcef-Toumi (MIT)

Company Supervisor : Dr Teo Kiat Choon

Collaborative Product Commerce for the Product Life Cycle ofHard Disk Drive IndustryStudents : Chen Ke, Lee Sheng Yang, Tian Quan,

Wong Pei LeeSMA Supervisors : Assoc Prof Loh Han Tong (Singapore),

Prof David Hardt (MIT)Company Supervisor : Dr Liu Zhejie

Multi-Agent System-Based Supply Chain CoordinationStudents : Cheong Lee Fong, Jeong Woo Sung,

Pallav Chhaochharia, Yin ZhijieSMA Supervisors : Asst Prof Rohit Bhatnagar (Singapore),

Dr Stanley Gershwin (MIT)Company Supervisor : Mr Roland Lim

Building an Intelligent E-diagnostic System for Reducing MeanTime to Repair (MTTR) of Wire Bond MachinesStudents : Du Xian, Sunil Bhandari, Wang XiaoboSMA Supervisors : Assoc Prof Appa Iyer Sivakumar (Singapore),

Prof Kamal Youcef-Toumi (MIT)Company Supervisor : Mr Gary Chen

Issues and Development for an Automated Welding Station usingRobotic ArmStudents : Gu Jiayin, Pan DengSMA Supervisors : Assoc Prof Xie Ming (Singapore),

Prof David Hardt (MIT)Company Supervisor : Assoc Prof Xie Ming

Next Generation Manufacturing in SingaporeStudents : Ker Han Seah, Liu Ying, Lu Jinhan,

Ong Wee Leng, Tang Kum CheongSMA Supervisors : Assoc Prof Bryan Ngoi Kok Ann (Singapore),

Prof Chun Jung-Hoon (MIT)Company Supervisors: Mr Warren Wang, Dr Terence Loke

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Micro-machining of Silicon and Metals using FemtosecondLaserStudents : Koh Wee Leong, Wang Lei,

Wong Thai Yuan, Zhang YileiSMA Supervisors : Prof Lam Yee Cheong (Singapore),

Prof Yue Chee Yoon (Singapore),Prof Lallit Anand (MIT)

Company Supervisor : Dr Zheng Hongyu

Supply Chain Planning of Global Electronics Manufacturerfor Short Life Cycle ProductsStudents : Lee Kok Eng, Suruchi, Xing XiaojunSMA Supervisors : Asst Prof Velusamy Subramaniam (Singapore),

Assoc Prof Appa Iyer Sivakumar (Singapore),Prof Stephen Graves (MIT)

Company Supervisors : Ms Sharon Leow, Mr Ramesh Nair

Tooling Cost Estimation Model for Injection MoldingStudents : Padmanaban Ranganathan,

Tran Duc Vi, Wang Lan, Zhu ZhiqiangSMA Supervisors : Dr Lu Wen Feng (Singapore),

Assoc Prof Tor Shu Beng (Singapore),Prof Steven Eppinger (MIT)

Company Supervisor : Dr Ivan Lee

Issues in Manufacturing of Semiconductors for Wireless &Optoelectronics ApplicationsStudents : Subhro Bikash Chakraborty, Wang ShirenSMA Supervisors : Assoc Prof Yoon Soon Fatt (Singapore),

Prof Chun Jung-Hoon (MIT)Company Supervisor : Dr Lap Chan

MEBCS programme

Term 1 (1 April – 10 May 2002)Investigation of ID_FET Fuse Blowing MethodsStudents : Chen Yelin, Tan Kee TungIndustrial Immersion Manager : Dr Goh Lin-TangCompany Supervisors : Mr Andrew Yew, Mr Chou Sean Wei

Capacity Expansion Through Cycle-Time Reduction for a2-Stage Bulk Drug Manufacturing ProcessStudents : Ho Hai Ting, Wong Yin TiongIndustrial Immersion Manager : Dr Victor WongCompany Supervisor : Dr S. Vijaya Kumar

Audit and Optimization of Plant-Wide Energy UtilizationStudents : Nivetha Murugesan, Zhang LifengIndustrial Immersion Manager : Dr Goh Lin-TangCompany Supervisor : Mr Poh Kim Huat

Understanding the Mechanisms of the Contact Alloy Processfor HP’s Thermal Inkjet ProductsStudents : Tai Du, Zhang HuomingIndustrial Immersion Manager : Dr Goh Lin-TangCompany Supervisors : Mr Leslie Leong, Mr Chou Sean Wei

Review of Distillation/Reflux Process in the ReactorStudents : Tan Chee Woi, Tian YuanIndustrial Immersion Manager : Dr Victor WongCompany Supervisor : Mr Goh Yong Keng

Term 2 (20 May – 28 June 2002)Audit and Optimization of Plant-Wide Water UsageStudents : Chen Yelin, Tai DuIndustrial Immersion Manager : Dr Goh Lin-TangCompany Supervisor : Mr Poh Kim Huat

Capacity Expansion through Process Telescoping of a 2-Stage Bulk Drug Manufacturing ProcessStudents : Ho Hai Ting, Wong Yin TiongIndustrial Immersion Manager : Dr Victor WongCompany Supervisor : Dr S. Vijaya Kumar

Feasibility Study of Laser-Assisted Etching in HP-TIJManufacturing ProcessesStudents : Nivetha Murugesan, Tian YuanIndustrial Immersion Manager : Dr Goh Lin-TangCompany Supervisor : Dr Chia Wai Tuck

Investigation of Non-Uniform Sidewall Bevel and ResiduesFormation after Slope Metal Etching of Aluminium/Copper LayerStudents : Tan Chee Woi, Zhang LifengIndustrial Immersion Manager : Dr Goh Lin-TangCompany Supervisors : Ms Tan Ming Li, Mr Kevin Lai

Preliminary Study for the Installation of a New HastelloyCrystallizer in Bay 2 of Steroids BuildingStudents : Tan Kee Tung, Zhang HuomingIndustrial Immersion Manager : Dr Victor WongCompany Supervisor : Mr Goh Yong Keng

CS programme

HyperSCSI Network Protocol Driver on Sun Solaris Platformfor Network StorageStudents : Aditya Kumar Gupta, Toni, Ou Hanyan,

Zhao QinSMA Supervisor : Asst Prof Lee Wee SunCompany Supervisor : Mr Patrick Khoo

Adaptive Update of Training Data for Gene Discovery SystemStudents : Ameya Dileep Virkar, Ang Huey Ting,

Li Guoliang, Kunal AgrawalSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Tan Kian LeeCompany Supervisor : Prof Vladimir B Bajic

Mobile Learning – “Learning Anytime, Anyplace”Students : Anuradha, Shakun Mahajan, Wu Jie,

Wu YonghuaSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Leong Tze YunCompany Supervisor : Dr Lam Win Hong

MPEG-7 Based Indexing and Summarization of Digital Mediafor Online LearningStudents : Chen Yan, Low Wai ChongSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Wong Weng FaiCompany Supervisor : Dr Edward Altman

Feasibility Studies in the Globus ToolkitStudents : Edward Sim Joon, Qiu LongSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Teo Yong MengCompany Supervisor : Ms Tan Joo Geok

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AMM&NS programme

Optical Add/Drop MultiplexerStudent : Agam Prakash VajpeyiThesis Advisor (Singapore) : Prof Chua Soo JinThesis Advisor (MIT) : Prof Eugene A. Fitzgerald

Copper ReliabilityStudent : Chang Choon WaiThesis Advisors (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Choi Wee Kiong,

Assoc Prof Pey Kin LeongThesis Advisor (MIT) : Prof Carl V. Thompson

Ge Nanocrystal Growth in Epitaxial Silicon Germanium andits ApplicationsStudent : Eric Kan Wing HongThesis Advisors (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Choi Wee Kiong,

Assoc Prof Chim Wai KinThesis Advisor (MIT) : Prof Eugene A. Fitzgerald

Ni-Silicidation on SiGeStudent : Jin LijuanThesis Advisors (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Choi Wee Kiong,

Assoc Prof Pey Kin LeongThesis Advisors (MIT) : Prof Eugene A. Fitzgerald,

Prof Dimitri A. Antoniadis

Ph.D. Projects (2001/2002)Thesis abstracts can be viewed online on the SMA website (http://www.sma.nus.edu.sg).

Thin Film Microbatteries for Integration with MicroelectronicsStudent : Shi ZhifeiThesis Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Lu LiThesis Advisor (MIT) : Prof Gerbrand Ceder

Dislocations and Their Effects on the EL/PL Emmissionsof lll-NitridesStudent : Wang YadongThesis Advisor (Singapore) : Prof Chua Soo JinThesis Advisor (MIT) : Prof Clifton G. Fonstad

Structure Evolution of Growth of lll-Nitrides on SiliconStudent : Zang KeyanThesis Advisor (Singapore) : Prof Chua Soo JinThesis Advisor (MIT) : Prof Carl V. Thompson

HPCES programme

A Level Set Method for Biological FlowsStudent : Le Duc VinhThesis Advisors (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Khoo Boo Cheong,

Prof Nhan Phan-ThienThesis Advisor (MIT) : Prof Jaime Peraire

Computerized Assessment of EssaysStudents : Gunjan Kathuria, Wu WenjunSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Wynne HsuCompany Supervisor : Dr Looi Chee Kit

Sound Model RepresentationStudents : Ma Keng Teck, Zhan XianfengSMA Supervisor : Prof Ooi Beng ChinCompany Supervisor : Dr Wyse Lonce

Diffserv Implementation Using IXPStudent : Qian HaichunSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Wong Weng FaiCompany Supervisors: Dr Jit Biswas, Mr Teo Eng Hwa

A Very High Speed Traffic AggregatorStudent : Qiu QiangSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Wong Weng FaiCompany Supervisor : Dr Jit Biswas

Integrated Routing Algorithms for IP/DWDM NetworksStudents : Yu Bei, Yu JiaProject Supervisor : Asst Prof Lee Wee SunCompany Supervisor : Dr Zhou Luying

Intelligent Internet Video Content CachingStudents : Zhang Sheng, Yu XiaoxueSMA Supervisor : Assoc Prof Leong Tze YunCompany Supervisor : Mr Michael Sipusic

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Research Fellows and Research ProjectsProject abstracts can be viewed online on the SMA website (http://www.sma.nus.edu.sg).

AMM&NS programme

Dr Heng ChenglinExpertise: Optoelectronic & microelectronic properties ofSi-based nanoscale semiconductor materials & devices.Optoelectronic Properties of some Si-based Systemcomprised Semiconductor NanocrystalsProject Advisors (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Choi Wee Kiong,

Assoc Prof Chim Wai KinProject Advisor (MIT) : Prof Dimitri A. AntoniadisDuration : September 2000 to August 2002

Dr Lei YongExpertise: Highly ordered nanowire and nanotube arraysembedded in anodic porous alumina membranes & highlyordered nanoparticle arrays used in two dimensionalnanodevices and their characterization by SCM, EFM and AFM.Growth of Germanium Nanocrystals and Application InMemory DevicesProject Advisors (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Chim Wai Kin,

Assoc Prof Choi Wee KiongDuration : October 2001 to October 2003

Dr Yao LinquanExpertise: Computational mechanics of smart and (or)composite structures.Finite Element Method for Piezoelectric StructuresProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Lu LiDuration : March 2001 to February 2003

Dr Zhang YongExpertise: Formation & properties of bulk metallic glasses,and bulk metallic glass-based composite.Formation of La and Zr-based Bulk Metallic Glass and BulkMetallic Glass Matrix Composite by Bridgman SolidificationProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Li YiDuration : November 2000 to

November 2002

Dr Zhu TiejunExpertise: Pulsed laser deposition of ferroelectric thinfilms & thin micro-batteries.Pulsed Laser Deposition of Oxide Thin Films of Si substratesProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Lu LiProject Advisor (MIT) : Prof Carl V. ThompsonDuration : January 2002 to January 2004

HCPES programme

Dr Chen ShuoExpertise: Biomolecular suspension flow in microchannelusing dissipative particle dynamics method.Biomolecular Suspension Flow in Microchannel UsingDissipative Particle Dynamics MethodProject Advisors (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Khoo Boo Cheong,

Prof Nhan Phan-ThienProject Advisor (MIT) : Prof Robert A. BrownDuration : January 2002 to January 2004

Dr Chen XiongdaExpertise: Smoothing Newton method and nonlinearnetwork programming.Semidefinite Programming, Theory, and ApplicationsProject Advisor (Singapore) : Prof Sun JieDuration : April 2001 to August 2002

Dr Hu XiangyuExpertise: Numerical simulation of shock waves in bio-MEMS & biological systems.Numerical Simulation on Shock Wave in Bio-MEMS andBiological SystemsProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Khoo Boo CheongDuration : January 2002 to January 2004

Dr Li JianyingExpertise: Analysis of electromagnetic scattering, radiationby using the fast multipole method (FMM) and multilevelfast multipole algorithm (MLFMA).Electromagnetic Scattering by Conducting or DielectricObjects: An Analysis Using the Fast Multipole Method (FMM)and Multilevel Fast Multipole Algorithm (MLFMA)Project Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Li Le-WeiDuration : December 2001 to

December 2003

Dr Li RonghengExpertise: Complexity analysis for combinatorial problems& heuristic algorithms design and analysis for scheduling& network problems.Complexity Analysis & Heuristic Algorithms Design andAnalysis Combinatorial ProblemsProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Huang Huei ChuenDuration : September 2000 to September 2002

Dr Liu XinExpertise: Computational mechanics, especially theresearch and application on meshless methods.Research and Application of Meshless (Meshfree) MethodsProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Liu GuirongDuration : May 2002 to May 2004

Dr Liu XinweiExpertise: Algorithms and theory for constrainedoptimization and their applications.Nonlinear OptimizationProject Advisors (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Khoo Boo Cheong,

Prof Sun JieDuration : January 2002 to June 2002

Stochastic OptimizationProject Advisors (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Khoo Boo Cheong,

Prof Sun JieDuration : January 2002 to June 2002

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Traffic ProblemsProject Advisors (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Khoo Boo Cheong,

Prof Sun JieProject Advisor (MIT) : Assoc Prof Georgia PerakisDuration : January 2002 to June 2002

Dr Nie XiaochunExpertise: Analysis & design of EM scattering, radiation &MMIC by using the hybrid method & fast algorithm.Electromagnetic Scattering by Open-ended Cavities: AnAnalysis using Precorrected-FFT ApproachProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Li Le-WeiProject Advisor (MIT) : Prof Jacob K. WhiteDuration : September 2000 to August 2002

Fast Solutions to Electromagnetic Scattering Problems usingPrecorrected-FFT MethodProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Li Le-WeiProject Advisor (MIT) : Prof Jacob K. WhiteDuration : September 2000 to August 2002

Mr Qian LiwenExpertise: Sampling theory and its application tocomputation & discrete optimization.Linear Programming and Stable AdmissionProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Teo Chung PiawDuration : September 2001 to

September 2002

Mr Wang ShengyinExpertise: GA-based topology optimization, morphologicalrepresentation global optimization methods, compliantmechanism.Topology and Shape Optimization of Structures byEvolutionary AlgorithmsProject Advisor (Singapore) : Asst Prof Tai KangDuration : March 2002 to March 2004

Dr Xing XiuqingExpertise: Aerodynamic design, flow field simulation andnumerical optimization’s application in turbomachinery.Optimization and Simulation of Aerodynamics Shapes UsingSimultaneous Perturbation Stochastic Approximation andCFDProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Murali DamodaranDuration : April 2001 to April 2003

Dr Xu YiguiExpertise: 1) Atomistic computer modeling of mechanicalproperties and failure behaviors of nanostructuredmaterials and structures; 2) Neural networks techniques& generic algorithms with application to inverse problems- optimization, identification and detection; 3) Damagedetection of composite materials & structures usingtechniques of modal analysis, elastic-wave scattering andPZT actuators/sensors; 4) Numerical modeling forstructural & mechanical vibration and dynamics, fatigueand failure.

Atomistic Computer Simulation of Mechanical Propertiesand Failure Behaviors of Nanostructured Materials andStructuresProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Liu GuirongDuration : November 2001 to

November 2002

Dr Xuan ZhaochengExpertise: Numerical methods for partial differenceequations.Output Bounds for Partial Differential EquationsProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Lee Kwok HongProject Advisor (MIT) : Prof Jaime PeraireDuration : December 2000 to

December 2002

Dr Zhou GuangluExpertise: Computational methods in computationaloptimization and non-linear complementary & variationalinequality problems.Second Order Cone ProgrammingProject Advisor (Singapore) : Asst Prof Toh Kim ChuanProject Advisor (MIT) : Prof Robert M. FreundDuration : March 2001 to March 2003

IMST programme

Dr Chen XingExpertise: Computer aided design & engineering in plasticinjection molding, and numerical simulation in powderinjection molding.Simulation of Particle Migration of Powder-Resin in InjectionMoldingProject Advisor (Singapore) : Prof Lam Yee CheongDuration : July 2000 to May 2001

Dr Fu YongqiExpertise: Micro-optics, photonics, MOEMS, optical design,and microfabrication.One Step Transfer of Diffractive Structure from DesignedPattern to Replica with Hybrid Sol-Gel FilmProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Ngoi Kok Ann, BryanDuration : January 2002 to June 2003

Dr Krishnan PadmanabhanExpertise: Fracture & failure analysis of polymer matrixcomposites, advanced fibres & composites, micromechanics& interface, and dental composites & wear.Macrostructural Properties of Fibre/Polymer Compositesthrough the Mesomechanical Route; Micro-Injection MoldingProject Advisor (Singapore) : Prof Yue Chee YoonDuration : October 2000 to October 2002

Dr Muthu MathirajanExpertise: Applied operations research, heuristicoptimization, modeling and scheduling in manufacturing,logistics & distributions management, and decisionsupport systems.Scheduling of Batch Processing Machines in SemiconductorManufacturingProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Appa Iyer SivakumarProject Advisors (MIT) : Dr Stanley B. Gershwin,

Prof Stephen GravesDuration : May 2002 to December 2003

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Dr Palaniswamy RaviExpertise: Synthesis and characterization of novel stimuliresponsive amphiphilic block copolymers for biomedicalapplications.Synthesis and Characterization of Stimuli ResponsiveAmphiphilic Block Copolymers for Targeted Drug DeliveryProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Tam Kam Chiu,

MichaelDuration : August 2001 to August 2003

Mr Parayil Kumaran AjikumarExpertise: Design, synthesis, and structure activity studyof biologically interesting molecules such as peptides andpeptido mimetic compounds, solid phase peptide synthesis,solid phase organic synthesis, and combinatorial chemistry.Design of Novel Peptides as Building Blocks for FunctionalMaterialsProject Advisor (Singapore) : Asst Prof Suresh ValiyaveettilDuration : December 2001 to

December 2003

Dr Ren LeiExpertise: Surface modification of nano colloids withdrug adsorption; hybrid nanocomposite interaction withcancer cells.Nanomaterials for Drug DeliveryProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Chow Gan-MoogDuration : July 2001 to June 2003

Dr Theivanayagam Chairman DeivarajExpertise: Carbon mono oxide resistant electrocatalystsfor direct methanol fuel cells, and biomolecule guidednanoparticle synthesis.Chemical and Biochemical Synthesis of Multi-MetallicNanoclustersProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Lee Jim YangDuration : April 2002 to April 2004

Dr Victor Wong Vai TakExpertise: Plant & mammalian cell cultivation forproduction of biotherapeutics.Understanding the Effects of Media Supplements in SerumFree Media on Hybridoma Cells via Transcriptional AnalysisProject Advisor (Singapore) : Prof Miranda Yap G. S.Project Advisor (MIT) : Prof Daniel Wang I. C.Duration : May 2001 to April 2003

Dr Winnie Fung Kar YeeExpertise: Signal transduction of GDNF and NTN receptorsin mammalian cells.Signal Transduction as a Means to Delineate the Functionsof GDNF and NTN Receptors in Mammalian CellsProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Too Heng-PhonProject Advisor (MIT) : Prof Harvey F. LodishDuration : March 2002 to March 2004

Dr Xue YingExpertise: Development and application of computationalmethods in ligand-protein interaction.Development of a Fast-Speed Method for ComputingMolecular Descriptors used in Computer Aided Drug DesignProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Chen YuzongDuration : February 2002 to February 2004

Dr Saddikuti VenkataramanaiahExpertise: 1) Design and analysis of cellular manufacturingsystems; 2) Manpower planning and allocation models;3) Performance analysis of logistics systems; 4) Modelsfor integrated lotsizing and scheduling in thesemiconductor industry and ; 5) Inventory control modelsCellular ManufacturingProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Rohit BhatnagarDuration : July 2002 to July 2004

Dr Wang ShanzhongExpertise: MBE & CVD growth of semiconductor materials& its microstructures; characterization of semiconductormaterials with different kinds of tools such asmicroscope, SEM, XRD, TEM, SEM, AFM, Raman, PL PLE,PR, MPR, transmittance, I-V, C-V, Hall & so on; andstandard semiconductor processing for electronic andoptical devices.Development of Compound Semiconductor DeviceFabrication and Growth TechnologyProject Advisor (Singapore) : Prof Yoon Soon FattProject Advisor (MIT) : Prof Clifton G. FonstadDuration : March 2001 to March 2003

Dr Xiong MohuaExpertise: Complicated information systems analysis &modeling web-based supply chain management, andDecision Support Systems.Customer Demand Fulfilment Approaches under Limited CapacityProject Advisors (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Tor Shu Beng,

Asst Prof Rohit BhatnagarDuration : October 2001 to October 2003

Dr Yuan MiaolongExpertise: Visual inspection, image matching, 3Dreconstruction, CAD, and spatial layout.Development and Testing of the Advanced SQC and VisionInspection TechniquesProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Xie MingDuration : September 2000 to

September 2003

Mr Zhang WenyuExpertise: All in progressive die design automation.Progressive Die Design AutomationProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Tor Shu BengDuration : March 2002 to March 2004

MEBCS programme

Dr Chen WeixiangExpertise: Nanostructured materials for Li-ion batteriesand fuel cell.Inorganic NanocompositesProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Lee Jim YangDuration : July 2001 to July 2003

Dr Deng RenshengExpertise: Hydrodynamics and mixing behavior of fluidizedbeds; cracking and pyrolysis of heavy hydrocarbons; andinstability analysis of flow in granular materials.Instabilities in Flow of Granular MaterialsProject Advisor (Singapore) : Asst Prof Wang Chi-HwaDuration : October 2001 to June 2002

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Dr Yao JiaExpertise: Property and structure of polyelectrolytes.Thermodynamics and Physical Characteristics of StimuliResponsive Amphiphilic Block CopolymersProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Tam Kam Chiu, MichaelDuration : February 2002 to August 2003

Dr Yu ShiExpertise: Design, synthesis, and physical study ofmagnetic nanostructured materials.Designation and Development of Magnetic Nanoparticlesfor Drug DeliveryProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Chow Gan-MoogDuration : April 2002 to September 2002

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CS programme

Dr Fang BinExpertise: Computer vision, pattern recognition, imageprocessing in biometrics, document processing, and medicalimage processing.Tumor Cell Identification using Features RulesProject Advisor (Singapore) : Assoc Prof Wynne HsuDuration : September 2001 to September 2002

Dr Zhang DeExpertise: Information retrieval, data mining, and machinelearning.Question AnsweringProject Advisor (Singapore) : Asst Prof Lee Wee SunDuration : January 2002 to January 2004

Students haveaccess to researchfacilities at NRIs.

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Aluminum metallization has been used as an interconnect material in every integrated circuitfor the past few decades. However, as the dimensions of devices continue to shrink and thespeed of circuits is increased with each generation of technology, copper metallization hasemerged as a replacement for aluminum interconnects due to its higher electrical conductivity.

Several kilometers of metal interconnects are used to construct each single silicon-basedhigh-performance integrated circuit. In each circuit, millions of metal segments exist andthese elements are a great reliability concern due to electromigration-induced failures. Currentdesign rules and practices usually attempt to be overly conservative to ensure that a circuitis immune to electromigration-induced failures. In order to optimize the performance foreach generation of technology while maintaining a high overall reliability, new design andassessment methodologies are needed to more accurately account for the effects of circuitlayout on the risk of generating electromigration-induced failure.

We have found that the direction of current flow in a copper interconnect of a multi-levelmetallization system affects its failure characteristics and reliability [1, 2]. Moreover, thereliability behavior of different lengths of copper lines is significantly different from thecharacteristics that were observed in aluminum interconnects [3]. Lastly, we have shownthat the fundamental reliability unit of copper metallization is not a single straight segmentas frequently assumed in circuit-level analyses [4].

[1] Gan C. L., Thompson C. V., Pey K. L., Choi W. K., Tay H. L., Yu B. & Radhakrishnan M. K.,“Effect of current direction on the lifetime of different levels of Cu dual-damascenemetallization,” Appl. Phys. Lett., Vol. 79, pp. 4592 (2001).

[2] Gan C. L., Wei F., Thompson C. V., Pey K. L., Choi W. K., Hau-Riege S. P. & Yu B.,“Contrasting failure characteristics of different levels of Cu dual-damascenemetallization,” IPFA 2002 Proceedings - 9th International Symposium on the Physical &Failure Analysis of Integrated Circuits (July 2002).

[3] Wei F., Gan C. L., Thompson C. V., Clement J. J., Hau-Riege S. P., Pey K. L., Choi W. K.,Tay H. L, Yu B. & Radhakrishnan M. K., “Length effects on the reliability of dual-damascene Cu interconnects,” Proceedings of the Symposium on Silicon Materials-Processing, Characterization, and Reliability, Spring 2002 Meeting of the MaterialsResearch Society.

[4] Gan C. L., Thompson C. V., Pey K. L., Choi W. K., Wei F., Clement J. J., Hau-Riege S. P.,Tay H. L., Yu B. and Radhakrishnan M. K., “Experimental characterization of the reliabilityof 3-terminal dual-damascene copper interconnect trees,” Proceedings of the Symposiumon Silicon Materials-Processing, Characterisation, and Reliability, Spring 2002 Meetingof the Materials Research Society.

Research Highlight (1)Student : Gan Chee Lip (Ph.D. 1999/2000 intake - AMM&NS programme)

Thesis Advisors : Prof Carl V. Thompson (MIT)Assoc Prof Choi Wee Kiong (NUS)Assoc Prof Pey Kin Leong (NTU)

Research Title : Reliability Assessment Methodologies for Copper-BasedInterconnects on Integrated Circuits

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Research Outline

Research 47Research 47

Reliability testing ofCopper interconnectsusing ElectromigrationTest System.

My research experience under the Singapore-MIT Alliance has been truly enriching and exciting.Besides Assoc Prof Pey Kin Leong and Assoc Prof Choi Wee Kiong as my Singapore advisors,I also have Prof Carl V. Thompson, an MIT advisor, whom Assoc Prof Pey and Assoc Prof Choihad set up collaboration with before I started on my research project. Despite the 12-hourdifference between Singapore and MIT, our research group holds weekly project discussionsusing the videoconferencing tools provided by SMA. These meetings provide a great stimulusof interesting ideas that help the progress of the research. At the same time, I have thechance to “meet” other MIT graduate students in Prof Thompson’s research group andunderstand the work that they are doing.

In the SMA research project, I have the opportunity to work with many researchers andengineers both in Singapore and the United States of America. The collaboration establishedby my advisors allows me to conduct my research at the Institute of Microelectronics andChartered Semiconductor Manufacturing in Singapore. At the same time, I have discussionswith our collaborators from International Sematech, Intel Corp., and the Sandia NationalLaboratory in USA.

The SMA Annual Symposium is another great avenue for me to meet and interact withother MIT students. It allows me to present my research findings to the SMA community. Inaddition, the semester stay in MIT was another one of the unique parts of the SMA researchexperience. The time spent in Boston, immersed in the MIT culture and way of life was verymemorable. Besides having daily discussions with the MIT students, I had the opportunity toexperience a life away from Singapore. Conducting research under the SMA programme isindeed having the best of both worlds.

Gan Chee Lip

Student : Karthik Natarajan (Ph.D. 1999/2000 intake – HPCES programme)

Thesis Advisors : Prof Dimitris J. Bertsimas (MIT)Assoc Prof Teo Chung Piaw (NUS)

Research Title : Robust Optimization In Stochastic Project Scheduling, Finance,And Queuing Theory

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Research Outline

A project consists of a set of activities that need to be performed in a specific order for it tobe completed. Traditionally the Critical Path Method (CPM) is used to analyze projects withdeterministic activity durations. The random nature of future activity durations howevermakes it necessary to develop models that can handle the uncertainties effectively. PERTtechniques make use of the knowledge of complete probability distribution of activities tocompute the expected completion time of the project. However, in practice, it is not reasonableto assume complete knowledge of probability distributions of activities. In this researchproject, we focus on computing bounds on expected completion time and expected project

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tardiness (penalty of project continuingbeyond a deadline date) given only partialinformation of the activity durations. Weassume knowledge of the lower bounds on theactivity durations along with first, second andcross moments among the various activities.The computation of these distribution freebounds on the parameters of interest isperformed using techniques of semidefiniteoptimization. This optimization technique iscurrently a hot topic of research as it is aconvex nonlinear problem that can beefficiently solved in practice. We provide anefficient solution technique to the problemin project management (not previouslyknown), and perform comparisons boththeoretical and computational with existingtechniques.

The application of such techniques of semidefinite programming on problems of financeand queuing theory with partial moment information is currently being investigated. Findingrobust bounds on parameters that describe the performance of such systems is of paramountimportance in a stochastic setting and our research focuses on it.

[1] Bertsimas D., Natarajan K. & Teo C. P., “Applications of semidefinite optimization instochastic project scheduling”, to be presented in the 2nd Annual McMaster OptimizationConference, August 2002.

[2] Cheng Y. L., Sen H. C., Natarajan K., Teo C. P. & Tan K. C., “Dispatching Automated GuidedVehicles in a Container Terminal via Network Flow Methods”, Working Paper 2002.

Research Experience

I have spent the last three years interacting with the faculties in MIT and Singapore, andfound this to be a great experience. The courses that had to be taken in the first year at SMAprovided me with the fundamentals of operations research and linear algebra that are a mustfor doing research in this area. This allowed me to have a taste of the various researchavenues before deciding on what I wanted to pursue.

However, the trip to MIT gave me the real impetus to do research. It was exceedinglywonderful to be able to interact with the MIT students and faculty, and find out about thecoursework and research opportunities. Being prepared, I spent the last year with all myenergy focused on research.

I was also given the opportunity to take up other courses offered by other faculties inNUS and to take on the role of Teaching Assistant which I find to be useful and interesting.Finally, I must say that I owe this to both my supervisors, Prof Dimitris Bertsimas and AssocProf Teo Chung Piaw, without whose passion for research, my learning experience at SMAwould not be a fulfilling one.

Karthik Natarajan

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Documents

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