5th KAUST-KFUPM Photonics Workshop 0 | P a g e
5th KAUST-KFUPM PHOTONICS WORKSHOP
KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (KAUST)
IBN SINA BUILDING / BUILDING 3 (SEA-VIEW SIDE), LEVEL 5, ROOM 5220
12 OCTOBER 2017
Organized by:
1 | P a g e 5th KAUST-KFUPM Photonics Workshop (on theory and experimental implementation of optical wireless communications)
PROGRAM
Date: 11 October 2017 KFUPM team arrive at KAUST (late night)
Date: 12 October 2017 Photonics Workshop, Ibn Sina Building (sea-view side), Level 5, Room 5220
Morning Session (0840 – 1130) Chairperson: Prof. Mohamed Slim Alouini
0815 – 0840 Light breakfast
0840 – 0900 Prof. Mohamed S. Alouini, KAUST Welcome address /
Research Directions in the Communication Theory Lab at KAUST
0900 – 0920 Dr. Tien Khee Ng, KAUST Optical Communication Research at KAUST Photonics Laboratory
0920 – 0940 Prof. Samir Alghadban, KFUPM Overview of Index Modulation for OFDM and Its Applications
0940 – 1000 Prof. Khurram Qureshi, KFUPM Realization of All-optical Logic Devices Using Injection Locking in
Semiconductor Lasers
1000 – 1020 Dr. Suhail Al-Dharrab, KFUPM Underwater Acoustic Communication and FSO
1020 – 1040 Dr. Mohammed Khan, KFUPM Injection Locked Semiconductor Lasers for Future High Speed
Optical Communications
1040 – 1100 Dr. Osama Amin, KAUST Visible Light for Multi-User Communication Systems
1100 – 1115 Houssem Sifaou, KAUST Robust Linear Transceivers for Multi-stream MU_MIMO Visible
Light Communication
1115 – 1130 Yousef Shnaiwer, KFUPM Network-Coded Femtocaching: Improved Macrocell Offloading
for Future Wireless Networks
1130 – 1330 Lunch – KAUST Diner (Tamimi voucher will be distributed to speakers).
Afternoon Session (1330 – 1505) Chairperson: Dr. Mohammed Khan
1330 – 1345 Mohamed A. Shemis, KFUPM External Injection Locked Red and Blue Semiconductor Lasers
Enabling High Speed Visible Light Communication
1345 – 1400 Emad Alkhazraji, KFUPM L-band External Injection Locked Quantum-dash Laser for Next
Generation WDM Passive Optical Access Networks
1400 – 1415 Md. Shamim, KFUPM Characterization of Self-seeded Visible Light Semiconductor
Laser Diodes for Future Visible Light Communication.
1415 – 1430 Hassan M. Oubei, KAUST Underwater Wireless Communication – Experiments and
Channel Modeling
1430 – 1445 Abdullah Alhalafi, KAUST Wireless Optical Underwater Video System
1445 – 1500 Chao Shen, KAUST Semi-polar GaN Laser and Superluminescent Diodes for White
Light Communications
1500 – 1505 Closing remarks by Dr. Mohammed Khan, KFUPM
1505 – 1700 Coffee/tea break and free interaction
1700 – 1900 Dinner at Harbor Sports Club
2000 Taxi pick-up from KAUST INN 2 to King Abdulaziz Airport – South Terminal
2 | P a g e 5th KAUST-KFUPM Photonics Workshop (on theory and experimental implementation of optical wireless communications)
MORNING SESSION
Research Directions in the Communication Theory Lab at KAUST
Mohamed-Slim Alouini
Abstract: Emerging and future wireless communication networks are expected to fulfill the demand for
higher data rates, lower latency, and/or massive connectivity of a growing number of users/devices exploiting
a variety of wireless applications. This envisioned rapid increase in the use of wireless services lead the
wireless research community to start looking at new technologies to address problems related to the radio-
frequency (RF) spectrum exhaustion. This includes the development of (i) new techniques and concepts such
as massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems and heterogeneous networks to improve the
spectral efficiency at the link and network layers, respectively, and (ii) novel schemes to better utilize the
unregulated bandwidth in particular in the upper millimeter wave, THz, and optical portion of the spectrum.
This talk quickly presents some of the research directions pursued within the Communication Theory Lab at
KAUST in order to pave the way towards the successful roll-out and operation of future wireless networks.
Biography: Professor Mohamed-Slim Alouini obtained his PhD from California
Institute of Technology (Caltech) in 1998. He is currently a professor (electrical
engineering) and an Associate Dean in Computer, Electrical and Mathematical
Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division at KAUST. His research interests are in the
modeling, design, and performance analysis of wireless communication systems with
current emphasis on MIMO, diversity, and adaptive modulation systems, cognitive
radio systems, cooperative/collaborative communication systems, multi-hop
communication systems, physical-layer security, MIMO RADAR systems, optical
wireless communications, device-to-device communications, green communications
systems and networks, and small cell/heterogenous networks. He is a Fellow of the
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), a member of the Thomson ISI
Web of Knowledge list of Highly Cited Researchers, and of the Elsevier/Shanghai Ranking list of Most Cited
Researchers, an IEEE Distinguished Lecturer of the IEEE Communications Society, and a co-recipient of best
paper awards in ten IEEE conferences (including ICC, GLOBECOM, VTC, PIMRC and DySPAN).
3 | P a g e 5th KAUST-KFUPM Photonics Workshop (on theory and experimental implementation of optical wireless communications)
MORNING SESSION
Optical Communication Research at KAUST Photonics Laboratory
Tien Khee Ng, and Boon S. Ooi
Abstract: Optical wireless communication can be harnessed for hyper-connectivity in the face of RF spectrum
crunching and data security. For energy-efficient systems and related algorithms, innovations in devices are
essential. At KAUST photonics Laboratory, we focus on designing and fabricating monolithically integrated,
and small-foot-print lasers for high speed line-of-sight transmission in both near-infrared and visible
wavelength regime. Specifically, in underwater wireless optical communication, Photonics laboratory at
KAUST pioneered the research in multi-giga-bit-per-second long distance narrow-beam transmission in turbid
and clear water channel using laser-diodes and in-house test-beds. We have demonstrated 20-meter data
transmission at 1.5 Gbps in an outdoor pool, and working towards longer distance transmission for eventual
undersea deployment. For practical turbulent water channel, we collaborated with partners at KAUST on
turbulent channel modeling and modulation schemes for eventual deployment of laser-based communication
system. This talk aims at summarizing the research directions at KAUST Photonics Laboratory, with an
emphasis on laser based, high bitrate systems for both terrestrial and underwater communications.
Biography: Boon S. Ooi is a Professor of Electrical Engineering at KAUST. He is
also the Director of KACST - Technology Innovation Center (TIC) for Solid-State
Lighting at KAUST. Professor Ooi received the B.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in
electronics and electrical engineering from the University of Glasgow
(Scotland, U.K) in 1992 and 1994, respectively. He joined KAUST from Lehigh
University (Pennsylvania, USA) where he held an Associate Professor position
and headed the Photonics and Semiconductor Nanostructure Laboratory. In
the U.S., his research was primarily funded by the National Science
Foundation (NSF) and Department of Defense and the Army Research Office.
In Saudi Arabia, major funding support for his research is from King Abdulaziz
City for Science & Technology (KACST), Saudi Aramco, and SABIC. His research
is primarily concerned with the study of semiconductor lasers and photonic integrated circuits. Specifically,
he has contributed significantly to the development of practical technologies for semiconductor photonics
integrated circuits and the development of novel broadband semiconductor lasers, multiple-wavelength
lasers, and superluminescent diodes. Most recently, he focuses his research on the areas of GaN-based
nanostructures and lasers for high bitrate optical wireless communication for both terrestrial, and
underwater applications.
Dr. Ooi is a Fellow of the Optical Society of America, a Fellow of the International Society for Optics and
Photonics (SPIE) and a Fellow of the Institute of Physics (UK), and a Senior Member of IEEE.
4 | P a g e 5th KAUST-KFUPM Photonics Workshop (on theory and experimental implementation of optical wireless communications)
MORNING SESSION
Overview of Index Modulation for OFDM and Its Applications
Samir Alghadhban
Abstract: Recently, a new family of physical layer schemes called OFDM with Index Modulation have been
proposed. They use the subcarrier index to carry the information, which is analogues to spatial modulation
for multiple antenna systems. In this talk, we will give an overview of the index modulation schemes, research
directions, potential advantages, and applications.
Biography: Dr. Samir Alghadhban received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from
Virginia Tech in 2005. He got his B.Sc and M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from King Fahd
University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia in 1997 and
2000, respectively. He is currently an associate professor at the Electrical Engineering
Department and an assistant director at the Office of Planning and Quality at KFUPM.
He participates as a coordinator for the Academic Leadership Center at the Ministry of
Education. His research interests are in wireless communications, MIMO-OFDM
systems, compressive sensing and spectrum sensing.
5 | P a g e 5th KAUST-KFUPM Photonics Workshop (on theory and experimental implementation of optical wireless communications)
MORNING SESSION
Realization of All-optical Logic Devices Using Injection Locking in
Semiconductor Lasers
Khurram K. Qureshi
Abstract: Recently, there has been great interest shown in the field of all optical digital information
processing. It is very useful for avoiding the troublesome O-E-O conversion in high speed optical networks. To
achieve this goal, there is a need to develop all-optical logic devices. These devices are considered as the
building blocks for the realization of all-optical computing, switching, multiplexing, and label swapping. In this
seminar, the development of all-optical logic gates based on injection locking technique in semiconductor
laser diodes will be presented.
Biography: Dr. Khurram Karim Qureshi received a BSc degree with honors in
Electrical Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan, in
1999 and a PhD degree also in Electrical Engineering from the Hong Kong Polytechnic
University in 2006. He is currently an Associate Professor with the Electrical
Engineering Department of KFUPM, where he is doing research on Optical Signal
Processing, Fiber Lasers and Fiber Sensors. He is a senior member of IEEE, USA. He
has published more than 50 journal and conference papers along with two US patents
issued to his credit.
6 | P a g e 5th KAUST-KFUPM Photonics Workshop (on theory and experimental implementation of optical wireless communications)
MORNING SESSION
Relay-assisted Underwater Acoustic and Optical Wireless Communication
Suhail Al-Dharrab
Abstract: Underwater wireless communication has recently attracted attention for many civilian and military
applications. Wireless transmission of information under water can be through sound (acoustic) or optical
waves. Although underwater acoustic wireless communication can support long-range transmission, it offers
limited data rates and relatively significant latency. Optical waves are affected by absorption, scattering, and
high level of ambient light limiting transmission range. In this talk, the unique characteristics of underwater
channel is presented. Fundamental performance bounds of relay-assisted multi-carrier underwater acoustic
communication (UWAC) is investigated. The performance of high-speed underwater optical wireless
communication (UOWC) that exploits spatial diversity will be discussed.
Biography: Dr. Suhail Al-Dharrab received his Ph.D. degree in Electrical and
Computer Engineering from University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada in 2013. He is
currently an Assistant Professor in the Electrical Engineering Department and
Assistant Director of the Center for Energy and Geo-Processing at King Fahd
University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. His research interests
span topics in the areas of wireless communication systems, underwater acoustic
communication, digital signal processing, and information theory.
7 | P a g e 5th KAUST-KFUPM Photonics Workshop (on theory and experimental implementation of optical wireless communications)
MORNING SESSION
Injection Locked Semiconductor Lasers for Future High Speed Optical
Communications
Mohammed Zahed M. Khan
Abstract: The rising demand of large bandwidth and high speed transmission optical networks to meet the
requirements of ever increasing end users has pushed the paradigm to explore different light sources that
fundamentally defines the capacity of both outdoor as well as indoor network infrastructure. In this talk, we
will discuss the ongoing research of optoelectronics research laboratory to address this future requirements
by employing a new class of broadband quantum-dash laser emitting in L-band regime and assisting injection
locking technique for next-generation networks. In particular, we demonstrated ≥ 176 Gb/s/channel capacity
via a single source. Moreover, we have also employed this technique to demonstrate performance
improvement of visible semiconductor lasers that are now being considered as promising sources for future
lighting as well as high speed indoor visible light communication.
Biography: Dr. Mohammed Zahed Mustafa Khan received his PhD degree in
Electrical Engineering from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
(KAUST), Saudi Arabia, in 2013 and was a SABIC postdoctoral research fellow in
Photonics Laboratory, KAUST, from 2014-2015. He is currently an Assistant Professor
in Electrical Engineering Department at KFUPM. He has contributed towards the
development of novel broadband semiconductor lasers and super luminescent
diodes. Presently, his research focus is on the application of this new class of lasers in
optical access networks, and performance improvement of visible light
semiconductor lasers for visible light communications.
8 | P a g e 5th KAUST-KFUPM Photonics Workshop (on theory and experimental implementation of optical wireless communications)
MORNING SESSION
Visible Light for Multi-User Communication Systems
Osama Amin
Abstract: Visible light communication (VLC) is a promising technology that can support high data rate services
for emerging wireless communication networks in indoor and outdoor scenarios. A multiple user downlink
VLC system is considered using time division multiple access (TDMA). The resource allocation problem is
studied for both indoor and outdoor VLC scenarios by tuning the allocated power and/or time of the TDMA
system to improve the system performance. Visible light systems support two different services: optical and
communication, which have different design criteria. Firstly, for indoor VLC scenario, the communication
design objective is to maximize the spectral efficiency (SE) using the available energy budget while satisfying
the communication quality-of-service. To meet the optical design criterion, an illumination constraint is
imposed on the average optical intensity. Secondly, for outdoor VLC scenario, the optical design objective is
to maximize the illumination, while the communication system aims to maximize the SE. The design
objectives are shown to be conflicting; therefore, a multi objective optimization is formulated to control the
design priority of each metric obtaining the Pareto front relation between both objectives.
Biography: Osama Amin (S’07–M’11–SM’15) joined the Computer, Electrical, and
Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division, of the King Abdullah
University of Science and technology (KAUST), as a postdoctoral fellow in 2014. He
obtained the Ph.D. degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University
of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada in 2011. His general research interests lie in
communications systems and signal processing for communications with special
emphasis on wireless applications. Specific research areas include green
communications, cognitive radio, and optical wireless communication. Dr. Amin is
currently an associate editor of the IEEE Communication Letters. He has served as a
Technical Program Committee Member of the ICC, GLOBECOM, the IEEE VTC, the
CROWNCOM, the PIMRC, and the ISSPIT conferences. He co-organized and co-chaired several IEEE workshops
related to Green communications, next generation wireless communications.
9 | P a g e 5th KAUST-KFUPM Photonics Workshop (on theory and experimental implementation of optical wireless communications)
MORNING SESSION
Robust Linear Transceivers for Multi-stream MU-MIMO Visible Light
Communication
Houssem Sifaou, Abla Kammoun, Ki-Hong Park, and Mohamed-Slim Alouini
Abstract: Visible light communication (VLC) is recognized as a promising technology on complement existing
wireless communication existing wireless communication systems due to its main advantages such as ease of
deployment, low cost and large unlicensed bandwidth. This work considers the precoding and receiver design
of a multi-user multiple-input-multiple output (MU-MIMO) VLC system. Two major concerns need to be
considered while solving such a problem. The first one is related to the inter-user interference, basically
inherent to our consideration of a multi-user system, while the second results from the users’ mobility,
causing imperfect channel estimates. To address both concerns, we propose robust precoding and receiver
that solve the max-min SINR problem. The proposed robust design is studied under different conditions, and
is shown to achieve higher gain than its non-robust counterpart.
Biography: Houssem Sifaou received the engineering degree in signal and systems
from Tunisia Polytechnic School (TPS), Tunis, Tunisia, in 2014 and the MS degree in
Electrical Engineering from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
(KAUST), Thuwal, KSA, in 2016. He is currently a Ph. D. candidate in the Electrical
Engineering program at KAUST. His research interests include asymptotic
performance analysis, massive MIMO, visible light communication, random matrix
theory applications in signal processing and wireless communications.
10 | P a g e 5th KAUST-KFUPM Photonics Workshop (on theory and experimental implementation of optical wireless communications)
MORNING SESSION
Network-Coded Femtocaching: Improved Macrocell Offloading for Future
Wireless Networks
Y. N. Shnaiwer, S. Sorour, P. Sadeghi, N. Aboutorab, T. Al-Naffouri, and Samir Al-Ghadhban
Abstract: Femtocaching has been recently proposed to improve Macrocell offloading in next generation
wireless networks. This technique is based on adding high storage capacity to femtocells, thus allowing them
to store popular files and then transmitting them directly when requested by the clients. In this work, we
investigate the potential of utilizing opportunistic network coding (ONC) to improve Macrocell offloading in
femtocaching-assisted wireless networks.
Biography: Yousef N. Shnaiwer received the BSc degree in telecommunications
engineering from Palestine Polytechnic University, West Bank, in 2011. He received
the MSc degree in telecommunications from the Electrical Engineering Department,
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia, in 2014. He
is currently a PHD student at KFUPM. His research interests include network coding,
femtocell networks, and cognitive radio networks
11 | P a g e 5th KAUST-KFUPM Photonics Workshop (on theory and experimental implementation of optical wireless communications)
AFTERNOON SESSION
External Injection Locked Red and Blue Semiconductor Lasers Enabling High
Speed Visible Light Communication
Mohamed A. Shemis, Md. H. M. Shamim, Z. Zhang, C. Shen, Hassan M. Oubei, Tien Khee Ng, M.-
Slim Alouini, Boon S. Ooi, and M. Zahed Mustafa Khan
Abstract: Visible light communication has recently evolved as a substitute for typical Wi-Fi networks for
meeting the growing demand of data rates at user end besides simultaneously providing lighting. Hence, in
this work, we intend to improve the performance of visible laser diodes employing assisting external injection
locking technique that would enable reaching higher modulation bandwidths and thus higher data rates, as a
complementary solution besides optimizing the device design and growth technologies. Through various
characterizations on the injection locked blue laser diode, we observed an improvement in laser beam
coherency. Besides, we also show the results of improved communication performance for the case of red
lasers in terms of BER and eye diagram.
Biography: Mohamed A. Shemis received his dual B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering and
Physics, and M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum
and Minerals in 2015 and 2017, respectively. He is currently a PhD student at KFUPM and
working on improving the performance characteristics of near infrared and visible lasers
for high speed optical communication. He has so far published 11 journal and conference
papers.
12 | P a g e 5th KAUST-KFUPM Photonics Workshop (on theory and experimental implementation of optical wireless communications)
AFTERNOON SESSION
L-band InAs/InP Quantum-dash Laser for Next Generation WDM Passive
Optical Access Networks
M. T. A. Khan, Emad Alkhazraji, A. Ragheb, H. Fathallah, K. K. Qureshi, S. Alshebeili, and M. Zahed
Mustafa Khan
Abstract: In this work, we demonstrate the viability of deploying broadband quantum-dash lasers as unified
upstream and downstream transmitters in next generation wavelength division multiplexed based passive
optical networks. By employing a single far L-band external injection locked single ~1621 nm sub-carrier, we
successfully transmitted 100 Gb/s and 128 Gb/s dual–polarization quadrature phase shift keying signal over
10 km single mode fiber and back-to back channels. Besides, an injection locked mode wavelength tunability
of ~23 nm, encompassing ~50 sub-carriers, is accomplished.
Biography: Emad Alkhazraji received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, in
2014, and 2016, respectively. He worked as a research assistant in Electrical
Engineering Department at KFUPM from 2014-2016 and later joined as a lecturer in
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology Department, Jubail Industrial College
(JIC), Jubail. He is also a part-time Ph.D. student of Electrical Engineering in KFUPM. His
main areas of research interest are photonics, quantum-dash structures, and their
application in optical communication systems with over 15 publications.
13 | P a g e 5th KAUST-KFUPM Photonics Workshop (on theory and experimental implementation of optical wireless communications)
AFTERNOON SESSION
Characterization of Self-seeded Visible Light Semiconductor Laser Diodes
for Future Visible Light Communication
Md. H. M. Shamim, M. A. Shemis, Chao Shen, Hassan M. Oubei, Tien Khee Ng, Boon S. Ooi,
and M. Zahed Mustafa Khan
Abstract: Visible light laser diodes are now being considered as the solution for simultaneous
illumination and communication, thanks to their high quantum efficiency and data transmission capacity
compared to LEDs. In this work, we intend to improve the laser quality via cost-effective and energy
efficient self- injection locking scheme rather than external locking, enabling high data rate visible light
communication, and thus addressing future green communication and internet connectivity as well as
efficient illumination for a sustainable global society. In particular, effect of optical feedback from a
partially reflective mirror on the device performance is characterized for green lasers. Our preliminary
results have shown linewidth reduction and modulation bandwidth enhancement in all the lasers; the
two key parameters that enables high speed communication.
Biography: Md. Hosne Mobarok Shamim received his B.Sc. in EEE degree from
Islamic University of Technology (IUT), a subsidiary organ of the Organization of
Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is currently a full-time M.S
student at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran,
Saudi Arabia. His research interest includes visible light communication, solid state
lighting, photonics and optical communication.
14 | P a g e 5th KAUST-KFUPM Photonics Workshop (on theory and experimental implementation of optical wireless communications)
AFTERNOON SESSION
Underwater Wireless Communication – Experiments and Channel
Modeling
Hassan Makine Oubei, Emna Zedini, Rami T. ElAfandy, Abla Kammoun, Mohamed Abdallah,
Tien Khee Ng, Mounir Hamdi, Mohamed-Slim Alouini, and Boon S. Ooi
Abstract: The reliability of underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) systems is highly
affected by underwater optical turbulence (UOT). UOT is the result of several phenomena including
temperature fluctuations, salinity variations as well as the presence of air bubbles in seawater that
affects the propagation of optical signals. Statistically modeling and charactering the optical channels is
very crucial. We use the Exponential-Generalized Gamma (EGG) statistical distribution to describe laser
beam scintillations in fresh and salty water channels of different turbulence conditions. The EGG
distribution perfectly fits the measured data under all channel conditions emulated.
Biography: Hassan M. Oubei is a researcher at King Abdullah University of
Science and Technology (KAUST). His research interest includes underwater
wireless optical communication systems, underwater channel modeling,
indoor/outdoor visible light communication & illumination systems.
15 | P a g e 5th KAUST-KFUPM Photonics Workshop (on theory and experimental implementation of optical wireless communications)
AFTERNOON SESSION
Wireless Optical Underwater Video System
Abdullah Al-Halafi, Hassan Makine Oubei, Boon S. Ooi, and Basem Shihada
Abstract: We experimentally demonstrate high-quality real-time video streaming over an underwater
wireless optical communication (UWOC) link up to 5 m distance using phase-shift keying (PSK) modulation
and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) schemes. The communication system uses software defined
platforms connected to a commercial TO-9 packaged pigtailed 520 nm directly modulated laser diode (LD)
with 1.2 GHz bandwidth as the optical transmitter and an avalanche photodiode (APD) module as the
receiver. To simulate various underwater channels, we perform laboratory experiments on clear, coastal,
harbor I, and harbor II ocean water types. The measured bit error rates of the received video streams are 1.0
x 10-9 for QPSK, 4-QAM, and 8-QAM and 9.9 x 10-9 for 8-PSK. We further evaluate the quality of the received
live video images using structural similarity and achieve values of about 0.9 for the first three water types,
and about 0.7 for harbor II. To the best of our knowledge, these results present the highest quality video
streaming ever achieved in UWOC systems that resemble communication channels in real ocean water
environments.
Biography: Abdullah Al-Halafi received his B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from King
Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia, in 2003 and his
M.Sc. in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from the University of Glasgow
(Scotland, UK) in 2006. Currently, he is pursuing his PhD. At King Abdullah University of
Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia. Prior to KAUST, he worked on
engineering design and projects management of various large scale communications
and control systems projects at SABIC, ABB, and Saudi Aramco, Saudi Arabia. His
research interests include underwater wireless optical networks, wireless sensor
networks, and queuing systems.
16 | P a g e 5th KAUST-KFUPM Photonics Workshop (on theory and experimental implementation of optical wireless communications)
AFTERNOON SESSION
Semi-polar GaN Laser and Superluminescent Diodes for White Light
Communications
Chao Shen, Changmin Lee, John T. Leonard, Arash Pourhashemi, Tien Khee Ng, Shuji Nakamura,
James S. Speck, Steven P. DenBaars, Ahmed Y. Alyamani, Munir M. El-Desouki, and Boon S. Ooi
Abstract: The unregulated visible light spectrum has recently been harnessed for energy-efficient, ultra-large
bandwidth, and secure data transmission. For advancing the high-power, high-speed light-emitter
architecture, compact and energy saving laser-diode based devices are attractive for free-space and
underwater visible light communication (VLC), in place of LEDs. The presentation features our recent
investigations: 1) A small footprint integrated waveguide-modulator / laser-diode (IWM-LD) on �2021� semipolar GaN substrate, showing a high modulation efficiency of 2.68 dB/V and a -3dB bandwidth of ~1 GHz.
2) Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) based on nonpolar InGaN/GaN quantum-wells and a tunnel-
junction intracavity contact for VLC. 3) A semipolar InGaN-based blue-emitting super luminescent diode (SLD)
as a droop-free and speckle-free light source, combining the advantages of both LEDs and LDs. 4) Novel
single-crystal YAG and perovskite based phosphor material for white light VLC. The design, fabrication, and
characterization of III-nitride laser based photonic integration and emerging color converters for lighting and
data communication will be discussed. The results suggest that the laser-based solution is a promising
approach towards next generation high-brightness smart lighting and high-speed visible-light
communications.
Biography: Chao Shen is currently a researcher at KAUST Photonics Laboratory. He is
also with KACST Technology Innovation Center (TIC) for solid-state lighting at KAUST.
Currently, he has co-authored 20 journal papers, including Optics Express, Optics
Letters, ACS Photonics, Nano Letters, etc. In addition, he published 20 conference
papers, such as IEDM, CLEO, IPC, and ICNS, and has five US patents pending. He
received PhD in Electrical Engineering at KAUST and BSc. in Materials Physics at
Fudan University. Chao is a member of IEEE Photonics Society, IEEE Electron Device
Society, OSA and SPIE. His research interests include III-nitride laser diodes, GaN
optoelectronics, laser based solid-state lighting, visible light communication,
underwater wireless optical communication, photonic integrated circuits, micro-LEDs, and VCSELs.