Seminars and Events
CA DREAMS - Technical Seminar Series
Active Photonics for Information Processing, Computing, and Quantum Networking
Event Details
March 13, 2026
Join Zoom Webinar
Passcode: 862998
Host: Steve Crago
POC: Amy Kasmir
We present an active framework for advanced reconfigurable photonic systems that unifies classical and quantum information processing. On an active III-V semiconductor platform, we first demonstrate non-Hermitian topological light steering, enabling robust directional control of topological modes beyond conventional Hermitian constraints. Building on this, we realize co-propagating photonic topological interface states with hybridized pseudo-spins, where strategic non-Hermitian gain control enables tunable mode switching while preserving inherent topological protection. Leveraging this flexible non-Hermitian control, we construct a hybrid III-V/silicon photonic network that exploits non-Hermitian dynamics for reconfigurable, non-blocking switching and networking. Extending this approach to computation, we develop a reconfigurable photonic processor capable of performing both linear and nonlinear optical operations on-chip. Using a lithography-free integration approach, the processor achieves scalable, low-cost fabrication while maintaining high performance. Linear operations, such as matrix multiplication, are combined with field-programmable nonlinear computation functionalities, allowing dynamic implementation of nonlinear functions such as polynomials. This programmability enables in-situ reconfiguration of computational tasks, bridging conventional linear photonic circuits and complex nonlinear optical computing paradigms. Our platform provides a versatile route toward integrated photonic computing, neuromorphic processing, and real-time signal processing, establishing a unified framework for linear and nonlinear operations within a single processor. Finally, we extend active photonics to the quantum domain, demonstrating a classical-decisive quantum internet architecture capable of IP-compatible entanglement distribution over deployed fiber networks. Together, these advances establish a scalable, fault-tolerant platform that bridges topological photonics, non-Hermitian control, and quantum networking, paving the way for high-performance classical and quantum photonic technologies.
Speaker Bio
Liang Feng is a Professor of Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) and Electrical and Systems Engineering (ESE) at the University of Pennsylvania. He received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from UCSD and BS/MS both in Physics from Nanjing University, China. Currently his research interests include integrated photonics, photonic computing/information processing, quantum information science, and optoelectronics. He is an Optica fellow and a recipient of Aspen Institute Italia Award, Sloan Research Fellow, DARPA Director’s Fellowship, etc.This program is open to
all eligible individuals. Information Sciences Institute operates all of its programs and
activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not
determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.