Sanjay Krishna – Semiconductor Infrared Detectors – Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Sanjay Krishna’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in physics, earning a B.Sc (Hons) from S.S.I.H.L Bangalore in 1994. His passion for scientific discovery led him to obtain an M.Sc in Physics from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras in 1996. Expanding his expertise, he pursued graduate studies in Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, earning an M.S. in 1999 and a Ph.D. in 2001. These formative years provided him with a deep understanding of physics, semiconductor technology, and optoelectronics, setting the stage for his groundbreaking work in Semiconductor Infrared Detectors.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Krishna has established himself as a leader in the field of Semiconductor Infrared Detectors, holding prestigious academic and industry positions. Since 2017, he has served as the George R. Smith Chair Professor at Ohio State University’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. His role as Graduate Chair of the ECE Department (2023-Present) further highlights his influence in shaping the next generation of engineers. Additionally, he has played a crucial role in technology commercialization, co-founding SK Infrared and serving as CTO to develop infrared detector applications for defense and commercial markets. His extensive collaborations with universities, industry leaders, and the U.S. Department of Defense have positioned him as a key figure in infrared technology innovation.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

A central focus of Prof. Krishna’s research has been Semiconductor Infrared Detectors, particularly in advancing Type-II Superlattice (T2SL) detectors. His pioneering work includes the development of SLS nBn detectors (Rodriquez et al, APL, 2007) and dual-band SLS nBn detectors (Khoshakhlagh et al, APL, 2007). His expertise spans low-noise avalanche photodetectors, LIDAR technologies, and bandstructure-engineered photodiodes for space applications. His groundbreaking contributions have led to major funded projects, including the Low Excess-Noise Avalanche Photodetectors (LEAPS) project ($3M) and the NASA BETA-APD for space LIDAR ($1.2M). His research has revolutionized the efficiency and performance of Semiconductor Infrared Detectors, making them more reliable and applicable across various fields.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Krishna’s impact extends far beyond academia. He has received over $14M in research funding since joining Ohio State in 2017, reflecting the significance of his contributions. His leadership in setting up Ohio State’s Nanotech West user facility and his role as Director of the University of New Mexico’s Center for High Tech Materials (2013-2016) have been instrumental in advancing semiconductor research. His collaborations with NASA, the Office of Naval Research, and major defense contractors have positioned him at the forefront of infrared sensing technology. His innovations have influenced industry standards, shaping the future of Semiconductor Infrared Detectors for military, space, and commercial applications.

🏆Academic Cites

With over 400 publications, more than 16,000 citations, and an H-index of 62, Prof. Krishna’s research is widely recognized in the scientific community. His highly cited papers in journals like Nature Photonics and Applied Physics Letters underscore the lasting impact of his work. Notably, his paper on Terahertz Compressive Imaging (Watts et al., Nature Photonics, 2014) has over 920 citations, demonstrating its influence on imaging technology. His extensive contributions to Semiconductor Infrared Detectors are foundational for future advancements in this rapidly evolving field.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Krishna’s legacy is deeply rooted in innovation, mentorship, and commercialization. As a Fellow of SPIE, IEEE, and the Optical Society of America, his leadership is widely acknowledged. His accolades, including the IEEE Photonics Society Aron Kressel Award (2020) and SPIE Technology Achievement Award (2020), highlight his contributions to optoelectronics and sensor technology. Looking ahead, he aims to further integrate machine learning with infrared imaging, enhance detector performance, and develop next-generation quantum dot photodetectors. His efforts in entrepreneurship and academia will continue to drive advancements in Semiconductor Infrared Detectors, ensuring his contributions remain a cornerstone of infrared sensing technology.

📝Semiconductor Infrared Detectors

Prof. Krishna’s groundbreaking research in semiconductor infrared detectors has led to key advancements in quantum dot infrared photodetectors and superlattice-based sensing technologies. His future work will continue to revolutionize the field of semiconductor infrared detectors, paving the way for next-generation sensing and imaging solutions.

Notable Publication


📝Enhanced UV–Vis Rejection Ratio in Metal/BaTiO3/β-Ga2O3 Solar-Blind Photodetectors

Authors: Wriedt, N., Meng, L., Yu, D., McGlone, J.F., Rajan, S.

Journal: Advanced Electronic Materials

Year: 2025

Citations: 1


📝Low Excess Noise and High Quantum Efficiency Avalanche Photodiodes for Beyond 2 µm Wavelength Detection

Authors: Jung, H., Lee, S., Jin, X., David, J.P., Krishna, S.S.R.

Journal: Communications Materials

Year: 2024

Citations: 1


📝Electroabsorption in InGaAs and GaAsSb p-i-n Photodiodes

Authors: Liu, Y., Jin, X., Jung, H., Krishna, S.S.R., David, J.P.

Journal: Applied Physics Letters

Year: 2024

Citations: 0


📝Active Interface Characteristics of Heterogeneously Integrated GaAsSb/Si Photodiodes

Authors: Muduli, M., Xia, Y., Lee, S., Arafin, S., Krishna, S.S.R.

Journal: Applied Physics Letters

Year: 2024

Citations: 0


📝Structural and Electrical Properties of Grafted Si/GaAsSb Heterojunction

Authors: Abbasi, H.N., Lee, S., Jung, H., Ma, Z., Krishna, S.S.R.

Journal: Applied Physics Letters

Year: 2024

Citations: 4


📝Infrared Barrier Detectors with Metamorphic InAsSb Absorbers on GaAs Substrates

Authors: Gawron, W., Madejczyk, P., Martyniuk, P.M., Krishna, S.S.R.

Journal: IEEE Sensors Journal

Year: 2024

Citations: 1


📝Digital Alloy-Grown InAs/GaAs Short-Period Superlattices with Tunable Band Gaps for Short-Wavelength Infrared Photodetection

Authors: Guo, B., Liang, B., Zheng, J., Ghosh, A.W., Campbell, J.C.

Journal: ACS Photonics

Year: 2024

Citations: 3

Ziyuan Liu | Spectroscopy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ziyuan Liu | Spectroscopy | Best Researcher Award 

Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University | China

AUTHOR PROFILE

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Ziyuan Liu's academic journey began at Changchun University of Science and Technology, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Optoelectronic Technology from 2011 to 2015. He continued his studies at the same university, pursuing a Ph.D. in optics, which he completed in December 2021. This solid academic foundation set the stage for his future contributions to the field of optics and materials science.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

In January 2022, Dr. Liu joined Zhejiang A & F University as a lecturer. His professional career has been marked by a strong focus on research and teaching in advanced optical technologies. He has developed a robust portfolio of research, particularly in the areas of material detection using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman Spectroscopy, the fabrication and characterization of micro-nano structures with femtosecond lasers, and advancements in machine vision and machine learning.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Dr. Liu's research has led to significant advancements in the field of optics. He has focused on material detection using Spectroscopy, specifically LIBS and Raman Spectroscopy. His work on the temperature-dependent wetting characteristics of micro-nano structured metal surfaces formed by femtosecond lasers has been published in the Journal of Materials Science. He has also investigated the effects of frost formation on the ice adhesion of micro-nano structure metal surfaces, contributing valuable insights published in the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Liu's research has had a profound impact on the understanding and practical applications of Spectroscopy and micro-nano structures. His work on anisotropic ice adhesion of micro-nano structured metal surfaces using femtosecond lasers has been recognized in Langmuir. His innovative approach to the small-sample stacking model for qualitative analysis of aluminum alloys using femtosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy was published in Optics Express. Additionally, his contributions to Fourier ptychographic layer-based imaging of hazy environments were featured in Results in Physics.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS

Dr. Liu's research has been widely cited in academic circles, reflecting the high regard in which his work is held. His studies on Spectroscopy and micro-nano structures have garnered significant attention, leading to a deeper theoretical understanding and practical advancements in these fields. His extensive publication record includes 17 papers, highlighting his substantial contributions to optical technology and material science.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Liu's legacy in the field of optics and materials science is marked by his dedication to advancing the frontiers of knowledge through rigorous research and innovative applications. His future contributions are expected to further enhance the capabilities of Spectroscopy, particularly in the detection and analysis of materials. As a lecturer and researcher, Dr. Liu continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of scientists, ensuring a lasting impact on the field.

SPECTROSCOPY 

Dr. Liu's work prominently features the keywords Spectroscopy, femtosecond lasers, and micro-nano structures. His research in Spectroscopy has led to significant advancements in material detection and analysis, showcasing the critical role of this technology in modern science. The integration of femtosecond lasers in his work has enabled precise fabrication and characterization of micro-nano structures, further demonstrating the innovative nature of his research.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Bienvenu Mbanga | Spectroscopy | Innovation in Atomic Research Award

Dr. Bienvenu Mbanga | Spectroscopy | Innovation in Atomic Research Award 

Nelson Mandela University | South Africa 

AUTHOR PROFILE

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Bienvenu Mbanga began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Africa in 2013, majoring in Chemistry and Mathematics, with additional studies in Physics, Statistics, and English. He furthered his education with a BSc Honours in Chemistry from the University of Johannesburg in 2014, focusing on Analytical Chemistry with a mini dissertation on leachate characterization for pollution assessment. He continued his studies at the University of Johannesburg, earning a Master’s degree in Chemistry in 2016, where he conducted research on the provenance determination of rooibos tea using stable isotope ratio analysis. In 2021, he completed his PhD in Chemistry at the same institution, specializing in the collection and analysis of water samples, development of nanomaterials, and identifying their chemical compositions and properties.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Mbanga’s professional career is marked by several key positions. He currently serves as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Nelson Mandela University since February 2022. His responsibilities include the collection and analysis of agricultural waste and wastewater samples, preparation and characterization of novel nanomaterials, manuscript writing, lab management, and development of new water treatment techniques. Prior to this, he worked as a teacher at Union High School and a Chemistry Facilitator at Glenvista High School, where he was involved in overseeing academic activities and providing guidance to students. Additionally, he served as a Research Assistant at the University of Johannesburg, where he gained extensive experience in water sample collection, nanomaterial development, and analytical techniques.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Dr. Mbanga’s research focuses on the development of nanomaterials and their practical applications, particularly in water treatment. His work involves using spectroscopy to identify the chemical compositions and properties of these materials. His contributions include innovative approaches to avoid secondary pollution in water treatment processes and the preparation of novel nanomaterials. Dr. Mbanga’s research has significant implications for environmental sustainability and pollution control.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Mbanga’s contributions to the field of nanomaterials and water treatment have had a notable impact on environmental science. His expertise in spectroscopy has allowed him to develop advanced methods for analyzing and improving water quality. His work has been recognized with several awards and honors, including being selected as a judge for the third Commonwealth Chemistry poster competition, among the 100 brightest minds in Africa, and a Scimart Africa mentee.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS

Dr. Mbanga’s research has been widely cited in scientific literature, demonstrating his influence in the field of chemistry and nanomaterials. His work on spectroscopy and its applications in environmental science has been referenced by numerous researchers, reflecting the importance and relevance of his findings.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Mbanga’s legacy lies in his significant contributions to the development of nanomaterials and their applications in environmental science. His future work is expected to continue advancing the field, particularly in the use of spectroscopy for water treatment and pollution control. His dedication to academic excellence and research innovation ensures that his contributions will have a lasting impact on the scientific community and environmental sustainability.

SPECTROSCOPY 

Dr. Mbanga’s research prominently features the keywords spectroscopy, nanomaterials, and water treatment. His focus on spectroscopy techniques is central to his work, highlighting the critical role this concept plays in his research. The integration of these keywords underscores the importance of spectroscopy in advancing our understanding and application of nanomaterials in environmental science.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION