Silicon Microphotonics is a platform for the large scale integration of CMOS electronics with photonic components. This course will evaluate the most promising silicon optical components and the path to electronic-photonic integration. The subjects will be presented in two parts: 1) Context: a review of optical interconnection and the enabling solutions that arise from integrating optical and electronic devices at a micron-scale, using thin film processing; and 2) Technology: case studies in High Index Contrast design for silicon-based waveguides, filters, photodetectors, modulators, laser devices, and an application-specific opto-electronic circuit. The course objective is an overview of the silicon microphotonic platform drivers and barriers in design or fabrication.

Silicon Photovoltaics (PV) compose the workhorse materials platform for contemporary solar cell devices, but their performance Figure-of-Merit (in Watts/$) underscores the compromised impact of this technology as an alternate energy solution. This course will cover 3rd Generation approaches to improving conversion efficiency and materials processing cost and manufacturing yield to create a more cost-competitive industry. The subjects will be presented in two parts: 1) Context and Limitations: a brief review of 1st and 2nd Generation Si PV, the Shockley-Queisser fundamental limit, and manufacturing constraints; and 2) Technology Solutions: 3rd Generation case studies in spectrum management, concentrator PV, tandem multi-junctions, spectral splitting, intermediate band-gap doping, defect and substrate engineering, and recent "green photonic" solutions to manipulate the flow of incident light using waveguide or sub-wavelength structures. The course objective is a modernized overview of the silicon photovoltaic platform drivers and barriers to efficient design or fabrication.