Photonics and Electronics Setup Development
As part of my doctoral research, I built and calibrated a free-space Michelson interferometer to detect nanometer-scale vibrations. I incorporated optical path stabilization using a piezoelectrically controlled mirror and a PID module.
Tools used: lasers, optical diodes, objectives, polarizing beam splitters, quarter- and half-wave plates, collimating lenses, photodetectors.
I also developed an ultrasensitive electrical detection system based on piezoresistivity.
Tools used: lock-in amplifiers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and spectrum/network analyzers.
Nonlinear Nanomechanical Resonators
Nanomechanical sensors, such as nanometer-scale cantilevers and beams, are capable of detecting tiny physical and biological signals, such as single ppm concentrations of gases, movement of bacteria etc. However, the physics of nanometer scale devices can be highly nonlinear, and it is important to characterize and understand these nonlinearities in order to improve the sensing resolution and accuracy.
Non-Newtonian Fluid Sensing (Rheology)
I was a graduate intern with the Sensors Development Team at Aramco Americas Research Center in Houston, TX.
During oil drilling, it is necessary to measure the properties of the drilling fluid — such as density and viscosity — to monitor the drilling process and ensure optimal performance and safety.
Using custom-designed vibrational and rotational viscometers, I developed a sensing platform to track shear-rate-dependent viscosity in real time, showing improved sensing speed and precision. We are currently filing a patent based on this work.
Multiphysics Modeling of
Electrothermal Nanotransducers
Electrothermal actuators convert an electrical signal into a mechanical one via the Joule heating effect. They are crucial components in many devices, from nanometer-scale resonators to mesoscale soft robots. I developed a 3-D model in COMSOL® that computes the thermal and mechanical responses of a nano-transducer, along with its performance parameters when immersed in fluids. These results were validated experimentally.
High-temperature Superconductors (HTS)
HTS are capable of reaching zero electrical resistance and providing strong electromagnetic fields, making these materials useful in nuclear fusion and quantum computing. However, it is a challenge to keep them in their superconductive (zero resistance) state. At Brookhaven Technology Group, I worked on the experimental and numerical aspects of a novel, stacked-design of HTS that allows for current sharing between filaments, resulting in higher resistance to quench and better electrical stability.
Physics-informed AI for Nonlinear Systems
Many phenomena are naturally nonlinear: from stock market fluctuations to heartbeats. The nonlinearity can arise from high-order physical and biological sources. Nonlinear phenomena are complex to characterize, but can be helpful for applications if leveraged appropriately. Here, I use a machine-learning approach called SINDy (Sparse identification of nonlinear dynamics) to extract interpretable dynamic equations from nonlinear nanomechanical resonator signals. This work has received generous funding support from the BUnano Cross-disciplinary fellowship.