When two individuals unlock the power of collaboration, the results are enlightening.

As part of the University of Delaware’s Summer Scholars Program, third-year honors students Nora Charles and G. Pennisi developed an automated test setup for photonic chips, light-powered devices that act as a substitute for electricity. While experimenting with these innovative technologies, the students learned how to shine brighter by working as a team.

Due to the directional and often difficult nature of light, photonics require a precise mechanism to align the light pattern with the chip. Once aligned, the chips operate at higher speeds and frequencies than traditional electric devices, driving innovation in data transfer processes. From cell phones to spacecraft, photonics represent the future of how we power and connect the world around us.

"Photonic integrated circuit design is at the forefront of semiconductor research and innovation," said Vishal Saxena, professor for the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and faculty mentor for Charles and Pennisi. "Photonic links enabled by these chips help transport significant amounts of data for cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure, which form the backbone of modern internet."

Simultaneously, the students’ research shined a light on the importance of collaboration in the research field. Charles and Pennisi originally were lab partners in the classroom, but it wasn’t until this past summer that they recognized the value in working as a team. From spending hours tirelessly entering code, to celebrating when a problem was solved, the pair stuck together through both the dim times and the lightbulb moments. As they progress toward graduation and beyond, Charles and Pennisi have a glowing future ahead.

Q: How would you describe your research to someone who may not be familiar with photonics?

Pennisi: Essentially, electricity has a cap at which how much data it can transfer, but light doesn't. Scientists want to start using light-powered devices, called photonics, instead of electricity, because that way information can be transmitted much quicker and at a higher capacity. 

For our research, Nora and I were trying to guide a source of light into a small photonic chip. Light is not as easy to work with as electricity — if you just give electricity a pathway, it will follow it. But with light, you have to direct it, which makes things a lot more complicated. So we had to spend time lining up the light source with the chip to get it right. 

Once it's lined up properly, the light source powers the chip, so you can use the chip for whatever you want. These types of chips are in everything — refrigerators, phones, even cars. Once you have the chip, your options are limitless.

Q: What kind of knowledge and skills did your research give you that you can apply to a future career?

Charles: Definitely the collaboration aspect. I'm not the best at coding, especially compared to G, who is phenomenal. When I saw the research would involve coding, I panicked because that is not my strong suit. But when I realized that G could focus on the coding, and I could focus on the hardware, we were able to complete the project at a faster rate. We both recognized how to play to our strengths and weaknesses as a team. 

Q: How did your research fuel your passion for being a Hengineer?

Pennisi: This was only the beginning! This project has blown up my love for engineering and reminded me that there are people, like Nora, who I can really get along with in the field. I am always going to be interested in engineering, but I love when I am able to find others who share the same passions.

Charles: I definitely agree. Before the research, G and I were lab partners, so we already had a connection. Working together fueled our friendship even more. I'm always thankful that G was my partner for this, because everything felt easier. Sometimes when we were stressed out, we just talked for a little bit about something unrelated, and then went back to work. 

Q: Did you have any exciting moments/discoveries during your research?

Pennisi: When we got the code to run and were able to move the chip around — that was definitely the standout moment. The feeling was immeasurable.

Charles: Yes, that! Another great moment was when we faced the chip the right way. Setting that up took three hours, and when it worked I screamed “G, I got it!” — we were just so happy. Things like that are so much fun, because we work on problems like that for weeks. When we finally figure it out, everyone in the lab surely knows.

Q: What would you say to a prospective student looking to explore this field?

Pennisi: In high school, I had no perception of what engineering could entail as a career. If you are a student interested in engineering, but feel apprehensive, your wildest dreams are going to be blown — trust me. So take a risk, you'll figure it all out. 

Charles: When I came to UD, I was engineering undeclared. I thought I was going to choose mechanical because I didn't have a full understanding about the other fields. I would tell a student to do lots of research on different engineering majors, especially electrical engineering. It's very broad, and it's very interesting, but not a lot of people know about it. That's why our department is small.

Q: What is your dream job after graduating from UD?

Charles: I want to work in the energy sector, with a focus on sustainable energy. I've always been interested in how engineering, specifically electrical, could intersect with sustainability. Especially with the rise in climate concerns, I want to be the change and help make our world a better place. 

Pennisi: I really want to send something up into space — maybe develop and program a circuit board for a rocket. Researchers have discovered less than 1% of space. There’s so much out there waiting to be explored.