Research | My Site

Energy-Efficient Neuromorphic Acceleration

This study introduces a 3D heterogeneously integrated electronic-photonic neuromorphic computing architecture that emulates biologically inspired synaptic plasticity and hierarchical learning with exceptional energy efficiency and scalability. The system utilizes optical frequency combs, metaphotonic metalenses, and sophisticated chalcogenide materials to achieve a 1000-fold improvement in synaptic connection and a 100-fold reduction in energy consumption compared to CMOS-based solutions. This platform, integrated with a real-time EPIC simulator, connects neuroscience with next-generation AI technology, facilitating advancements in ultra-efficient brain-inspired computing.

https://innovate.research.ufl.edu/2025/05/15/3d-optical-packaging-for-next-gen-ai-chips/

High-Density : Photonics Integrated Circuits

This research is centered on developing advanced Photonics Integrated Circuits (PICs) using Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), aiming to enhance the density of these circuits by tenfold. By exploiting the unique properties of GaAs, the project seeks to significantly improve the efficiency, speed, and compactness of PICs. This tenfold increase in density has the potential to revolutionize telecommunications and computing, offering a pathway to highly advanced, efficient, and miniaturized optical technologies.

https://innovate.research.ufl.edu/2025/04/09/dalir-chip-nswc/

Enhancing Optical Computing Performance through Advanced Fourier Optics Techniques

The innovative application of advanced Fourier optics in optical communications and computing. By leveraging the 4f system, the research aims to achieve high-efficiency optical processing and communication through the development and optimization of Fourier optics convolution, hash encryption techniques, and orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing. The research investigates the integration of post-quantum hashing algorithms with the 4f system for secure and efficient optical hash encryption, as well as the utilization of OAM beams for high-capacity data transmission in free-space optical communications. This research also explores the potential of using metasurfaces for constructing advanced integrated optical neural network acceleration systems, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in optical computing and machine learning. This pioneering approach has the potential to revolutionize optical communications and computing, unlocking new possibilities for secure solutions .

https://news.ece.ufl.edu/2024/03/22/dalir-nature-communications/

Next-Generation Oilwell Monitoring Devices

The project’s first phase will investigate how environmental conditions and engineered defects affect acoustic signal behavior in cemented well structures. Using model samples and state-of-the-art data acquisition systems, the team will generate critical insights into how acoustic waves interact with subsurface materials. Field testing is planned for later this year to validate laboratory findings.

This work is part of a broader collaboration focused on next-generation sensing technologies for subsurface monitoring, including the development of high-sensitivity CO₂ sensors for geological carbon storage. Through joint experiments at AEC facilities, students and researchers are building a strong foundation for future efforts in sensor miniaturization and advanced modeling.

The collaborative effort integrates innovations in acoustic and nano-sensing systems for real-time, long-term monitoring of subsurface conditions. These technologies are designed to support safe and efficient underground storage of gases like CO₂ and hydrogen, while also providing crucial tools for detecting fugitive emissions in industrial and environmental settings.

https://news.ece.ufl.edu/2025/01/03/dalir-receives-funding-to-develop-next-generation-oilwell-monitoring-devices/

Highlighted Research Grants

2025

NASA STTR — Proposal Number: T8.06-1002 — Quantum Sensing/Measurement and Communication: High-Speed Photonic Integrated Analyzer for Unconditionally Entangled and Noise Squeezed Quantum States (Incoming Award)
3D Densely Integrated Optical Routing Array — (Jun 18 2025 – Mar 10 2028)
Boosting Photonic Computing Efficiency with Photonic Memory and Advanced ADC/DAC Integration — (Mar 28 2025 – Mar 31 2028)
DURIP Scanning Microwave Impedance Microscopy for Memory Assurance (SMIM) — (Feb 18 2025 – Feb 28 2026)
Advanced Photonic Connector Technology for Next-Generation Microelectronic Systems — L3Harris (Jan 1 2025 – Jan 1 2026)

2024

Acoustic Method for Decadal Monitoring of P&A Wells — (Dec 19 2024 – Aug 31 2025)
High Speed Optical Neural Network Hardware Accelerator using Adiabatic Elimination-based ITO Optical Logic Gates — (Dec 6 2024 – Dec 31 2025)
Efficient COTS Gas Sensors for Hazardous and Harsh Environmental Monitoring —(Nov 7 2024 – Jun 30 2025)
In-Kind Donation — Midas Immersion Cooling — Advanced immersion cooling equipment (~$227,540 value) to UF FSI (Jul 3 2024)

2023

Heterogeneous Convolution ASIC for AI Acceleration (HelCat) — (Jun 27 2023 – Jun 30 2026)

2022

Towards 1000G Optical Transceiver based on Emerging Monolithic Integrated Photonics — AFWERX (Jul 1 2022 – May 31 2023)

2021

Electro-Optic-Absorption Modulator (EOAM) — USAF (Sep 30 2021 – Sep 29 2023)
Record-SWaP Photonic Cognitive System: Photonic Tensor Cores for Spacecraft & Autonomous Systems Data Processing — NASA (May 15 2021 – Nov 19 2021)
Monolithic Photonics for Next Generation High-Speed Links — AFWERX (Feb 19 2021 – May 18 2021)

2020

Hexagonal Transverse Coupled Cavity VCSEL Redefining the High-Speed Lasers — US Navy (Sep 11 2020 – Mar 15 2021)
High-frequency and Low-power Continuous Monitoring of Tissue-level Biochemistries — AFWERX (May 1 2020 – Aug 31 2021)

2019

GHz Fast Multiplexed OAM Generation and Detection — US Navy (Oct 21 2019 – Apr 21 2020)
Monolithic Slow Light Enhanced Chip-Integrated Absorption Spectrometer (3–15 µm) — Army Research Office (Sep 2 2019 – Oct 31 2020)
Compressed Sensing Fourier Transform Spectroscopy on VCSEL Platform — USAF (Aug 2 2019 – Aug 2 2020)
Photonic Convolutional Processor for Network Edge-Computing — ONR EW S&T (Jul 1 2019 – Jun 1 2022)
Integrated Ultra-High Performance Graphene Optical Modulator — USAF (Feb 15 2019 – Feb 15 2020)
Toward Ultra-Dense Integrated Plasmonic Circuits — USAF (Jan 25 2019 – Jan 25 2021)

2018

Flash Drive Integrated Label Free Silicon Nano-Photonic Bio-Assays for Space Station Bio-Diagnostics — NASA (Jul 27 2018 – Aug 26 2019)
Monolithically Integrated TCC VCSELs with Surface-Normal 2D Slow-Light PC Waveguide Arrays — NASA (Jul 27 2018 – Feb 15 2019)
MWIR InAsSb APD Receiver for LiDAR — AFOSR (Jan 1 2018 – Sep 30 2018)

2017

Toward Ultra-Dense Integrated Plasmonic Circuits — USAF (Sep 14 2017 – Dec 14 2017)
Toward Transverse Coupled Cavity VCSEL — Broadcom (Sep 1 2017 – Aug 1 2018)