Q&A with Philippe Arsenault

What project are you working on?

I am currently working on electronics in photonics platform to control micro-ring resonators inside the photonics itself. The solution is not only implementing analog transistor but digital gates aswell. Doing so, you can synthesize behavioral code into a digital core using opensource tools.

What problem(s) are you aiming to address through your research?

I want to address an accessibility problem. On one hand, reduce the interconnectivity strain between an electronic control chip and a silicon photonics circuit by implementing monolithic electronics. The second accessibility problem is the cost barrier of standard monolithic technology. Using a zero-change silicon photonics foundry makes my monolithic electronics more accessible to researchers.

What inspired you to pursue this program of study?

NUCLEUS program was a way for me to build connections with other students interested in the same subject as I across Canada. It also permit us student to learn beyond the traditional student role and prepares us for the next steps of our career. NUCLEUS program also helps students by providing funding which helps alleviate the financial pressure of the graduate program often put on the young generation.