Adam McKenzie is to lead the PCSEL reliability and failure mode KTP between Vector Photonics and the University of Glasgow.
PCSELs are a new class of semiconductor laser. They utilise a 2D grating structure which scatters light linearly and orthogonally. This makes PCSELs the only laser where feedback is in-plane and light emission is out of plane, emanating from the laser’s top surface.
The University of Glasgow has appointed McKenzie as a Research Associate leading its Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project with Vector Photonics. Adam will analyse PCSEL reliability and failure capabilities to inform new product development and accelerate commercialisation. A robust, accelerated life test (ALT) ‘Burn In’ system for PCSELs will be developed and the University of Glasgow’s Kelvin Nano-characterisation Centre (KNC) will provide the facilities for failure mode analysis.
Richard Taylor, CTO at Vector Photonics, said, “Adam brings six years industrial, semiconductor growth and characterisation experience to the project, with expertise in InP and GaAs-based photonic devices. He was most recently a Process Engineer at Sivers Photonics, where he drove MOCVD production, development, and R&D operations. His expertise extends to InP-based overgrowth processes and the development of InGaAsP and AlGaInAs epitaxy.”
Adam is finalising his PhD thesis, “MOVPE Growth for GaAs-Based PCSELs”. This has given him extensive, industrial-based design and characterisation knowledge of PCSEL structures and epitaxial regrowth processes. His research, which was undertaken whilst at Sivers Photonics, was funded by a prestigious Industrial Fellowship from the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 and resulted in a research prize from the IET.
Adam is a registered STEM Ambassador, inspiring the next generation of engineers. Outside of work he plays and listens to music and is learning Japanese.
