Electrical and Computer Engineering Content

Engineers Create Mini Microscope for Real-Time Brain Imaging

Andy Fell — September 12, 2025 - 2:21pm

ɫ��ɫ researchers have created a miniaturized microscope for real-time, high-resolution imaging of brain activity in mice. The device is a significant step toward revolutionizing how neuroscientists study behavior and perception in the brain.

Sunglasses for Plants, and Sustainable Agriculture

Andy Fell — September 08, 2025 - 1:42pm

A multilayer film that reflects heat while letting through light needed for photosynthesis could make greenhouse agriculture more energy- and water-efficient. Such a film has been developed by engineers at the ɫ��ɫ, and is described in a recent paper in Advanced Energy & Sustainability Research.

New Angle Etching Technique for Making Quantum Devices

Andy Fell — January 24, 2025 - 4:40pm

Researchers at the ɫ��ɫ, have demonstrated an angle etching method for fabricating quantum photonic devices at the wafer scale in silicon carbide.

Color centers are the essential hub for photons (particles of light) in quantum devices. They are the components that emit and maintain photons, functioning as a quantum memory bank. However, they are challenging to fabricate, particularly for the industrial development of quantum technology.

ɫ��ɫ Joins New $285 Million CHIPS Semiconductor Research Institute

Andy Fell — December 09, 2024 - 4:40pm

The ɫ��ɫ will be part of a new, $285 million nationwide institute dedicated to advancing research and manufacturing of American semiconductors.

The new institute, known as SMART USA (Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins USA) will develop, validate and use digital twins to improve domestic semiconductor design, manufacturing, advanced packaging, assembly and test processes.

Overcoming the Casimir Force, a Fundamental Limitation in Quantum Tech

Andy Fell — November 21, 2024 - 10:09am

Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Jeremy Munday and his lab have demonstrated a method for controlling the Casimir force, a quantum mechanical effect that draws small objects toward each other. The force can be so strong as to tear components inside a device apart.

New Microscope Offers Faster, High-Resolution Brain Imaging

Andy Fell — August 15, 2024 - 3:33pm

Researchers at ɫ��ɫ have developed a new microscope to capture high-speed images of brain cell activity with less harm to brain tissue. The new approach could be used in research with mice to provide a clearer view of how neurons communicate in real time, leading to new insights into brain function and neurological diseases.

Can Autonomous Vehicles Dream of Electric Traffic?

Andy Fell — August 08, 2024 - 2:10pm

An engineering professor at the ɫ��ɫ, is striving to make autonomous vehicles, or AVs, safer by changing how researchers train them.

According to Professor Junshan Zhang of the ɫ��ɫ Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, AVs struggle when confronted with unforeseen events, such as a car driving on the wrong side of the road.

‘Impossible’ Millimeter Wave Sensor Has Wide Potential

Andy Fell — October 02, 2023 - 9:40am

A millimeter wave radar sensor developed at ɫ��ɫ can detect vibrations a thousand times smaller and movement a hundred times smaller than a strand of human hair.

Silicon Sponge Could Lead to New Photodetectors

Andy Fell — July 28, 2023 - 3:36pm

Photonics, which operate based on particles of light (photons), are increasingly important for applications such as optical communications, connections between electronic and optical networks, and imaging. But silicon, the go-to semiconductor for making electronic chips, is not a great material for photonic applications because it shows poor absorption of near-infrared light compared to other semiconductors such as gallium arsenide. On the other hand, gallium arsenide is difficult to integrate with silicon microelectronics.

Lensless Camera Creates 3D Images From Single Exposure

Andy Fell — September 12, 2022 - 3:34pm

ɫ��ɫ engineers develop a 3D camera using a thin microlens array instead of conventional lenses.