Dr. Mark Harrison
Website: https://harrison-lab.com
College: Fowler School of Engineering
Overview of scholarly research/creative activity:
Dr. Harrison's research is focused on designing integrated photonic devices for logic circuits used in optical computing. He is also working to improve a compact fiber-optic stress sensor for use in biomedical settings. His team uses high-powered simulations and hands-on experiments in a well-equipped laser lab.
Specific projects working on:
The primary project new students will work on is the fiber-optic stress sensor. This device is part of a new line of research in Dr. Harrison’s lab. Students working on this project will re-build and verify the stress sensor. This will involve a lot of hands-on work and engineering, including design of test fixtures using 3D printing and machining tools. Testing will be conducted in the laser lab using optical fiber and infrared laser systems on non-biological test samples. Specifically, this means creating stress-strain curves of squishy polymer samples by compressing them and measuring them with the stress sensor. Later work will involve layout of a photonic integrated circuit using a process design kit and experimental testing. This will involve the use of computer-aided design tools and interfacing with a commercial photonics foundry for fabrication of samples.
Students working on this project will have an opportunity to learn about lasers, optical waveguides, optical physics, mechanical characterization of materials, and photonic fabrication. The work is cross-disciplinary, so it is not expected that any one student will possess skills in all these areas. Necessary training will be provided, and students will work as part of a small team. Curiosity and a desire to learn and understand more about the research topics are highly valued character traits for student workers in the group.
Number of students looking to work with:
1-2
When students are needed:
Fall 2023
Interterm 2024
Spring 2024
Summer 2024
What students need to work with Dr. Harrison:
No specific requirements, but helpful if you have had some physics courses and some circuits courses. Must be willing to learn and able to commit to regular progress updates.
What students would be doing:
- 3D design and manufacture (3D printing, CNC machining)
- lab experiments with optical fiber and PDMS
- computer-aided layout of photonic circuits
- design and manufacture of PCB
Time commitment for students:
- one-on-one meeting once/week (30 min) with Dr. Harrison
- Lab group meeting every other week
- at least 5 hours/week work on project (including meetings)
- ideally (not required) commitment to work for at least 1 year
Additional information:
I like to encourage students to consider working with me for at least one year. This allows them to really dig into the details of the project and learn more about research. Additionally, summer is typically the most productive time for undergraduate researchers where they make the most progress.