Kent D. Choquette

Kent D. Choquette is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and leads the Photonic Device Research Group. His work focuses on vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), photonic crystal light sources, nanofabrication technologies, and hybrid photonic integration. He pioneered oxide-confined VCSELs at Sandia National Laboratories (1993-2000) and AT&T Bell Laboratories (postdoctoral 1990-1992).

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison (1990)
• B.S. in Engineering Physics and Applied Mathematics, University of Colorado-Boulder

His research spans semiconductor photonic devices, with emphasis on VCSELs, photonic crystals, and heterogeneous integration. Notable projects include parity-time (PT) symmetric laser arrays for data centers and opto-fluidic microsystems for healthcare/chemical sensing. His group explores quantum optics, nanostructured devices, and high-speed optical interconnects.

Recent publications analyze PT symmetry in VCSEL arrays, coherence in coupled systems, and non-Hermitian dynamics. Awards include the IEEE/OSA/SPIE Fellowships, 2008 IEEE Engineering Achievement Award, 2012 Holonyak Award, and 2016 SPIE Technology Achievement Award. He held editorial roles at multiple IEEE journals and leadership positions in the IEEE Photonics Society.

At Illinois, Choquette teaches undergraduate courses on solid-state device physics (ECE304) and photonics labs (ECE495). Graduate courses include compound semiconductors (ECE532), quantum optoelectronics (ECE572), and nanophotonics (ECE574). He has received multiple teaching honors from student evaluations (2008-2019).

The Photonic Device Research Group investigates new VCSEL applications, photonic crystals, and nanophotonic systems. Current projects include increasing data transmission rates through mode control and developing medical/environmental sensors using opto-fluidics. Research is supported by the National Science Foundation and industrial partnerships.