James F. Young

Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Rice University, Houston, Texas

Contact Information

E-Mail: young@ece.rice.edu

Voice: 713-348-4721

Fax: 713-348-5686

Office: Abercrombie Laboratory, Room A206

U.S. Mail: ECE Dept. - MS 366, PO Box 1892, Houston, TX 77251-1892

Delivery: Rice University ECE Dept., Abercrombie A145, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005

Student Appointments: Schedule an advising appointment.

Research Projects

Rice Atmospheric Information Network — RAIN

The goal of the RAIN project is to develop a new approach to weather sensing: a distributed network of many low-cost meteorological sensors. The large spatial and temporal variation of rainfall rate and wind velocity has been a long-standing problem for meteorological and hydrological studies. This program will develop unique sensors using low-power laser beams to measure path-averaged raindrop size distribution, rainfall rate, and wind velocity. The same optical beams will used for communication between nodes to form a sensor network that delivers data, via the Internet, to a central computer. This project is currently being developed by a team of undergraduates. For more information, visit the RAIN Web site.

Fiber Optical Communications

Practical, very high speed networks will be required to support the next generation of information technology applications for business, medical, and industrial needs. Optical links can provide unprecedented communication capacity because of their large, cheap bandwidth. One challenge is to develop practical modulation methods that can use that bandwidth effectively to provide high capacity or to serve many simultaneous users. We have developed (and patented) a sophisticated spectral-domain encoding scheme for multiuser optical networks based on radio-frequency code division multiplexing (spread spectrum) techniques. We have built and tested passive, all-optical encoders and decoders for this system that can operate at arbitary speeds. Simulations show that it is possible to build a compact, rugged, inexpensive integrated photonic waveguide circuit to perform these functions. Details and Publications

Short Wavelength Sources and Applications

My group has been engaged in a comprehensive program of research directed towards improved understanding of the physics of vacuum ultraviolet sources, the application of that knowledge to improve source practicality and accessibility, and the use of those sources for applications. We have applied both incoherent, broad bandwidth, laser-produced plasma sources and coherent sources to microscopic imaging, where short wavelengths can provide improved resolution and contrast with minimum sample preparation. This project is no longer active. Details and Publications

Undergraduate Projects

I am usually directing several undergraduate research projects in diverse, and sometimes strange, areas. (See the RAIN project above.) If you have a project idea relating to lasers or photonics, I can usually supply facilities and academic credit; sometimes I can provide salary, too. Send me an email.

 

Courses

Introduction to Engineering Design - ELEC 201

The Lego robot course: students construct an autonomous robot using Legos, a microprocessor, motors, sensors, etc., and program it to perform simple (and not so simple) functions. The course has no prerequisites and is intended for all majors, all years. Offered Fall Semester.

Lasers and Photonics - ELEC 463

An introduction to laser theory and devices, optical resonators, pulse propagation, optoelectronics, and photonic devices. Offered Spring Semester.

Photonic Sensor System Design - ELEC 464

Development of the principles and physics of using light to monitor an environment, a process, a life form, a divice, or a system. Includes a team-based design project. Under development for Fall 2005. To receive Design credit for the BSEE degree, you must also enroll in ELEC 493 (Fall) and ELEC 494 (Spring).

Biography

Dr. Young received the B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1965 and 1966, and the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University in 1970. In 1975 he was appointed Research Professor of Electrical Engineering at Stanford University, and taught graduate courses in lasers, directed graduate student research, advised undergraduates, and served in several administrative capacities. His research topics included optical parametric oscillators, nonlinear optics in crystals and vapors, infrared image upconversion, and the development of unique laser sources, including femtosecond, terawatt lasers. He joined the Rice University faculty in 1990.

Dr. Young is a Fellow of the Optical Society of America, a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, a member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, and a Registered Professional Engineer. He received the Stanford Electrical Engineering Department Outstanding Service Award in 1985, and was named Stanford Master Advisor in 1988 in recognition of his service to undergraduates. He was chosen as an IEEE Lasers and Electro-Optics Society Distinguished Lecturer for 1991-92. He has authored over 70 publications, has served as a consultant to several companies, and has supervised the research of over 30 graduate students.

Jim and Cecily Young live a short walk north of the Rice campus (map). They enjoy cooking, gardening, ballet, theater, and reading. Jim trys to keep two old Porsches running; Cecily uses the web to keep up with her studies in Classics. They both have been named Outstanding Associates of Hanszen College.