Ashok Balakrishnan

Title: Ashok Balakrishnan: Pioneering Innovations in Photonics

Introduction

Ashok Balakrishnan, an accomplished inventor based in Ottawa, Canada, has made significant contributions to the field of photonics. With a total of 10 patents to his name, he has developed innovative solutions that enhance the functionality and efficiency of lightwave circuits.

Latest Patents

Among his latest patents, two notable inventions stand out:

1. **Segmented Waveguide Structure** - This invention provides mode matching in planar lightwave circuits between waveguides and other waveguiding structures, such as slab waveguides and optical fibers. By etching the leading and trailing faces of core segments with a series of parallel facet sections offset in the transmission direction by an odd number of quarter wavelengths, this design effectively eliminates back reflections from the core segments.

2. **Hybrid Planar Lightwave Circuit with Reflective Gratings** - In this innovative circuit, a silicon reflective diffraction grating is integrated into a trench formed in a high-performance silica on silicon waveguide device. The grating is etched using a highly precise deep reactive ion etching process, which contributes to the overall effectiveness of the circuit.

Career Highlights

Balakrishnan has built his career at prestigious companies such as Enablence Inc. and Valorbec Sociétés Em Commandite. His work in these organizations has allowed him to advance his research and contribute to groundbreaking technologies in the photonics sector.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Ashok has collaborated with talented professionals including Serge Bidnyk and Matt Pearson. These partnerships have played a crucial role in developing his patented technologies and driving innovation within the field.

Conclusion

Ashok Balakrishnan's contributions to photonics illustrate his exceptional skills as an inventor. With a strong portfolio of patents and a career characterized by innovative achievements, he continues to shape the future of lightwave technology, making significant strides in the industry.