James Gruber receives NDSEG Fellowship to advance research in high-power THz devices

Jim Gruber, doctoral student in electrical and computer engineering, has received a  National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship to continue research that will enable high-power THz active devices.

The ultimate goal of his research is to further the practicality of integrated circuits for high-speed, high-power applications.

Gruber is developing a method to enable high-power THz active devices using novel transistor techniques that will operate under an electron bunching process inspired by vacuum tube amplification.

“By advancing the maximum power output and amplification efficiency of semiconductor devices,” says Gruber, “this work narrows the performance gap between semiconductor amplifiers and vacuum tubes at mm-Wave and THz frequencies.” It will also lead to the replacement of large, hefty tubes with integrated circuit technology.

These changes are expected to lead to lower the cost while increasing the efficiency of communication systems, radars, and weaponry.

Gruber received his undergraduate degree in computer engineering from the University of Florida. An accomplished musician, he was a member several bands and ensembles at Florida, and was a member of the highly-competitive Michigan Band.

Gruber works with Prof. Ehsan Afshari in the Ultrafast Nonlinear Integrated Circuits Laboratory.