The Ultrafast Microwave Photonics research area undertakes projects that combine aspects of radio frequency (RF), microwave, millimeter-wave, or submillimeter-wave electromagnetics with optics and often ultrafast-pulsed lasers. The RF part of the spectrum ranges through frequencies less than 3 gigahertz (GHz); the microwave spectrum continues up to 30 GHz; millimeter waves span 30 GHz to 300 GHz,; and submillimeter waves extend past 300 GHz up into the terahertz (THz) regime.

While we often perform work to modulate and detect optical beams across a wide array of the frequencies mentioned via electro-optic or magneto-optic effects, one unique aspect of the Ultrafast Microwave Photonics group is that we commonly devise new probes and probing embodiments to enhance the ability to conduct near-field or localized measurements of electromagnetic fields for devices, circuits, antennas, arrays, and other components systems.

In addition, we also specialize in the generation, detection, and application of pulsed THz beams of radiation for ranging, imaging, and spectroscopy.