Tyndall researcher wins Intel's Outstanding Researcher award

26 Jun 2013

Scientist at Cork-based partner of chip giant recognized for developing photonics for semiconductors.

Brian Corbett of Tyndall National Institute is the third Tyndall researcher to win Intel's Outstanding Researcher Award. The award recognizes "outstanding contributions" by researchers who are funded by Intel’s Semiconductor Technology Council.

Corbett has this year been recognized for his work in developing photonics for applications in semiconductor technology. To date, Tyndall researchers have won three of the 11 awards given by Intel.

Earlier this month optics.org reported that Intel's announcement that it was investing a further $1.5m over the coming three years into R&D at Tyndall - continuing the established partnership between Cork and Intel’s process technology research group in the US.

The aim of Corbett's research has been to investigate the critical light source for fiber connections to the CPU in a computer. Intel noted that his team have delivered practical results over several years and that the team’s expertise in device fabrication and characterization have enabled the project to achieve its key milestones.

Fruitful partnership

Also, by regular contact with Intel headquarters in Portland Oregon, Corbett has provided "excellent insights and understanding" into the behavior of fabricated photonic devices and associated assembly challenges, while working on ways to improve the design and process flow.

The award was presented by Dr Kelin Kuhn, Intel Fellow and Director of Advanced Device Technology at the Technology Manufacturing Group, who commented, “In making these awards, we give careful consideration to both the excellence of the research and its practical applications. I am delighted to say that Brian has excelled in both categories."

Kieran Drain, CEO Tyndall National Institute, added, “I am delighted that during Nanoweek 2013, this award recognises that the research conducted by Brian Corbett is of the highest quality worldwide and relevant to the challenges faced by today’s semiconductor industry.

“Brian is now the third Tyndall scientist to be awarded the Intel Outstanding Researcher Award. Tyndall is focused on carrying out leading research, development and innovation that can deliver concrete economic and societal impact through excellence.”

Leonard Hobbs Intel Ireland's Research Manager said he was delighted a member of the Tyndall’s team had received such a prestigious award for a second year running and that this was a strong endorsement of the quality and breadth of the research in the Cork facility.

About the Author

Matthew Peach is a contributing editor to optics.org.