PNNL

A Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) senior electrical engineer, known globally for pioneering the development of infrared prism coupling systems, has been tapped to serve on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ (IEEE) Photonics Society Emerging Technologies Task Force.

Amy Qiao offers the task force extensive experience in understanding the science of light—or photonics—particularly in the technology of generating, controlling, and detecting interactions of light with materials.

The task force will utilize Qiao’s skills as it works to identify emerging technology areas in photonics and peripheral technologies. Qiao has long advocated in some of these areas, which aligns with the task force’s focus. Members will also influence special focus areas for conferences and promote topics for special issues within the society’s journals and special events.

Qiao said, “I am honored to take part in IEEE’s efforts to identify and nurture new technology directions in photonics. Together, with experts across the world, we will recommend new programs and promote technical activities in support of academia and industry.”

Applying expertise

The IEEE Photonics appointment and society align with PNNL’s work in nuclear sciences, including making it possible to monitor and measure radiation activities using photons. This promises to both open wide areas of practical, isotope-related materials applications and enable new discovery-class nuclear science. Qiao’s related knowledge and participation will support IEEE’s core purpose to foster technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity.

Qiao joined PNNL in 2004 and specializes in optical sensing, materials, metrology, solid-state lighting, microfabrication, microfluidics, and quantum sensing. She has studied technical readiness and feasibility of using optical techniques as online monitoring technologies in fourth-generation advanced modular nuclear reactors. She has also developed optical materials and lab-on-chip designs of deployable instruments for remote sensing of specific chemicals.

She earned her MS in electrical/computer engineering from the University of Alberta and recently graduated with an executive MBA degree with honors at Georgetown University.