Jiakai Li, Ph.D.

Optoelectronic Test @ Ayar Labs

About

With over a decade of expertise in optoelectronics and photonics, I drive high-performance device innovation from concept through volume production. My work spans infrared photodetectors to high-speed telecom lasers, backed by deep cleanroom fabrication skills and industry-grade characterization proficiency. Architected and optimized modulators, EMLs, and photodetector arrays for ultra-high-bandwidth data center interconnects, achieving the bandwidth and latency targets essential for AI-driven workloads. Developed RF and optical test methodologies for pluggable transceivers, accelerating time to market while minimizing power consumption in hyperscale data centers. Managed end-to-end device engineering: epitaxial growth and lithography, on-wafer RF probing, and packaged module validation to ensure yield, reliability, and scalability. Authored technical publications on photonic integration and advanced modulation formats; collaborate closely with system architects to align photonic hardware with broader network requirements. I’m passionate about applying cutting-edge photonic technologies to power the next wave of AI acceleration and cloud-scale connectivity. Let’s connect to explore opportunities in high-speed optical interconnects.

Country

United States

City

San Jose

Industry

Consumer Electronics

Skill

Spectrum, Linewidth, Noise characterization, S-parameter, PAM4 Eye diagram, BERT, Python (Test Automation/Data Analysis/RF Simulation), LabVIEW, Ansys Lumerical, Silvaco ATLAS, SOA, EML, Photodiode, Laser, Statistical Data Analysis, Semiconductors, Research and Development (R&D), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Solid State Physics, MBE, Nanofabrication, Semiconductor Device

Experience

Optoelectronic Test

Ayar Labs

2025-6 - 2026-3 · 10 mos

圣荷西, CA

Research And Development

AOI

2023-1 - 2025-6 · 2 yrs 6 mos

美国德克萨斯州舒格兰

Researcher

The Graduate School at Northwestern University

2018-8 - 2023-1 · 4 yrs 6 mos

Greater Chicago Area

• Develop high-performance data collection, analysis, and visualization techniques for semiconductor manufacturing, device characterization and scientific data using SQL and Python • Develop machine learning models in data reduction and clarification for the high-frequency test • Designing, growing, and processing of Type-II superlattice (T2SL) based infrared photodetectors and phototransistors • FPA, Mini array and single element T2SL device processing and characterization • High-speed (RF) measurement for heterojunction phototransistors using Agilent spectrum analyzer and network analyzer, probe station set up for low temperature measurement • Write monthly project reports for Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Hightlights: • Demonstrated a comprehensive performance analysis of short wavelength infrared (SWIR) heterojunction phototransistors (HPTs) based on type-2 superlattices; • Set up RF measurement system for infrared photodetectors and phototransistors at low temperature; • Demonstrated the high-speed SWIR HPTs with cut-off frequency of 5.1 GHz at room temperature; • Developed the first extended SWIR resonant cavity enhanced phototransistors based on type-2 superlattices; • Developed band-structure-engineered long-wavelength infrared LWIR photodetector based on a type-II superlattice with a responsivity of 1284 A/W. • Developed low noise short wavelength and mid-wavelength infrared Avalanche Photodetectors (APDs) using Sb-based superlattices. • Demonstrated the first planar T2SLs-based photodetector using both diffusion and ion-implantation.