Somnath Chattopadhyay

There’s a reason why you’re not supposed to use a phone during your flight – the radio frequency. Computer engineering professor Somnath Chattopadhyay puts it in a way we can all understand.

“The aircraft is a big antenna catching signals, and radio frequency (RF) signals can sometimes conflict… with potentially catastrophic implications,” he said.

However, thanks to a grant from the United States Department of the Army, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is supporting Chattopadhyay’s cutting-edge microelectronics research that could save lives by eliminating potential interference from radio waves in military aircraft. The nearly half-million-dollar grant follows another large DoD grant that supported Chattopadhyay’s successful development of an improved semiconductor device. The new grant is focused on developing optoelectronic switch-actuator devices that can improve the function, efficiency and survivability of critical actuator systems.

“Securing grants is always a challenge but the great reputation of our College of Engineering and Computer Science gives us a helpful advantage,” said Chattopadhyay. He aims to make CSUN a center for advanced study in fabricating microelectronics and nanoelectronics devices. Already students are actively involved in the expanding research and development program.

For more: U.S. Department of Defense Grant Supports CSUN’s Cutting-Edge Microelectronics Research [CSUN Media Releases]

College of Engineering and Computer Science, Grants