Luke Lester Appointed to Microelectronics Chair Professorship

ECE Professor Luke Lester, who serves as associate director of UNM's Center for High Technology Materials, has been appointed by the School of Engineering to the Microelectronics Chair Professorship. Lester has a track record of innovations in semiconductors and photonics, including fabricating the world’s fastest transistor, a record that stood for more than a decade as noted in the "Guinness Book of World Records."

"Luke's work in microelectronics and photonics has resulted in breakthroughs in technology," UNM School of Engineering Dean Joseph L. Cecchi said, "It is particularly noteworthy that Luke has involved his UNM students every step of the way, from formulating the research plan to launching startup companies. Luke's appointment to this position recognizes the key role he has played in establishing UNM's international reputation in microelectronics and photonics."

Lester intends to use the additional funds that come with the chair to work on areas that have long interested him, including alternative energy with quantum dots in solar cells, and high-speed photonics using injection-locked semiconductor lasers.

He is also interested in researching 100 gigabit-per-second Ethernet applications, and short-pulse semiconductor lasers that will use optics to transfer data from chip to chip in silicon integrated circuits.
"I'm excited to receive this appointment," Lester said. "This honor will free me to explore new areas that previously would have been considered too risky to guarantee useful results." Lester's appointment became effective in August 2008.