The Power of Working in Concert

Synchronized operation of a large number of similar entities can generate behavior that cannot be expected from single one. This principle combined with the physical concept of coherence in waves enables creation of programmable 3-dimensional focal points that can be used to enable many applications such as wireless energy transfer at distance on earth and even from space, flat lensless projectors and cameras, and various other present and future applications. It can manifest itself in the form of phased arrays and focusing arrays with an ensemble of synchronized wave generating or receiving elements. While the individual element behavior may be rather unremarkable, such systems can lead to rich and useful behaviors. We will go through a journey based on this principle and a progression of its potential applications.

Speaker: Ali Hajimiri, California Institute of Technology

Attend in person or online (See weblink)