Nonequilibrium Many Body Theory of Transport and Optics in Semiconductors; Nonlinear Optics; GHz-THz-Mid Infrared generation, detection and applications
162
Scopus Publications
2366
Scholar Citations
36
Scholar h-index
53
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
First principles study of the OH radical: BΣ+2−XΠ2 and DΣ−2−XΠ2 rovibronic transitions Rania Al Abdallah, Nariman Abu Elkher, Mubarak Almehairbi, Salman Mahmoud, Anton M. Fernando, Mauro Pereira, Nayla El-Kork Physical Review Research, 2026 OH radical can be found in comets, stellar atmospheres, planetary atmospheres, interstellar clouds, exoplanets, the solar photosphere, and sunspots, making it a significant astrophysical molecule. Its detection relies on its emission properties, intrinsic to the molecules’ rovibrational levels. This work presents high-level calculations of the electronic structure of OH radical using complete active space self consistent field/multiReference configuration interaction calculations, including Davidson correction methods with large basis sets and extensive treatment of the electron correlation. The adiabatic potential energy curves of the low-lying doublet and quartet electronic states of the hydroxyl, in the representation 2 S + 1 Λ ( + / − ) , are investigated. Additionally, a systematic investigation of the transition dipole moment function (TDMF) for the B Σ + 2 − X Π 2 and D Σ − 2 − X Π 2 transitions has been done along with the Franck-Condon factors of these systems. The computed TDMF and potential energy function are used in Le Roy's LEVEL and Western's PGOPHER programs, in combination with experimental literature line positions, to calculate rovibronic B Σ + 2 − X Π 2 and D Σ − 2 − X Π 2 transitions. The corresponding “first principles”-based line lists include line intensities, line positions with the relevant quantum numbers of the upper and lower states, e/f parity, and Einstein A coefficients. The results show good agreement with previously published experimental and theoretical data, including a corresponding updated MARVEL (measured active rotational-vibrational energy levels) analysis of the lowest excited states of the OH molecule.
An efficient and compact mid-infrared polarization splitter and rotator based on a bifurcated tapered-bent waveguide Humaira Zafar, M. F. Pereira Scientific Reports, 2025 We present predictive simulations for a novel mid-infrared (MIR) polarization splitter and rotator (PSR) design. It operates in the 3.1-3.6 [Formula: see text]m range, which is crucial for applications such as chemical and biological sensing, and environmental monitoring. This is the first report of a MIR PSR in this range on a SOI platform, enabling the generation of TE modes at both ports of the PSR. Our solution is particularly important since quantum cascade lasers are the optimal choice of source in the MIR, emitting linearly polarized light in the vertical direction that couples to transverse magnetic (TM) waveguide modes, necessitating conversion to transverse electric (TE) mode for compatibility with numerous on-chip devices optimized for TE mode. Our proposed PSR is designed to provide both TE modes at both ports of the bifurcated waveguide, showcasing outstanding performance characterized by low insertion loss, low TM to TE power conversion loss, and minimal crosstalk. It exhibits TE insertion loss and TM to TE power conversion loss of less than 0.5 dB over a 500 nm and 400 nm wavelength range, respectively, while maintaining crosstalk values below 20 dB over a broad wavelength range of 400 nm.
Complementary and asymmetric tapered bent mid-infrared waveguide arrays for subwavelength-pitch integration and crosstalk minimization Humaira Zafar, M. F. Pereira Scientific Reports, 2025 This paper delivers the first report of a mid-infrared (MIR) waveguide array design that employs complementary and asymmetric tapered Euler-shaped bends. These provide greater fabrication flexibility to achieve subwavelength-pitch integration while reducing crosstalk to below 30 dB across the 3.1 [Formula: see text]m to 3.6 [Formula: see text]m wavelength range. Unlike previous designs, which maintained constant waveguide widths, the Euler waveguide bends are characterized by asymmetric and complementary tapered waveguide widths. This approach significantly reduces crosstalk to below 30 dB for both the first and second neighboring waveguides across a 500 nm wavelength range, enhancing the efficiency of optical phased arrays (OPA) with a large field of view, optimizing light propagation and minimizing crosstalk. The waveguide array is fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator platform, with a 2-micron buried oxide layer and a 500 nm-thick silicon layer. The design is highly tolerant to fabrication variations, maintaining consistent performance even with width variations. The spectral responses, simulated using the 3D finite-difference time-domain method, demonstrate negligible coupling and low insertion loss across the wavelength range. This work offers a robust and CMOS-compatible solution for MIR integrated photonic circuits.
Controlling the size of nanoparticles using a magnetic field: a sphere packing approach Yazeed Tawalbeh, Marwa Ghazi, Mauro Fernandes Pereira Scientific Reports, 2025 We present an analytical framework that predicts and controls nanoparticle size through external magnetic fields, uniting first-principles thermodynamics with a sphere packing approach. Calibrated to diamagnetic silver nanoparticles (20 nm at zero field and 5 nm at 250 mT), the model yields a closed-form relation between radius and field that reproduces the observed shift in most-probable size. Within the limits of classical capillarity and spherical demagnetization, the field lowers the nucleation barrier and drives the distribution toward smaller particles. Our results are robust for radii above [Formula: see text] nm ([Formula: see text] atoms). Below this scale non-extensive effects likely dominate, as discussed in detail in Supplementary Information. The approach generalizes to both diamagnetic and paramagnetic systems and the limitations expected for very small or ferromagnetically ordered nanoparticles are discussed.
Amplifying Two-Mode Squeezing in Nanomechanical Resonators Muhdin Abdo Wodedo, Tesfay Gebremariam Tesfahannes, Tewodros Yirgashewa Darge, Mauro Pereira, Berihu Teklu IEEE Transactions on Quantum Engineering, 2025 Quantum squeezing plays a crucial role in enhancing the precision of quantum metrology and improving the efficiency of quantum information processing protocols. We thus propose a scheme to amplify two-mode squeezing in nanomechanical resonators, harnessing parametric amplification and two-tone laser controls. The red-detuned laser drives facilitate the cooling of the nanomechanical resonators down to their ground state and allow optimal quantum state transfer in the weak-coupling, resolved sideband regime. In particular, the competing blue-detuned lasers in the driving pairs induce displacement squeezing in mechanical resonators. Thus, the quantum state transfer of the squeezing in nanomechanical resonators and the intracavity correlated photons of the parametric amplifier significantly enhance the two-mode mechanical squeezing. Notably, increasing the coupling strength of the red detuned laser and the ratio of blue-to-red detuned laser dramatically amplifies the two-mode mechanical squeezing under realistic experiment parameters of a typical optomechanical system. Our findings reveal that the proposed cooperative mechanism effectively enhances the level of two-mode mechanical squeezing with a considerable improvement and demonstrates exceptional resilience to thermal noise.
THz and Mid Infrared Photonics with Applications to Environmental Detection and Metabolomics M.F. Pereira, Humaira Zafar, A. Al-Ateqi, A. Apostolakis, V. Vaks International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks, 2025 This talk summarizes our recent theoretical developments leading to the design, simulation and experimental verification of different types of THz and Mid Infrared (TERA-MIR) sources, sensors and their applications. Updated results on Near Infrared and MIR photonic functionality devices, such as splitters, polarizers and rotators will also be presented.
Recent Progress in Light Polarization Control Schemes for Silicon Integrated Photonics Humaira Zafar, Mauro F. Pereira Laser and Photonics Reviews, 2024 Light polarization control is a target in photonics, and this paper provides a comprehensive review of research from various groups on the silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) platform. It draws comparisons between devices such as polarization splitters (PS), polarizers, and polarization splitters/rotators (PSR). These devices are fabricated using various technologies, including silicon nanowires, ridge waveguides, hybrid plasmonic waveguides, and subwavelength grating (SWG) waveguides. A detailed review of polarizers used as cleanup filters in splitters is initiated. Subsequently, various polarization splitters utilizing asymmetric directional couplers (ADCs), which typically exhibiting low extinction ratios (ERs), are delved. To enhance ERs, a detailed comparison of methods outlined in the literature is provided. One notable method includes integrating on‐chip polarizers at both ports to eliminate unwanted light fractions and achieve exceptionally high ERs. Furthermore, SWG‐based polarizers and splitters commonly face issues with Bragg reflections that can affect other photonic devices and lasers and ways to minimize unwanted polarization back reflections in SWG‐designed polarization control devices are examined. Finally, emerging applications in mid‐infrared (MIR) sensing are explored, highlighting the necessity of polarization rotators for on‐chip transverse electric (TE) operation, since quantum cascade lasers, the primary sources in this range, emitting radiation in the (TM) mode.
Photoacoustic Spectroscopy Using a Quantum Cascade Laser for Analysis of Ammonia in Water Solutions Apostolos Apostolakis, Guillaume Aoust, Grégory Maisons, Ludovic Laurent, Mauro Fernandes Pereira ACS Omega, 2024 Ammonia (NH3) toxicity, stemming from nitrification, can adversely affect aquatic life and influence the taste and odor of drinking water. This underscores the necessity for highly responsive and accurate sensors to continuously monitor NH3 levels in water, especially in complex environments, where reliable sensors have been lacking until this point. Herein, we detail the development of a sensor comprising a compact and selective analyzer with low gas consumption and a timely response based on photoacoustic spectroscopy. This, combined with an automated liquid sampling system, enables the precise detection of ammonia traces in water. The sensor system incorporates a state-of-the art quantum cascade laser as the excitation source emitting at 9 μm in resonance with the absorption line of NH3 located at 1103.46 cm–1. Our instrument demonstrated detection sensitivity at a low ppm level for the ammonia molecule with response times of less than 60 s. For the sampling system, an ammonia stripping solution was designed, resulting in a prompt full measurement cycle (6.35 min). A further evaluation of the sensor within a pilot study showed good reliability and agreement with the reference method for real water samples, confirming the potential of our NH3 analyzer for water quality monitoring applications.
Controlling Vertical Asymmetry of Nanocrystals Through Anisotropic Etching-Assisted Nanosphere Lithography Arnab Ganguly, Humaira Zafar, Calvyn Travis Howells, Mauro Fernandes Pereira, Gobind Das Small Structures, 2024 Nanosphere lithography, a low‐cost fabrication technique, depends on the self‐assembly of nanoscale features to create nanostructures in a hexagonally close‐packed structure. In this article, the fabrication of 3D nanostructures over a large surface‐area with anisotropy along the growth direction through the combination of chemical and physical plasma etching is reported. The anisotropy stems from etching the nanosphere mask and the substrate at different rates. Due to the dynamic masking effect, a systematic variation of etching time gives rise to intriguing nanostructures with sharp edges that have strong potential for plasmonic applications, with the possibility of manipulating electromagnetic radiation. The structures obtained include nanocylinders, truncated hexagon‐based pyramids, circular pads on a conical base, and nanocones from a single‐layer nanosphere mask. Simulations of the fabrication process offer further insight into the understanding of nanostructure formation. A good agreement between predicted results and experiments confirms the potential of our numerical design. In addition, the optical properties of the nanostructures are investigated by UV–vis and the experimental findings are consistent with simulations based on a finite‐difference time‐domain method. The nanostructures described in this study contribute to the emerging 3D plasmonics and 3D magnonics, with strong potential for a significant impact on biosensor applications.
A Novel Mid-Infrared Transverse Magnetic Mode Pass Periodic Waveguide Polarizer With Low Reflections Humaira Zafar, M. F. Pereira IEEE Access, 2024 We propose a transverse magnetic (TM) pass polarizer based on a periodic waveguide on a silicon-on-insulator platform. The design is implemented on a 500nm-thick silicon layer surrounded by <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">SiO</i> <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> . The polarizer operates in the mid-infrared wavelength range of 3.1 μm to 3.6 μm, a crucial band for chemical and biological sensing, as well as environmental monitoring. While there is extensive documentation on polarizers in the near-infrared (NIR), there is a significant scarcity of research reports on polarizers in the mid-infrared (MIR). This proposed polarizer demonstrates outstanding performance, characterized by ultra-low loss for the transmitted TM mode, minimal reflections of the undesired transverse electric (TE) mode, and exceptionally high loss for the transmitted TE mode. The TM insertion loss remains below 0.5dB over a wavelength range of 3.2 μm to 3.6 μm, as the TM mode operates in the subwavelength and low-loss radiation regimes. The transmitted TE power is remarkably small, falling below -30dB over a 300nm wavelength range. This is attributed to the TE mode operating in the high-loss radiation regime and the bad gap region of the dispersion diagram. Furthermore, the reflected power of the undesired TE mode is significantly reduced (below -20dB) by incorporating the periodic waveguide in a directional coupler setup. The footprint of the polarizer is compact, measuring just 30 μm × 7 μm.
Advances in the science of light Jelena Radovanović, Mauro F. Pereira, Dragan Indjin, Mikhail Sumetsky, Milutin Stepić Optical and Quantum Electronics, 2016
NATO Science for Peace and Security Series B: Physics and Biophysics: Preface NATO Science for Peace and Security Series B Physics and Biophysics, 2011
The alpha factor of a quantum cascade laser M.F. Pereira, R. Nelander, A. Wacker 2008 International Conference on Numerical Simulation of Optoelectronic Devices Nusod 08, 2008
Round-Robin measurements of linewidth enhancement factor of semiconductor lasers in COST 288 action Guido Giuliani, Silvano Donati, Asier Villafranca, Javier Lasobras, Ignacio Garces, Marek Chacinski, Richard Schatz, Christos Kouloumentas, Dimitrios Klonidis, Ioannis Tomkos, Pascal Landais, Raul Escorihuela, Judy Rorison, Jose Pozo, Andrea Fiore, Pablo Moreno, Marco Rossetti, Wolfgang Elsasser, Jens Von Staden, Guillaume Huyet, Mika Saarinen, Markus Pessa, Pirjo Leinonen, Ville Vilokkinen, Marc Sciamanna, Jan Danckaert, Krassimir Panajotov, Thomas Fordell, Asa Lindberg, Jean-Francois Hayau, Julien Poette, Pascal Besnard, Frederic Grillot, Mauro Pereira, Rikard Nelander, Andreas Wacker, Alessandro Tredicucci, Richard Green Conference on Lasers and Electro Optics Europe Technical Digest, 2007
Coulomb-induced structure in the intersubband spectra of quantum wells Optics Infobase Conference Papers, 2005
Coulomb-induced structure in the intersubband spectra of quantum wells Optics Infobase Conference Papers, 2005
Microscopic theory for interband and intersubband optical responses of quantum well laser media Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Numerical Simulation of Optoelectronic Devices Nusod 04, 2004
Nonequilibrium and many body effects in the realistic simulation of intersubband emitters Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Numerical Simulation of Optoelectronic Devices Nusod 04, 2004
Coulomb effects in lattice-matched, strained, and strain-relieved low-dimensional semiconductors and their relevance for device simulation Proceedings of SPIE the International Society for Optical Engineering, 1995
Many-body theory of nonlinear optical absorption in coupled-band quantum wells Proceedings of the International Quantum Electronics Conference IQEC 94, 1994
Anisotropic Medium Theory for Semiconductor Superlattices Optics Infobase Conference Papers, 1990
Measurement of intensity-dependent carrier lifetime in doping superlattices Conference on Lasers and Electro 0ptics, 1989
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Magnetic field controlled nucleation and size selection of silver nanoparticles Y Tawalbeh, MF Pereira Applied Physics B 3, 42 , 2026 2026
Efficient and compact mid-infrared polarization splitter and rotator based on a bifurcated tapered-bent waveguid M Fernandes Pereira, H Zafar US Patent App. US20260043964A1 , 2026 2026
First principles study of the OH radical: B2 + −X2 and D2− −X2 rovibronic transitions RA Abdallah, NA Elkher, M Almehairbi, S Mahmoud, AM Fernando, ... PHYSICAL REVIEW RESEARCH 8, 013069 , 2026 2026
Complementary and asymmetric tapered bent mid-infrared waveguide arrays for subwavelength-pitch integration and crosstalk minimization H Zafar, MF Pereira Scientific Reports 15 (1), 44122 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Controlling the size of nanoparticles using a magnetic field: a sphere packing approach Y Tawalbeh, M Ghazi, MF Pereira Scientific Reports , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
TERA-MIR Photonic Functionalities and Applications MF Pereira, H Zafar, A Al-Ateqi, A Apostolakis, V Vaks PHOTONICA 2025, 98 , 2025 2025
Amplifying Two-Mode Squeezing in Nanomechanical Resonators MPBT M. A. Wodedo, T. G. Tesfahannes, T. Y. Darge IEEE Transactions on Quantum Engineering 6 (doi: 10.1109/TQE.2025.3603459 … , 2025 2025 Citations: 8
THz and Mid Infrared Photonics with Applications to Environmental Detection and Metabolomics VV M. F. Pereira, H. Zafar, A. Al-Ateqi, A. Apostolakis IEEE Explore, 1-4 , 2025 2025
An efficient and compact mid-infrared polarization splitter and rotator based on a bifurcated tapered-bent waveguide H Zafar, MF Pereira Sci Rep 15 (doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-89420-3), 5160 , 2025 2025 Citations: 23
Photoacoustic Spectroscopy Using a Quantum Cascade Laser for Analysis of Ammonia in Water Solutions A Apostolakis, G Aoust, G Maisons, L Laurent, MF Pereira ACS Omega , 2024 2024 Citations: 15
A novel mid-infrared transverse magnetic mode pass periodic waveguide polarizer with low reflections H Zafar, MF Pereira IEEE Access 12, 48294-48300 , 2024 2024 Citations: 13
Recent Progress in Light Polarization Control Schemes for Silicon Integrated Photonics H Zafar, MF Pereira Laser Photonics Rev, 2301025-1 -2301025-29 , 2024 2024 Citations: 47
Controlling Vertical Asymmetry of Nanocrystals Through Anisotropic Etching-Assisted Nanosphere Lithography A Ganguly, H Zafar, CT Howells, G Pereira, M.F. and Das Small Structures, 2300300 , 2023 2023 Citations: 7
Progress in analytical solutions for high order harmonic generation in semiconductor superlattice multipliers A 1. Al-Ateqi, MF Pereira Opt Quant Electron 55 (1287) , 2023 2023 Citations: 1
O-band TE- and TM-mode densely packed adiabatically bent waveguide arrays on the silicon-on-insulator platform H Zafar, B Paredes, J Villegas, M Rasras, MF Pereira Opt. Express 31, 21389-21398 , 2023 2023 Citations: 19
Compact and broadband adiabatically bent superlattice-waveguides with negligible insertion loss and ultra-low crosstalk H Zafar, B Paredes, I Taha, JE Villegas, M Rasras, MF Pereira IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics , 2023 2023 Citations: 16
Improving Water Quality and Security P Cousin, A Moumtzidou, A Karakostas, L Gounaridis, C Kouloumentas, ... Instrumentation and Measurement Technologies for Water Cycle Management, 251 , 2022 2022
Improving water quality and security with advanced sensors and indirect water sensing methods P Cousin, A Moumtzidou, A Karakostas, L Gounaridis, C Kouloumentas, ... Instrumentation and Measurement Technologies for Water Cycle Management, 251-277 , 2022 2022 Citations: 7
A Robust Nonlinear Model of Steam Reformers with Applications to Energy Efficiency R de S.Teixeira, MF Pereira, JP Zubelli Chemical Engineering Research and Design , 2022 2022
Sensing nitriles with THz spectroscopy of urine vapours from cancers patients subject to chemotherapy V Vaks, V Anfertev, M Chernyaeva, E Domracheva, A Yablokov, ... Sci Rep 12 (doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-22783-z), 18117 (2022) , 2022 2022 Citations: 34
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Nonequilibrium many body theory for quantum transport in terahertz quantum cascade lasers T Schmielau, MF Pereira Applied Physics Letters 95 (23) , 2009 2009 Citations: 132
Microscopic theory for the influence of Coulomb correlations in the light-emission properties of semiconductor quantum wells MF Pereira Jr, K Henneberger Physical Review B 58 (4), 2064 , 1998 1998 Citations: 112
Controlling many-body effects in the midinfrared gain and terahertz absorption of quantum cascade laser structures MF Pereira Jr, SC Lee, A Wacker Physical review B 69 (20), 205310 , 2004 2004 Citations: 82
Theory and measurements of harmonic generation in semiconductor superlattices with applications in the 100 GHz to 1 THz range M Pereira, JP Zubelli, D Winge, A Wacker, AS Rodrigues, V Anfertev, ... Physical Review B (PRB) 96 (4), 045306 , 2017 2017 Citations: 63
Interplay of Coulomb and nonparabolicity effects in the intersubband absorption of electrons and holes in quantum wells MF Pereira Jr, H Wenzel Physical Review B—Condensed Matter and Materials Physics 70 (20), 205331 , 2004 2004 Citations: 55
Intervalence transverse-electric mode terahertz lasing without population inversion MF Pereira Jr Physical Review B—Condensed Matter and Materials Physics 78 (24), 245305 , 2008 2008 Citations: 54
Exciton binding energies in semiconductor superlattices: An anisotropic-effective-medium approach MF Pereira Jr, I Galbraith, SW Koch, G Duggan Physical Review B 42 (11), 7084 , 1990 1990 Citations: 54
Microscopic Theory for the Optical Properties of Coulomb‐Correlated Semiconductors MF Pereira Jr, K Henneberger physica status solidi (b) 206 (1), 477-491 , 1998 1998 Citations: 51
Terahertz and mid infrared radiation: generation, detection and applications MF Pereira, O Shulika Springer , 2011 2011 Citations: 50
Green’s functions theory for semiconductor-quantum-well laser spectra MF Pereira Jr, K Henneberger Physical Review B 53 (24), 16485 , 1996 1996 Citations: 50
Theory of nonlinear optical absorption in coupled‐band quantum wells with many‐body effects MF Pereira Jr, R Binder, SW Koch Applied physics letters 64 (3), 279-281 , 1994 1994 Citations: 50
Effects of strain and Coulomb interaction on gain and refractive index in quantum-well lasers MF Pereira Jr, SW Koch, WW Chow Journal of the Optical Society of America B 10 (5), 765-773 , 1993 1993 Citations: 50
Impact of momentum dependent matrix elements on scattering effects in quantum cascade lasers T Schmielau, MF Pereira physica status solidi (b) 246 (2), 329-331 , 2009 2009 Citations: 48
Recent Progress in Light Polarization Control Schemes for Silicon Integrated Photonics H Zafar, MF Pereira Laser Photonics Rev, 2301025-1 -2301025-29 , 2024 2024 Citations: 47
Terahertz and mid infrared radiation: detection of explosives and CBRN (using terahertz) MF Pereira, O Shulika Springer , 2014 2014 Citations: 46
Influence of Coulomb correlations on gain and stimulated emission in (Zn, Cd) Se/Zn (S, Se)/(Zn, Mg)(S, Se) quantum-well lasers P Michler, M Vehse, J Gutowski, M Behringer, D Hommel, MF Pereira Jr, ... Physical Review B 58 (4), 2055 , 1998 1998 Citations: 46
Gain mechanisms and lasing in II–VI compounds MF Pereira Jr, K Henneberger physica status solidi (b) 202 (2), 751-762 , 1997 1997 Citations: 45
Intersubband gain without global inversion through dilute nitride band engineering MF Pereira, S Tomić Applied Physics Letters 98 (6) , 2011 2011 Citations: 44
Nato science for peace and security series B: physics and biophysics MF Pereira, O Shulika Springer Science+ Business Media BV , 2011 2011 Citations: 44
