
Episode #12
Seeing the Invisible: The Future of Infrared Detection
Utkarsh Singh on Poisson Bolometers and Nanoscale Infrared Detection at Purdue ECE Host Kristin Malavenda interviews Purdue ECE PhD student Utkarsh Singh about his path from New Delhi to Purdue and his research on nanoscale spintronic devices for long-wave infrared (8–14 µm) detection. Singh explains how nanoscale structures exhibit new physics and can enable smaller, lower-power detectors with different, more digital readout behavior than traditional analog infrared sensors. He describes Poisson bolometers, which treat fluctuations between discrete resistance states as a useful noise signal, measuring changes in switching statistics under infrared radiation rather than minimizing noise. The conversation covers applications including surveillance, biomedical imaging, astronomy, and heat-assisted detection and ranging, as well as challenges in fabrication yield, device fragility, and degradation. Singh also discusses PhD realities, advisor support, a rewarding hardware-readout success, and advice on patience, research experience, self-care, and hobbies like music, working out, and traveling. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:50 Early Interest in Engineering 02:06 Choosing ECE Path 02:47 Why Purdue for PhD 03:49 Research Evolves Over Time 05:15 Nanoscale Devices Explained 06:20 Infrared Detection Basics 07:43 Why Nanoscale Matters 08:44 Poisson Bolometer Concept 11:23 Why Better IR Detection 13:04 Infrared Detector Roadmap 13:43 Nanofab Scale Challenges 15:08 Handling and Device Degradation 16:36 Learning From Failure 17:49 PhD Workday Rhythm 18:41 Research Direction Realities 19:48 Advisor Support Style 21:03 Breakthrough Moments 23:10 PhD Advice and Balance 24:30 Hobbies and Wrap Up Purdue ECE: http://engineering.purdue.edu/ECE Facebook: http://facebook.com/purdueece X: https://x.com/PurdueECE Instagram: https://instagram.com/purdue.ece LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/purdue-ece The Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University is one of the nation's largest and most highly ranked ECE programs. Purdue ECE prepares the next generation of engineers and technology leaders through world-class education and interdisciplinary research that advances semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, communications, computing, microelectronics and more. With strong industry partnerships and a commitment to innovation, Purdue ECE is helping solve some of the world's most pressing technological challenges.






