Boston Chapter of the IEEE Photonics Society

Abstract:  Tens of Gbps data-rates over long distances used to be associated with optical (laser) communications only. Millimeter-wave and sub-THz frequencies have caught up for a variety of link applications and offer a number of advantages in terms of higher link availability, simpler beam-pointing, and faster volume manufacturing. A few examples are described.

Biography:  Hamid Hemmati is a Director of Engineering Facebook Inc. Prior to that I was with the NASA/JPL/Caltech for 28 years as a researcher, Principal Member of Technical Staff, and as the Supervisor of the Optical Communications Group. Most of my career has been focused primarily on laser satellite communications technology development. I am the editor and author of two books: “Deep Space Optical Communications” and “Near-Earth Laser Communications” and author of six other book chapters. I received NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal for my work on Deep Space Optical Communications. Also received 3 NASA Space Act Board Awards, and 36 NASA certificates of appreciation. I am a Fellow member of OSA (Optical Society of America) and the SPIE (Society of Optical Engineers). Author and co-author of nearly 200 publications and 11 patents.