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

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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.