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Electrical and computer engineering major Carlos Chai ’03 (Montego Bay, Jamaica) is conducting an honors thesis that may impact the future of engineering studies at Lafayette. He is examining the properties of optical fiber in an attempt to note trends in its behavior.
“If we can better understand this behavior, applications in the sensor or telecommunications industry may become an option for future study here at Lafayette,” says Chai.
He is working under the guidance of Kim Bennett, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering. They are examining the distribution of power in optical fiber and hope to identify trends as it travels around bends in the fiber.
“Light travels through fiber in modes,” explains Chai. “We set up an experiment that lets the lowest order of modes travel down the fiber, and we’re seeing how the power is distributed in the light.”
For his research, he is using fiber bent into circles and will eventually study straight fiber.
“I am excited because I’m doing something new and different,” he says. “The hope of succeeding is one of my main driving forces.”
Chai describes Bennett as a good adviser who always takes the time to explain difficult concepts or ideas and is supportive of his goals.
“He gives good advice on how to get work done and how it should be presented for review, whether it be by him or other members of the staff,” Chai explains. “Although faced with a fairly busy schedule, he makes time for me and his other research student.”
An award-winning professor, Bennett is a fiber optics consultant for numerous companies and holds two patents for equipment in the field. He has held positions with NASA, Federal Aviation Administration, General Electric, and ITT Technology. He regularly shares his research at conferences and in their published proceedings.
Chai says that all electrical and computer engineering majors are given much time and attention from their respective faculty mentors.
“Professors take a great deal of interest in their students and help ensure that they are learning and completing the assigned tasks,” he explains. “While budget concerns may be a problem for some colleges, I find that my department is willing to spend on both professors and students to ensure that their work can progress once they have demonstrated sufficient need for extra equipment. Lafayette provides an excellent environment for these types of projects.”
A member of International Students Association, Chai belongs to Anime Club, Haven, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and Leonardo Society. He works for computing and recreational services.