Dr. Paul Dapkus

Professor

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Biography

Ph.D. Electrical Engineering, 1970, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Professor Dapkus is recognized for his extensive research in photonics and has made significant contributions to the development of high-performance photonic devices. His work has been pivotal in areas such as the physics and technology of 1.55 micron lasers, fiber optic technology, ultralow threshold edge emitting lasers, and vertical cavity surface emitting lasers. Over the past 19 years, he has led a research group focused on the invention and demonstration of novel photonic devices at the University of Southern California. Prior to his tenure at USC, he was a member of the technical staff at Bell Laboratories, where he contributed to the development of visible light emitting diodes and led a team at Rockwell International responsible for demonstrating the viability of the MOCVD device epitaxy process, which is now widely used in the research and manufacturing of photonic materials and devices. His current research includes selective area growth for functional photonic devices and the development of resonator-based devices for WDM signal processing. Professor Dapkus has authored or co-authored over 300 publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Research Interests

Awards

#2001

IEEE David Sarnoff Award

2001-01-01
#1995

IEEE LEOS Engineering Achievement Award

1995-01-01
#2009

International Symposium Compound Semiconductors Welker Medal

2009-01-01
#2009

USC Associates Award Creativity Research Scholarship

2009-01-01
#2005

Optical Society America Nick Holonyak, Jr. Award

2005-01-01
#2004

National Academy Engineering

2004-01-01
#1995

IEEE Photonics Society Engineering Achievement Award

1995-01-01
#1993

IEEE Photonics Society Distinguished Lecturer

1993-01-01

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.