Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely my own and do not represent those of any organization or my employer.
Miniaturized Electronic Chips at the nanoscale will form the foundation for the future of computing that will power AI, and even healthcare applications.
Kamal Rudra, our next pathbreaker, R&D Integration Engineer at IBM (Albany, New York), works on scaling interconnect technologies, which are essentially nanoscale wiring that will be crucial for the future of semiconductors!
Kamal talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about his first research experience at IIT BHU on doped ZnO (Zinc Oxide), which solidified his interests in the field of optoelectronics through the intricate world of material science.
For students, sometimes resilience is the key—stay persistent even when faced with criticism, setbacks, or a lack of support.
Kamal, can you share your background with our young readers?
Growing up in Panipat and attending high school at DPS, I always gravitated towards Science, especially over languages or social studies. This passion naturally led me to immerse myself in co-curricular activities, like inter-DPS Science quizzes and building models for science exhibitions.
I believe a good teacher can spark that extra motivation in a student. In my case, I would often borrow textbooks from seniors two years ahead just to explore deeper concepts in the topics I was studying. I was also actively involved in Olympiads, and one proud moment was securing a state rank 1 in Computer Skills through the International Assessments for Indian Schools (IAIS) by UNSW Global.
As I entered 11th grade, a time when many students struggle to decide their future path, I was confident in my decision to study Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). While it’s crucial to seek guidance from mentors and teachers, it’s equally important to trust yourself and filter out the noise. I learned this lesson when I had to choose a 5th subject alongside my core sciences. Most students opted for an easy subject with a short syllabus, but I chose Computer Science, despite hearing warnings from peers and even teachers that it would lower my overall board examination score and hurt my chances in JEE.
It was tough. There were moments when I considered dropping the subject for an easier alternative. But instead of taking the easy route, I decided to double down on my efforts. The outcome? I scored a perfect 100 in the CBSE board exams, something that no other student from my school had achieved in his/her optional subject that year. For this, I received a Certificate of Merit from India’s Education Minister for being in the top 0.1% nationwide and was offered an INSPIRE fellowship by the Department of Science and Technology for being among the top 1% in the Higher Secondary Examination of 2014.
Beyond academics, I was always involved in extracurricular activities such as debates, and sports like badminton and even served as the Vice head boy of my school. Aah, those fond sweet memories!
It’s interesting how a single teacher can change your entire outlook on a subject. I wasn’t initially fond of Physics, but during my JEE preparation, I encountered a teacher at my coaching classes whose passion for the subject was infectious. Under his guidance, I went from not being confident with the basic problems to tackling advanced questions from I.E. Irodov’s “Problems in General Physics.”
Now, nearly a decade later, I’m still solving challenges that involve Chemistry and Physics. It’s a rare blessing to be able to say that what I learned in high school still plays a crucial role in my professional journey. While many people feel disconnected from the subjects they studied back then, I find joy in knowing that those foundational concepts continue to shape the work I do today.
Over the years, my commitment to pursuing a career in this field has been recognized by several international organizations through prestigious awards, including:
- 20 Under 30 title by SEMI and Semicon West
- Invitation to meet nearly 40 Nobel Laureates at the 73rd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting for Physics
- IEEE Electron Devices Society Masters Student Fellowship
- SPIE Laser Technology, Engineering, and Applications Scholarship
- SVCF J.A. Woollam Company Scholarship
- J.N. Tata Endowment Scholarship
Growing up in a township establishment environment, I had the privilege of experiencing a vibrant mix of cultures through various festivities and celebrations. Being surrounded by this diversity instilled in me a deep appreciation for different cultures and the value of inclusivity from a young age. This upbringing not only taught me to embrace differences but also shaped my ability to connect with and learn from people from all walks of life. I’ve always carried this open-mindedness with me, whether in my personal life or in collaborative professional settings.
“For me, studying science in high school transformed how I perceive the world. Now, I see the physical world through the lens of physics and chemistry, uncovering the principles behind everyday phenomena.”
What did you do for graduation/post graduation?
After clearing the IIT JEE mains and advanced exams, I pursued a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering at NIT Allahabad, starting in 2015.
In 2021, I moved to the U.S. to pursue a Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Michigan, specializing in Solid State Physics and Nanotechnology.
Photo Caption: Kamal Rudra after his graduation ceremony at the University of Michigan
What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional career as an R&D Engineer in Semiconductors?
During my undergraduate years, I explored a wide range of fields—from embedded systems and robotics to competitive programming—in search of my true passion. It wasn’t until my first research internship in 2017 that I discovered my love for semiconductors and optoelectronics. Driven by a fascination with light and the idea of fabricating LEDs, I began an internship at IIT (BHU) Varanasi. I dove into the world of semiconductors and optoelectronics, even though I had limited knowledge in the area when I first started. What I did know was that I wanted to work on the atomic and electronic scale.
At IIT BHU, I worked on doped ZnO (Zinc oxide), tuning its structural and optical properties. The experience of exploring the tiny world of semiconductors using powerful instruments made me feel like a kid in a chocolate factory. Throughout my undergraduate journey, I pursued three research internships at IIT BHU, IIT Kharagpur, and CSIR-CEERI Pilani. All these three internships kept providing me an assurance that I am moving forward on the right path.
Admittedly, many subjects during my degree felt uninspiring, but the accessibility of online educational resources changed everything. As I experimented with semiconductors and delved deeper into characterizing their properties, I took multiple online certification courses to enhance my understanding. One course that played a pivotal role in shaping my path was “Semiconductor Optoelectronics” by Prof. M. R. Shenoy. I fell in love with this course. It was a semester-long journey, and I was so invested in it that I decided to take the proctored exam for it, where I proudly secured an all-India rank 1, earning a gold-medal Elite Certificate from NPTEL with a score of 98%.
I think it’s fair to say that I’ve had more academic idols than heroic superstars. On one memorable occasion, I took an overnight train from Allahabad to Delhi just to meet a professor who was traveling from Australia to deliver a keynote at a conference at IIT Delhi.
It only takes one passionate teacher to ignite your interest in a subject, and I was fortunate to find that spark. By the time I graduated, I had participated in several workshops on nanotechnology, thin films, and quantum dots. My journey had affirmed that I was heading in the right direction, and I was more confident than ever in pursuing a career in this field.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path
After my first research internship at IIT BHU Varanasi, I was completely captivated by the field of semiconductors and knew I had to explore it further. This passion drove me to choose that topic as my final year project under the mentorship of Prof. Y.K. Prajapati. Looking back, this decision was one of the most impactful steps in my journey. Even five years after graduating, Prof. Prajapati continues to be a source of support and inspiration.
Success is often a series of small, consistent milestones that build momentum over time. After my initial internship, my confidence grew, pushing me to take on even more ambitious challenges. I had the unique opportunity to work on India’s first instrument for creating nanoscale photonic device structures using a “3-D printing” technique. Presenting my research at a conference at IIT Mandi and at SPIE Photonics West in the US during my senior year was an incredible milestone.
One of the most exhilarating experiences was meeting a professor at the conference at IIT Mandi whose online courses had been pivotal in the early stages of my journey. The thrill of transitioning from learning behind a computer screen to connecting with her in person felt like a full-circle moment in my journey.
Before starting my research at CSIR-CEERI, I faced the challenge of securing a special approval for a short-term project, which wasn’t the norm. Typically, research projects last six months, but given my academic schedule I could only work for six weeks. I wanted to gain exposure to a lab focused on compound semiconductor lasers and LEDs—an opportunity available at only a handful of places in India. My enthusiasm and determination paid off when the director approved my request, enabling me to dive into this exciting field.
Having gained significant research experience during my undergraduate studies, I was eager to continue working in India as a researcher post-graduation. Receiving offers from IIT Bombay and IISc Bangalore was a dream come true. At the Center for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) at IISc Bangalore, I had access to world-class facilities for material and device fabrication. Late-night discussions and thought-provoking debates with brilliant minds helped me grow immensely as a researcher and thinker.
At IISc, I worked on novel material deposition and characterization, personally handling advanced tools like XRD, Raman, UV-Visible spectroscopy, SEM, Low-temperature probe station and more. These hands-on experiences laid a solid foundation for my future work.
Next, I joined a semiconductor company in India, where I saw firsthand how theoretical knowledge transforms into real-world chip manufacturing. Initially, I was hesitant about entering the industry, fearing it might involve mundane coding tasks. But I quickly discovered that semiconductor fabrication is a dynamic and crucial process, far from what I had anticipated.
In 2021, I moved to the US for my master’s degree, where I worked on cutting-edge problems at the forefront of technology. My experiences at Meta (formerly Facebook) and MACOM involved developing processes for photonic and optoelectronic devices.
My graduate journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. I’ve had the privilege to attend global events like the Photonics Bootcamp at MIT, Optical Sciences Winter School at the University of Arizona, and the Photon School at HZB Berlin, along with numerous conferences in the US and Japan.
Photo Caption: Kamal Rudra at Massachusetts Institute of Technology during Photonics Boot Camp
Today, I’m working on scaling interconnect technologies for gate-all-around transistors—think of these interconnects as nanoscale wiring that’s crucial for the future of semiconductors! The journey has been a thrilling ride, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.
How did you get your first break?
As mentioned above, I feel there have been many incremental steps in my journey rather than a big leap but I would say that my internship at IIT (BHU) Varanasi under Prof. P. Chakrabarti was a point that shaped my trajectory in this field.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
Challenge 1: Pushing Through Institutional Roadblocks
During my undergraduate studies, one of the biggest challenges I faced was a lack of support for my research efforts. Many faculty members and the administration placed a heavy emphasis on grades and placements, rather than encouraging research at the undergraduate level. I often found myself caught in lengthy, draining meetings, trying to justify my desire to pursue research projects outside of my home institution. There were days when I felt completely defeated, questioned to the point of humiliation by committees that didn’t see the value in my work. But even on those tough days, I never wavered in my commitment to my research and goals.
To keep my project alive, I took matters into my own hands and applied for external funding. Despite the obstacles, my final year project was recognized as one of the top in the state, and I received a grant that allowed me to continue my research. After nearly a year in what felt like a never-ending uphill battle, perseverance was the only thing that kept me going and eventually led me out of that difficult phase.
My message to students: You will face people who may not understand or support your vision, and there will be faculty who won’t back your unconventional paths. But if you stay determined, refuse to give up, and keep pushing forward, you are already a winner. Things eventually do fall into place.
“I believe that encountering hurdles is inevitable, and it’s overcoming these obstacles that ultimately shapes your path forward.”
-Kamal Rudra
Challenge 2: The Grind of Balancing Research with Academic Demands
My research was primarily experimental, which meant I had to travel frequently to various institutes to conduct experiments and run characterizations. This often required me to make trips from Allahabad to Varanasi even during the busiest times of the academic year. While most students were taking holiday breaks or enjoying weekends, I was traveling across states to ensure my experiments stayed on track.
The constant travel, combined with the demands of midterms, lab practicals, and other mandatory academic requirements, was incredibly challenging. There were times when it felt like I was being pulled in a hundred different directions, trying to juggle everything without dropping the ball. But all that hard work and sacrifice eventually paid off—culminating in multiple conference presentations and even a journal publication.
The journey wasn’t easy, but it taught me that the combination of persistence, time management, and a deep passion for your work can lead to remarkable outcomes, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
Key Takeaway: Challenges, whether they come in the form of institutional roadblocks or the grueling grind of balancing academics with research, are inevitable. But it’s your unwavering determination and persistence that will ultimately shape your success. If you don’t give up, you’ll find that even the toughest situations can lead to extraordinary results.
Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?
I am currently working at IBM on the cutting-edge research and development of interconnects for next-generation transistor technologies. Think of interconnects as the intricate network of wiring that powers entire cities—but scaled down to an unimaginably tiny level. The interconnects I work with are more than 100,000 times thinner than a typical copper wire, yet they are responsible for connecting and transmitting signals in advanced logic and memory devices.
At the heart of my work is the development of interconnect structures for gate-all-around transistor technology—one of the most advanced and revolutionary technologies of our time. Scaling down transistors to this level presents a multitude of challenges, particularly in maintaining performance while pushing the boundaries of miniaturization. Interconnects play a critical role here; they must handle the increasingly dense and complex network of connections required as devices become smaller, more powerful, and more efficient.
My journey to this point has been shaped by previous research and industrial experience in semiconductor processes. This background has given me the knowledge and confidence needed to tackle a problem as multifaceted as developing interconnect solutions for advanced transistor technologies. The work requires extensive knowledge across various domains, from etching, lithography, and thin-film deposition to material characterization and device testing. Each layer of expertise builds towards a solution that pushes the frontiers of what’s possible in technology.
What excites me the most is the impact this technology will have. It’s not just refining existing technology—it’s building the foundation for the future of computing, AI, and even healthcare applications. The chips with this technology will be at the core of tomorrow’s breakthroughs, whether that’s in high-performance computing, smart devices, or advanced medical diagnostics.
Another rewarding aspect is the collaborative environment. Working alongside some of the brightest minds in the field, we’re constantly innovating, developing intellectual property that will define the technological landscape in the coming years. It’s a unique privilege to be at the forefront of an industry where every experiment and discovery brings us closer to a future where technology is seamlessly integrated into every aspect of life.
How does this technology benefit society?
Advanced electronic chip technologies, could, in future be a part of many applications from mobile phones and computers to automobiles and healthcare. We are living in an age where electronic chips are an integral part of our lives, be it in an appliance such as a color tunable lamp to satellites in space.
The next generation of chips would be even better in terms of power consumption or performance.
Applications and Benefits in Society
These advanced chips are crucial for high-performance computing, AI, 5G, and consumer electronics. For example, processors used in smartphones, data centers, autonomous vehicles, and edge computing devices rely on these technologies for improved speed, energy efficiency, and integration density.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI processors, such as those used in deep learning tasks, benefit immensely from interconnect scaling, as it allows for more cores and faster data transfer between them.
- 5G Communication: With the demands for faster and lower-latency communication in 5G networks, the logic chips enabling these capabilities require advanced interconnect solutions.
- Data Centers: Server processors and accelerators used in cloud computing data centers require optimized interconnects to manage heat and latency as workloads and data traffic scale.
- Consumer Electronics: Devices like smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles continue to pack more features and processing power within small form factors, driven by improved BEOL and interconnect scaling.
The societal benefits of these technologies include:
- Faster and more efficient data processing, leading to advances in AI, big data analytics, and personalized medicine.
- Enhanced connectivity and communication, driving the expansion of smart cities and the Internet of Things (IoT).
- Sustainable and energy-efficient solutions, as scaled interconnects enable chips with better performance per watt, contributing to greener technology.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
One of the most memorable projects that has had a lasting impact on me was the one that I started during my internship at IIT BHU Varanasi, where I explored the structural and optical properties of doped ZnO. This experience not only solidified my passion for semiconductors and optoelectronics but also exposed me to the intricate world of material science.
The project focused on doping ZnO to fine-tune its characteristics for optoelectronic applications. ZnO, a wide-bandgap semiconductor, holds potential for various applications, but achieving the desired optical properties requires manipulation at atomic scale. My research involved the deposition of ZnO thin films using techniques like sol-gel spin coating, followed by analyzing their properties through XRD, UV-Visible spectroscopy, Photoluminescence measurements, and AFM.
When I first started working on the project, I struggled quite a bit with understanding the x-ray diffraction (XRD) data from the ZnO thin films. It took time to grasp what was happening at the crystallographic level. This challenge taught me an invaluable lesson—deeply understanding the tools and instruments you work with is just as crucial as understanding the materials themselves.
At NIT Allahabad, undergraduate students weren’t allowed to directly operate the XRD equipment—only PhD students or designated operators had access. This limitation was frustrating as I was continuing my research on doped ZnO as my final year project, but it drove me to keep learning, even when I couldn’t directly apply my knowledge. When I later moved to IISc Bangalore, I had the opportunity to undergo hands-on training on various advanced characterization tools, including XRD. This experience was transformative.
With that training, I optimized the measurements in a grazing incidence mode specifically to capture the subtle crystallographic peaks of ZnO—a problem I had been trying to solve for a long time! Finally, being able to capture the data and draw conclusions from it was incredibly rewarding.
The primary objective was to modulate the bandgap of ZnO by introducing dopants, which altered its electronic and optical behavior. This required optimizing the annealing temperatures and dopant concentrations. The fascinating part was witnessing how minute changes in processing parameters could drastically impact the emission spectra and crystallographic texture of ZnO. By tuning these variables, I was able to study the effect of dopant concentration as well as annealing temperature on emission spectra as well as nanostructure of thin films. I coined the term “nano-root” for the nanostructure of these films as they resembled a dense network of roots.
A key outcome of this research was not only a deeper understanding of the defect states and their role in light emission but also the development of potential pathways for further applications in sensor/photonic devices and the journal article has been cited multiple times.
This work stands out because it was a gateway to the broader world of semiconductor physics and photonics for me. It taught me the importance of persistence, rigorous experimentation, and the joy of unraveling the mysteries of materials at the nanoscale.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
1. Do not limit yourself by eligibility criteria; your passion and determination can often carve out opportunities
2. Pursue what excites you, even if it’s outside the traditional path or not fully understood by others. Conventional work doesn’t get you a Nobel!
3. Resilience is key—stay persistent even when faced with criticism, setbacks, or a lack of support.
4. Actively seek out mentors, but also trust your own judgment and filter out unhelpful noise.
5. Hands-on learning through research and internships can be more transformative than simply focusing on grades.
6. Embrace the unknown—explore different fields until you find your true passion.
7. The right teacher or course can completely change your perspective—always be open to learning from inspiring sources.