Applied Physics

From first-principles modeling to device designs.

Our research in this area uses physics to develop new technologies or solve an engineering problem, including optimal design of freeform optics, metamaterials, photonic and solid-state semiconductor devices; the modeling and analysis of electro-magnetic systems and studies on superconductivity and magnets.

  • Researchers

  • Awards

    •  AWARD    Best Paper Award at SDEMPED 2023
      Date: August 30, 2023
      Awarded to: Bingnan Wang, Hiroshi Inoue, and Makoto Kanemaru
      MERL Contact: Bingnan Wang
      Research Areas: Applied Physics, Data Analytics, Multi-Physical Modeling
      Brief
      • MERL and Mitsubishi Electric's paper titled “Motor Eccentricity Fault Detection: Physics-Based and Data-Driven Approaches” was awarded one of three best paper awards at the 14th IEEE International Symposium on Diagnostics for Electric Machines, Power Electronics and Drives (SDEMPED 2023). MERL Senior Principal Research Scientist Bingnan Wang presented the paper and received the award at the symposium. Co-authors of the paper include Mitsubishi Electric researchers Hiroshi Inoue and Makoto Kanemaru.

        SDEMPED was established as the only international symposium entirely devoted to the diagnostics of electrical machines, power electronics and drives. It is now a regular biennial event. The 14th version, SDEMPED 2023 was held in Chania, Greece from August 28th to 31st, 2023.
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  • News & Events


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  • Internships

    • MS0102: Internship - Estimation and Calibration of Multi-physical Systems Using Experiments

      MERL is looking for a highly motivated and qualified candidate to work on estimation and calibration of muti-physical systems governed by differential algebraic equations (DAEs). The research will involve study, development and efficient implementation of estimation/calibration approaches for large-scale nonlinear systems, e.g., vapor compression cycles, with limited experimental data. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in one or multiple of the following topics: nonlinear control and estimation, optimization, and model calibration; with expertise demonstrated via, e.g., peer-reviewed publications. Prior experience in working with experimental data, and programming in Julia/Modelica is a plus. Senior PhD students in mechanical, electrical, chemical engineering or related fields are encouraged to apply. The typical duration of internship is 3 months, and the start date is flexible.

      Required Specific Experience

      • Graduate student with 2+ years of relevant research experience

      Additional Desired Experience

      • Strong programming skills in Julia or Modelica
      • Prior experience in working with thermofluid systems
      • Prior experience in estimation/calibration of complex nonlinear systems using experimental data

      Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs, Inc. "MERL" provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, MERL complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

      MERL expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of MERL’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

      Working at MERL requires full authorization to work in the U.S and access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment is conditioned on continued full authorization to work in the U.S and the availability of government authorization for the release of these items, which might include without limitation, obtaining an export license or other documentation. MERL may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to MERL facilities and information systems, as MERL deems appropriate, to ensure practical compliance with applicable employment law and government access control restrictions.

    • CI0082: Internship - Quantum AI

      MERL is excited to announce an internship opportunity in the field of Quantum Machine Learning (QML) and Quantum AI (QAI). We are seeking a highly motivated and talented individual to join our research team. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in the field of quantum computing and AI, with the aim of publishing at leading research venues.

      Responsibilities:

      • Conduct cutting-edge research in quantum machine learning.
      • Collaborate with a team of experts in quantum computing, deep learning, and signal processing.
      • Develop and implement algorithms using PyTorch and PennyLane.
      • Publish research results at leading research venues.

      Qualifications:

      • Currently pursuing a PhD or a post-graduate researcher in a relevant field.
      • Strong background and solid publication records in quantum computing, deep learning, and signal processing.
      • Proficient programming skills in PyTorch and PennyLane are highly desirable.

      What We Offer:

      • An opportunity to work on groundbreaking research in a leading research lab.
      • Collaboration with a team of experienced researchers.
      • A stimulating and supportive work environment.

      If you are passionate about quantum machine learning and meet the above qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter detailing your research experience and interests. Join us at MERL and contribute to the future of quantum machine learning!

    • EA0072: Internship - Electric Machine Topology Optimization

      MERL is seeking a motivated and qualified intern to conduct research on shape and topology optimization of electrical machines. The ideal candidate should have a solid background and demonstrated research experience in mathematical optimization methods, including topology optimization, robust optimization, and sensitivity analysis, as well as machine learning methods. Hands-on coding experience with the implementation of topology optimization algorithms and finite-element simulation are desirable. Knowledge and experience with electric machine principle, design and finite-element analysis is a strong plus. Senior Ph.D. students in related expertise are encouraged to apply. Start date for this internship is flexible and the duration is around 3 months.


    See All Internships for Applied Physics
  • Recent Publications

    •  Lin, C., Wang, Y., Vetterling, W., Jha, D.K., Quirynen, R., "Path Generation based on Electrostatic Equipotential Curves", IEEE Access, DOI: 10.1109/​ACCESS.2024.3389962, Vol. 12, pp. 55019-55032, May 2024.
      BibTeX TR2024-049 PDF
      • @article{Lin2024may,
      • author = {Lin, Chungwei and Wang, Yebin and Vetterling, William and Jha, Devesh K. and Quirynen, Rien}},
      • title = {Path Generation based on Electrostatic Equipotential Curves},
      • journal = {IEEE Access},
      • year = 2024,
      • volume = 12,
      • pages = {55019--55032},
      • month = may,
      • doi = {10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3389962},
      • url = {https://www.merl.com/publications/TR2024-049}
      • }
    •  Xu, Y., Wang, B., Sakamoto, Y., Yamamoto, T., Nishimura, Y., Koike-Akino, T., Wang, Y., "Electric Machine Inverse Design with Variational Auto-Encoder (VAE)", IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition (ECCE), DOI: 10.1109/​ECCE53617.2023.10362903, October 2023.
      BibTeX TR2023-134 PDF
      • @inproceedings{Xu2023nov,
      • author = {Xu, Yihao and Wang, Bingnan and Sakamoto, Yusuke and Yamamoto, Tatsuya and Nishimura, Yuki and Koike-Akino, Toshiaki and Wang, Ye},
      • title = {Electric Machine Inverse Design with Variational Auto-Encoder (VAE)},
      • booktitle = {IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition (ECCE)},
      • year = 2023,
      • month = oct,
      • publisher = {IEEE},
      • doi = {10.1109/ECCE53617.2023.10362903},
      • issn = {2329-3748},
      • isbn = {979-8-3503-1644-5},
      • url = {https://www.merl.com/publications/TR2023-134}
      • }
    •  Brand, M., Kuang, Z., "Scene depths from a two-polarization metalens", Optica Imaging Congress / Flat Optics, August 2023.
      BibTeX TR2023-105 PDF
      • @inproceedings{Brand2023aug,
      • author = {Brand, Matthew and Kuang, Zeyu},
      • title = {Scene depths from a two-polarization metalens},
      • booktitle = {Optica Imaging Congress / Flat Optics},
      • year = 2023,
      • month = aug,
      • url = {https://www.merl.com/publications/TR2023-105}
      • }
    •  Xu, Y., Wang, B., Sakamoto, Y., Yamamoto, T., Nishimura, Y., "Comparison of Learning-based Surrogate Models for Electric Motors", Conference on the Computation of Electromagnetic Fields (COMPUMAG), DOI: 10.1109/​COMPUMAG56388.2023.10411811, May 2023, pp. 1-4.
      BibTeX TR2023-042 PDF
      • @inproceedings{Xu2023may,
      • author = {Xu, Yihao and Wang, Bingnan and Sakamoto, Yusuke and Yamamoto, Tatsuya and Nishimura, Yuki},
      • title = {Comparison of Learning-based Surrogate Models for Electric Motors},
      • booktitle = {2023 24th International Conference on the Computation of Electromagnetic Fields (COMPUMAG)},
      • year = 2023,
      • pages = {1--4},
      • month = may,
      • publisher = {IEEE},
      • doi = {10.1109/COMPUMAG56388.2023.10411811},
      • url = {https://www.merl.com/publications/TR2023-042}
      • }
    •  Sakamoto, Y., Xu, Y., Wang, B., Yamamoto, T., Nishimura, Y., "Multi-Objective Motor Design Optimization with Physics-Assisted Neural Network Model", IEEE International Electric Machines and Drives Conference (IEMDC), DOI: 10.1109/​IEMDC55163.2023.10238886, May 2023, pp. 1-7.
      BibTeX TR2023-038 PDF
      • @inproceedings{Sakamoto2023may,
      • author = {Sakamoto, Yusuke and Xu, Yihao and Wang, Bingnan and Yamamoto, Tatsuya and Nishimura, Yuki},
      • title = {Multi-Objective Motor Design Optimization with Physics-Assisted Neural Network Model},
      • booktitle = {2023 IEEE International Electric Machines & Drives Conference (IEMDC)},
      • year = 2023,
      • pages = {1--7},
      • month = may,
      • publisher = {IEEE},
      • doi = {10.1109/IEMDC55163.2023.10238886},
      • url = {https://www.merl.com/publications/TR2023-038}
      • }
    •  Xu, Y., Wang, B., Sakamoto, Y., Yamamoto, T., Nishimura, Y., Koike-Akino, T., Wang, Y., "Tandem Neural Networks for Electric Machine Inverse Design", IEEE International Electric Machines and Drives Conference (IEMDC), DOI: 10.1109/​IEMDC55163.2023.10238921, May 2023, pp. 1-7.
      BibTeX TR2023-040 PDF
      • @inproceedings{Xu2023may2,
      • author = {Xu, Yihao and Wang, Bingnan and Sakamoto, Yusuke and Yamamoto, Tatsuya and Nishimura, Yuki and Koike-Akino, Toshiaki and Wang, Ye},
      • title = {Tandem Neural Networks for Electric Machine Inverse Design},
      • booktitle = {2023 IEEE International Electric Machines & Drives Conference (IEMDC)},
      • year = 2023,
      • pages = {1--7},
      • month = may,
      • publisher = {IEEE},
      • doi = {10.1109/IEMDC55163.2023.10238921},
      • url = {https://www.merl.com/publications/TR2023-040}
      • }
    •  Zhao, Q., Ma, Y., Boufounos, P.T., Nabi, S., Mansour, H., "Deep Born Operator Learning for Reflection Tomographic Imaging", IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing (ICASSP), DOI: 10.1109/​ICASSP49357.2023.10095494, May 2023, pp. 1-5.
      BibTeX TR2023-029 PDF Video
      • @inproceedings{Zhao2023may,
      • author = {Zhao, Qingqing and Ma, Yanting and Boufounos, Petros T. and Nabi, Saleh and Mansour, Hassan},
      • title = {Deep Born Operator Learning for Reflection Tomographic Imaging},
      • booktitle = {IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing (ICASSP)},
      • year = 2023,
      • pages = {1--5},
      • month = may,
      • publisher = {IEEE},
      • doi = {10.1109/ICASSP49357.2023.10095494},
      • url = {https://www.merl.com/publications/TR2023-029}
      • }
    •  Lin, C., "Analytical Parametrization for Magnetization of Gadolinium based on Scaling Hypothesis", Physica A, DOI: 10.1016/​j.physa.2023.128686, Vol. 617, pp. 128686, April 2023.
      BibTeX TR2023-015 PDF
      • @article{Lin2023apr,
      • author = {Lin, Chungwei},
      • title = {Analytical Parametrization for Magnetization of Gadolinium based on Scaling Hypothesis},
      • journal = {Physica A},
      • year = 2023,
      • volume = 617,
      • pages = 128686,
      • month = apr,
      • doi = {10.1016/j.physa.2023.128686},
      • issn = {0378-4371},
      • url = {https://www.merl.com/publications/TR2023-015}
      • }
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  • Videos

  • Software & Data Downloads