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Mike Banad, a researcher at the University of Oklahoma, has received funding from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to develop advanced materials for energy-efficient electronics and photonics using artificial intelligence.

His project focuses on metal-insulator transition (MIT) chalcogenides, which can switch between conductive and insulating states without changing their structure. The project aims to create a systematic framework for material engineering through inverse design techniques, enhancing the discovery process by embedding AI at every stage.

Banad's team evaluates materials' stability and performance, aiming to produce MIT chalcogenides that switch reliably, require less energy, and endure harsh conditions. This work could advance neuromorphic computing and broader applications in electronics and secure communications. The project is part of the DoD's Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) initiative.