Sukow's proposal focuses on developing and supporting a stronger research program at W&L through expanding his experimental research program in semiconductor laser dynamics. He explains that when lasers are used to read information from compact disks or to transmit data through fiber optic lines, a small portion of the light is often reflected directly back into the laser. This reflected light can make a normally stable laser begin to pulse and oscillate erratically, which usually degrades the information.

Another area Sukow is studying involves setting two lasers to pulse erratically but in exactly the same way so that encoded information cannot be easily deciphered.

Over the last few years, Sukow has utilized the talents of his undergraduate students in his research projects and in several published papers, naming his students as co-authors. The Career Award will allow him to mentor more undergraduate and high school research assistants on his team. Moreover, he will use his funds to bring visiting scholars to campus, establish collaborations with others in his area, develop new courses to bridge the gap between the classroom and the research lab and strengthen outreach programs to the local community.