Dr. Gaylord received the B.S. in physics and the M.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla and the Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Rice University. He came to Georgia Tech in 1972.
Dr. Gaylord was instrumental in the founding and development of the optics educational and research programs in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. This includes the development of the Optical Engineering, Integrated Optics, Modulation, Diffractive and Crystal Optics, and Optoelectronics: Materials, Processes, and Devices courses, the development of optics research programs, and the development of research and instructional laboratory facilities.
Dr. Gaylord is the author of over 300 technical journal publications and 25 patents in the areas of optics, optoelectronics, and semiconductor devices.
- Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, Rice University, 1970
- M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Missouri–Rolla, 1967
- B.S., Physics, University of Missouri–Rolla, 1965
Gaylord’s research centers on semiconductor devices and materials, including the physical mechanisms governing device operation and the development of novel electronic materials. His work involves understanding carrier transport phenomena, device modeling, and exploring material properties that influence device performance. This research contributes to advancing microelectronic device technology through experimental and theoretical studies, fostering innovation in semiconductor device engineering.
Gaylord’s teaching focuses on fundamental and advanced courses in electrical and computer engineering, emphasizing microelectronics, semiconductor device principles, and related physical concepts. His instruction spans undergraduate and graduate levels, aiming to build a strong foundation in device physics and electronic material properties. Professor Gaylord prioritizes clear conceptual understanding and practical problem-solving skills integral to the field of microelectronics and semiconductor engineering.
- Fellow of Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)
- Fellow of the Optical Society of America (OSA)
- Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
- Curtis W. McGraw Research Award from the American Society for Engineering Education
- OSA Esther Hoffman Beller Medal
- IEEE Graduate Teaching Award
- Class of 1934 Distinguished Professor Award (Georgia Tech)
- Outstanding Teacher Award (Georgia Tech)
- O. Joseph Ibiyemi, Thomas K. Gaylord, Three-Dimensional Optical Transfer Function for a Telecentric Optical Imaging System, 2025. DOI: 10.1364/fio.2025.jtu7a.4
- Engin Esen, Thomas K. Gaylord, Christopher R. Valenta, Effects and conditions of mutual interference in FMCW lidars, 2025. DOI: 10.1117/12.3053799
- Engin Esen, Keith A. Dowsett, Zoulaiha Daouda, Kamri Heath, Thomas K. Gaylord et al., Analyzing the Effects of Interference on Various Automotive LIDAR Architectures, 2024. DOI: 10.1364/lsc.2024.lsm1c.2
- Sheng-Tao Yu, Thomas K. Gaylord, Muhannad S. Bakir, Scalable Fiber-Array-to-Chip Interconnections with Sub-Micron Alignment Accuracy, 2023. DOI: 10.1109/ectc51909.2023.00130
- Sheng-Tao Yu, Thomas K. Gaylord, Muhannad S. Bakir, Quarter-Micron Alignment of Chiplets via Positive Self-Aligned Structures, IEEE Photonics Technology Letters, 2023. DOI: 10.1109/lpt.2023.3308058