Independent Scientific & Technical Consulting
for Advanced Materials, Devices, and IR Systems

Helping startups, research teams, and SBIR programs translate deep materials chemistry and physics into sound technical decisions, credible proposals, and executable development plans.

How I work with teams:

Most of my work sits at the boundary between theory, experiment, and program execution. I’m typically brought in when my expertise in materials and infrared sensors or my experience in government funding, research execution, or engineering management can assist teams with their programs.

Sean Keuleyan, Ph.D. is an independent scientific and technical consultant with 17 years of experience in materials science and engineering, semiconductor and infrared optoelectronics, optical modeling, device fabrication, and experimental characterization. He partners with industry, startups, and research teams to solve complex technical problems, develop credible R&D strategies, and translate materials science research into launchable results. His work emphasizes clear assumptions, quantified risks, and decision-ready deliverables, with particular strength in proposal development, data analysis, and advanced technical writing.

Services


Technical Strategy & Trade Studies
  • Device physics–driven feasibility assessments

  • Architecture comparisons and risk reduction

  • Physics-based modeling to support go/no-go decisions


Modeling and Analysis
  • Semiconductor and optoelectronic device modeling

  • Optical, electrical, and noise analysis

  • Model validation against experimental data


Experimental & Development Guidance
  • Test strategy definition

  • Data interpretation and failure analysis

  • Bridging lab results to system-level implications


SBIR Research Program Support
  • Technical narrative development (Phase I–III)

  • Feasibility arguments grounded in first principles

  • Independent technical review and gap analysis

  • Execution support




Typical Collaborators

My clients and collaborators usually fall into one of three categories:

  • SBIR-focused startups needing credible technical depth without a full internal R&D team

  • University research groups translating fundamental work toward applications or proposals

  • Program leads and primes seeking independent technical judgment


Technical Perspectives

  • Modeling dark current, photocurrent, and noise in infrared photodiodes

  • When detailed device simulation helps - and when it doesn’t.

  • Common failure modes in early-stage IR detector programs

Selected notes will be posted here over time.