Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast
Arts
Business
Endeavor Business Media
Welcome to the Laser Focus World Podcast, where we dive deep into the fascinating world of photonics and optics. With a legacy dating back to 1965, Laser Focus World has been a trusted source for comprehensive global coverage of technologies, applications, and markets in these dynamic fields. Join us as we bring you the latest news and insights from the forefront of the photonics industry. Our episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in photonics, this podcast is your go-to resource for staying informed and inspired. Tune in and stay laser-focused on the future of light-based technologies.
Total 24 episodes
1
The CEO shift
The CEO shift
This episode features a chat with OpenLight CEO Dr. Adam Carter, a semiconductor communications industry veteran with an impressive 25-year track record. He’s also been instrumental in the growth and turnarounds of some of the world’s leading optics businesses and manufacturers.
31:4105/11/2024
Light News 10.29.24
Light News 10.29.24
Here's the latest roundup of some of the most interesting and exciting news impacting the photonics industry!  Funding advances photonics technologies Thermal metasurface design controls itself Laser tech boosts greenhouse gas detection Team bridges standard and quantum internet
04:5229/10/2024
The balance of varied expertise
The balance of varied expertise
In this episode of Following the Photons, we talk with Dr. Shari Worthington, a professor of entrepreneurship and marketing at Suffolk University in Boston who (among several other roles) is president of Telesian Technology, a management and marketing firm that works with technology startups and Fortune 500 companies like MKS Instruments, Raytheon, and Apple.
31:2022/10/2024
Light News 10.15.24
Light News 10.15.24
Your biweekly roundup of some of the most interesting and exciting news impacting the photonics industry! This week... Recent acquisitions and mergers impacting the photonics industry Development of a chip-based tractor beam for bio imaging SLAC National Accelerator Lab's high-energy upgrades for LCLS LightPath Tech advancing the military’s F-35 combat aircraft program  
06:2715/10/2024
TAU Systems democratizes innovation
TAU Systems democratizes innovation
This episode features Catalin Neacsu, vice president of business development at TAU Systems. He has experience in an array of photonics industry sectors, from physics research to sales, and now has a direct hand in some of the most advanced innovations in the world.
24:1409/10/2024
Light News 10.01.24
Light News 10.01.24
Your biweekly roundup of some of the most interesting and exciting news impacting the photonics industry! This week... University of Bonn researchers can now imprint a simple lattice structure on a super photon, which could someday make communication tap-proof A team at Synopsys has designed a first-of-its-kind comprehensive virtual prototyping platform for system-level imaging IPG Photonics has officially sold its Russian subsidiary, IRE-Polus, and Lightwave Logic has named two new members to its Board of Directors A chip-scale photonic modulator that can control light on a silicon photonic microchip is addressing an evolving national security risk  
05:3801/10/2024
Photonics virtuoso: Caroline Boudoux, Ph.D.
Photonics virtuoso: Caroline Boudoux, Ph.D.
Check out this really interesting interview with Caroline Boudoux, Ph.D., a renowned leader in the photonics and optics industry. She wears many hats, including professor of Engineering Physics at Polytechnique Montréal, and researcher at the Sainte-Justine University Hospital in Montréal, the University of Montréal's Biomedical Engineering Institute, and the Center for Optics, Photonics, and Lasers in Quebec. She is also co-founder and co-president of Castor Optics, Chair of Optica’s Biophotonics Congress, a member of the Board of Directors of the National Optics Institute in Quebec, and an SPIE fellow. Caroline has authored several books, as well, including the recently released, It Goes Without Saying: Taking the Guesswork out of your Ph.D. in Engineering.
31:0524/09/2024
Light News 09.17.24
Light News 09.17.24
Presenting another edition of Light News… a quick roundup of some of the coolest, most exciting news impacting the photonics industry. Let’s go follow those photons!
06:2017/09/2024
AmeriCOM: Where workforce training meets defense
AmeriCOM: Where workforce training meets defense
This episode features Dave Shelton, president and CEO of AmeriCOM, a Workforce Training Initiative and Defense Precision Optics Consortium. Dave is a subject matter expert in infrared detectors, radiometry, and electro-optical infrared systems engineering who has worn many hats in the optics and defense industries.  
30:2010/09/2024
Light News
Light News
Introducing our biweekly Light News! It's a quick roundup of some of the coolest, most exciting news in the photonics industry. Let’s follow those photons!
06:3003/09/2024
‘American-made’ boosts data network confidence
‘American-made’ boosts data network confidence
This edition of Following the Photons features Anthony Musto, VP of sales and marketing at Fast Photonics, a company that provides fiber optic components to telecommunications, high-performance computing, data center, and AI customers. We talk about his more than 40 years of experience in the microwave, telecommunications, and fiber optics industries—including as founder of both Optium Corporation and later ARM Consulting—as well as his travels and thoughts on the future.
20:2127/08/2024
A Fresh Take on Integrated Photonics
A Fresh Take on Integrated Photonics
In this episode, we talk with Jorn Smeets from PhotonDelta, a European integrated photonics ecosystem that has expanded into Silicon Valley in California. After several years as the organization's Chief Marketing Officer and Board Member, he has been named Managing Director for the organization’s North America region, a role in which he aims to accelerate the photonic chip industry by building collaborations between North America and the international PhotonDelta ecosystem.
29:3813/08/2024
Aligning the Future of Innovation
Aligning the Future of Innovation
In this episode, I’m talking with Christophe Maleville, Chief Technology Officer and Senior Executive Vice President of Innovation at Soitec. He joined the company just after its founding in 1993, and has been a driving force behind joint research activities alongside CEA-Leti. Christophe’s experience extends even further, too, as an author or co-author of 30 research papers who holds an impressive 30 patents.
18:5030/07/2024
AR display tech developer sets sights on the future
AR display tech developer sets sights on the future
In this episode, we talk with Juha Pietarinen, Chief Product Officer at Finland-based OptoFidelity. From nanophotonics, AR display technology, and the future to motorcycles and scuba diving... we cover it all! 
17:5716/07/2024
The Academia of Optics
The Academia of Optics
This episode features Dr. Daniel Feezell, a professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and General Chair of the Optical Science and Engineering department at the University of New Mexico. He’s joined by his colleague, Dr. Jean-Claude Diels, a professor of Physics & Astronomy and Electrical Engineering at the university.  Their combined years of experience in academia provide a very interesting perspective on the optics and photonics industry.
18:5102/07/2024
Lasers: A changing realm
Lasers: A changing realm
With an eye on the business aspect of photonics in his role as co-CEO of Power Technology, William Burgess discusses the changing laser technology and regulations realms, and how the industry can continue advancing with the next-generation of engineers and technicians.
28:0911/06/2024
Industry veteran spreads importance of photonics
Industry veteran spreads importance of photonics
This episode features Laurent Fulbert, Deputy Head of the Optics and Photonics division at France-based CEA-Leti. He has more 30 years of experience in various areas of photonics and offers his insight on everything from the state of the industry to spreading the word of its importance in our everyday lives.
16:0528/05/2024
Quantum: The future is here
Quantum: The future is here
Don't miss this latest edition of Following the Photons, featuring Andrei Dragomir, founder and CEO of Aquark Technologies, a U.K.-based start-up bringing next-generation quantum technology from the lab to real-world applications.  With a background in physics research - a passion that dates back to his elementary school years - Andrei has a super interesting perspective on the quantum industry, and what the future holds.
22:5814/05/2024
Laser Innovator Takes Center Stage
Laser Innovator Takes Center Stage
In this episode, laser innovator Gregory Niven reminisces about his years in the laser industry, what the future holds for photonics, and his recent Academy Awards experience.
29:0730/04/2024
CVD Diamond Hits Next Level
CVD Diamond Hits Next Level
In this episode, we talk with Thomas Obeloer, the International Sales Director at Element Six. From educating people on the benefits of using CVD and related products to initiatives he's involved with (including in the growing quantum realm), and much more, this 35-year industry veteran discusses his experiences and offers insight into where the industry is headed.
20:4717/04/2024
Episode 4: Dr. Noel Goddard
Episode 4: Dr. Noel Goddard
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Noel Goddard. She is CEO of Qunnect, … a startup company filled with scientists, engineers, and developers dedicated to advancing quantum technology. Dr. Goddard is a serial entrepreneur, having founded and formerly led two biotech startup companies before joining the Qunnect management team in 2020.  Listen as she offers her unique perspective on the state of the industry, particularly in the quantum realm.    
24:0202/04/2024
Episode 3: Dr. Pierre-Mary Paul
Episode 3: Dr. Pierre-Mary Paul
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Pierre-Mary Paul, VP and Director of the Advanced Laser Solutions Business Unit at Amplitude Lasers. He joined the company early on, with many years of research experience under his belt in various realms of laser photonics. He shares some unique perspectives, so don't miss it!    
15:5719/03/2024
Episode 2: Gisele Bennett
Episode 2: Gisele Bennett
In this episode of Following the Photons, we talk with Gisele Bennett, a major player in the photonics and optics industry who has spent more than three decades in academia, industry, and research positions. She is a founder and managing member of startup software company MEPSS LLC, and was recently elected the 2024 Vice President of Optica.  
21:1405/03/2024
Episode 1: Alexis Vogt, optics professor
Episode 1: Alexis Vogt, optics professor
In this inaugural episode of Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast, we talk with optics industry powerhouse Alexis Vogt, endowed chair and professor of optics at Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY, where she also leads the only optical systems technology program in the U.S.     
29:1320/02/2024