Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

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.

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!

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.  

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!

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.

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.

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.

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! 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.    

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!    

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.

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.     

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.