Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Photonics is undergoing the same transformation the semiconductor industry experienced decades ago; evolving from specialized, low-volume manufacturing into standardized, highly automated, high-volume production.

In this episode, PI Physik's Nikta Jalayer explores how precision motion, intelligent alignment, and automation technologies are enabling that transition by transforming photonics manufacturing from a serial, labor-intensive process into a highly automated, high-throughput production environment, making large-scale deployment of optical interconnects both practical and economically viable.

This episode features Jennifer Kehlet Barton, a professor and Thomas R. Brown Distinguished Chair of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arizona. There, her research focuses on the development of optical techniques for understanding disease processes.

In this really interesting chat she had recently with Host Justine Murphy, Jennifer talked about the diverse path that led her to where she is now, her research and technology developments, and what inspires her.

This episode features Shankaran Janardhanan, senior vice president and GM of the Photonics and RF division at GlobalFoundries.

He talked recently with Host Justine Murphy about the company and the role of optical data centers and photonics components in the world’s ever-advancing technology landscape.

In this episode, we’re highlighting some of the interesting and exciting things that have been happening in the business realm. Check it out... it’s a sector that helps keep the photonics industry moving.

The need to boost the photonics and optics workforce remains critical. But attracting technicians and engineers remains a challenge.

In this episode, Host Justine Murphy examines the increasing number of technician training programs around the country, and talks with a few of those who remain motivated to help alleviate the industrywide struggle.