Illuminated: IEEE Photonics Podcast

How do cutting-edge optical technologies elevate the performance of AI systems? Tune in to our latest episode of Illuminated, where we feature Laurent Schares from IBM Research. Laurent walks us through the pivotal role optical interconnects play in modern data centers and AI clusters, illustrating how these advancements are transforming high-performance environments. Discover the intricate relationship between advanced optical networking, system integration, and the groundbreaking hardware innovations that are driving the future of AI.

In the episode, the moderator and speaker we dive into the human side of tech innovation with insights on professional growth and mentorship. Laurent reveals his personal journey, underscoring the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and a supportive work environment. From peer reviews to mentoring the next generation of scientists, we unpack how contributing to the scientific community fosters both personal and professional development.

Host:
Akhil Kallepalli
Chancellor's Fellow and Leverhulme Early Career Fellow
University of Strathclyde, UK

Moderator:
Brandon Buscaino
Research Scientist
Ciena, USA

Expert:
Laurent Schares
Senior Scientist
IBM Research, USA

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Unlock the mysteries behind the cables and connections that power our digital lives with Nokia Bell Labs' Xi (Vivian) Chen and Fatima Gunning, from Tyndall National Institute. This episode promises a fascinating exploration into the world of high-speed optical fiber communications—a vital yet often overlooked cornerstone of modern technology. As we journey from the switch from copper to the latest in fiber technology, you'll discover the incredible engineering feats that allow you to stream, browse, and connect at the speed of light.

Join us as the experts also discuss topics like the transition from materials like lithium niobate to the realms of silicon photonics and indium phosphide—all pivotal in our quest for faster data transmission. Further conversations are had on the challenges of adapting these technologies to new fiber types and how innovations like multicore and few-mode fibers could redefine the landscape of global connectivity.

However, the chat isn't just about bits and bytes; reflect on the values that underpin successful leadership in science and the fresh perspectives brought in by emerging talent. By the end of this episode, you'll be looking at the tangle of cords behind your desk with a newfound reverence for the photons racing through them and the people behind the innovation!

Host:
Thierry Lapinte-Leclerc
PhD Student
Boston University, USA

Moderator:
Fatima Garcia-Gunning
Senior Staff Researcher
Tyndall National Institute, Ireland

Expert:
Xi (Vivian) Chen
Department Head, Optoelectronic Sub-systems 
Nokia Bell Labs, USA

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Discover how Professor Aydogan Ozcan and his team's journey through the evolving landscape of computational optical biomedical imaging is revolutionizing global health diagnostics. He peels back the layers of how AI and deep learning are reshaping the future of medical imaging, and the profound impact of computational techniques in resource-limited settings.

In this episode, discussions are also had with moderator Peter Munro about the regulations and ethical considerations of AI, confronting the reality of health inequality and the promise of technology in bridging the gap. Each share the pivotal moments and mentorship experiences that inspired a continuous cycle of curiosity and innovation in their careers. The conversation will impart knowledge on our listeners but also ignite a spark for lifelong learning and discovery.

Host:
Akhil Kallepalli
Leverhulme Early Career Fellow
University of Glasgow, UK

Moderator:
Peter Munro
Professor and Vice Dean of Research
University College London, UK

Expert:
Aydogan Ozcan
Chancellor's Professor at UCLA, USA
Professor at Howard Hughes Medical Institute, USA
Associate Director at California NanoSystems Institute, USA

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Get ready for this inspiring STEM Education chat with guest speaker, Mike McKee! He is the Associate Director of Undergraduate Programs in Photonic Science and Engineering at the University of Florida CREOL (The College of Optics and Photonics).  Mike delves into the heart of STEM education and the ways photonics can shape the future of scientific careers. Uncover why he passionately advocates for photonics within all engineering degree programs, and the crucial role early exposure plays in nurturing a diverse talent pool in the sector.

With the moderator, Sri Priya Sundararajan of Hewlett Packard, he addresses the disappointing lack of diversity in national-level science Olympiads and STEM spaces. Priya herself has led large scale MakeHer workshops and Introduce a Girl to Photonics programming. Together, they stand at the forefront of change, championing efforts to bolster diversity and inclusion at the local level. Hear from both on the power of being a visible minority and the struggles to confront bias and resistance in these spaces. Spoiler Alert: They do not just talk about the problem; they share solutions to create an inviting, inclusive environment for all participants!

Host:
Akhil Kallepalli
Leverhulme Early Career Fellow
University of Glasgow, UK

Moderator:
Sri Priya Sundararajan
Senior Silicon Photonics Researcher
Hewlett Packard Enterprise, USA

Expert:
Mike Mckee
Associate Director, Undergraduate Programs
University of Florida CREOL, USA

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In this episode, Peter Dragic, of the University of Illinois, Urbana - Champaign, shares his expertise bridging a gap between next generation laser sources and active sensing systems such as LIDAR. We'll journey together through the captivating world of LiDAR, shedding light on its applications, complexities, and potential future paths.

Our exploration begins with a look at how this cutting-edge technology is being used in diverse fields such as automotive, surveying, mapping, and archaeology. You’ll gain insights into the challenges of crafting high-power lasers for LiDAR systems, and the pivotal role of laser alignment in ensuring accurate measurements, for example.

Host:
Akhil Kallepalli
Leverhulme Early Career Fellow
University of Glasgow, UK

Moderator:
Rajesh Menon
USTAR Professor
University of Utah

Expert:
Peter Dragic
Associate Professor
University of Illinois, Urbana - Champaign

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In this episode, our guests discuss the realities of startup life. Ever found yourself pondering about the unwritten rules that shape a company's culture? If yes, then tune in for an enlightening episode with Daniel Renner, Chair of the IEEE Photonic Society Industry Engagement Committee, and Madison Woodson and Stephen Estrella, from Freedom Photonics.

Beyond the nuances of company culture, our guests also share the unique opportunities and benefits that one can only find in a startup environment. Hear firsthand about the broad spectrum of skills and expertise that you can explore and nurture while working at younger company or one founded to develop unique products and services. But it's not all sunshine and rainbows, our guests unravel the challenges and risks that come along with such ventures.

Host:
Daniel Renner
Principal
Atacama Optics & Electronics

Guest Speakers:
Madison Woodson
Photonic Device Engineer
Freedom Photonics, LLC

Stephen Estrella
Director of Business Development
Freedom Photonics, LLC

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In this episode, host and moderator discuss Quantum Sensing with Amr Helmy. The group looks into its applications and provides career advice on how to get into the quantum landscape.

Quantum technologies, generating, detecting and manipulating quantum states of light, have really changed over the past 10 years, with quantum startups contributing greatly to the rich field of photonics.

Host:
Senta (Scholl) Jantzen
Product Owner at ASML
North Brabant, Netherlands

Moderator:
Jacques Carolan
Senior Research Fellow, University College London
London, UK

Expert:
Amr Helmy
Professor at ECE, University of Toronto
Toronto, Canada

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In this episode, Deep Jariwala shares his expertise on the field of Nanophotonics and how his applications range from telecommunications to medical imaging, sensing and quantum technologies. Research in this field is advancing rapidly, leading to new possibilities for the development of nanoscale optical components and devices, as well as the potential for new materials and processes to enable new applications.

Nanophotonics is an interdisciplinary field that combines nanotechnology with optics to study and control light on or at the nanoscale. Nanophotonics could be further classified into studying optical properties of nanometer scale materials and structures or designing and making structures that confine and manipulate photons in nanoscopic dimensions. It involves the use of nanostructured materials and components to manipulate the behavior of light, such as its intensity, polarization, wavelength, and direction.

Host:
Akhil Kallepalli
Leverhulme Early Career Fellow
University of Glasgow, UK

Moderator:
Lorenzo Pavesi
Head of Nanoscience Laboratory
University of Trento

Expert:
Deep Jariwala
Associate Professor
Peter & Susanne Armstrong Distinguished Scholar
University of Pennsylvania 

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