Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast
Welcome to Laser Focus World’s Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast. Here, we take a deep dive 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. Following the Photons is an extension of that legacy. This podcast — hosted by Justine Murphy, an editor with Laser Focus World and multimedia director of Endeavor Business Media’s Digital Infrastructure group — features 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.
Episodes

17 minutes ago
17 minutes ago
In this episode, host Justine Murphy talks with Dr. Ramy Shelbaya, co-founder and CEO of Quantum Dice. A physicist with a Ph.D. in atomic and laser physics from the University of Oxford, he's spent years working on quantum technologies for a variety of applications.

Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
This episode features Jason Eichenholz, an entrepreneur who has founded several tech startups, and a recognized pioneer in laser- and photonics-enabled innovation. He's also founder of Jonathan's Landing Foundation, a non-profit that creates a comprehensive community for adults with autism.

Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
A roundup of some of the most exciting news happening in the photonics industry!

Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
This episode features Dr. Nick New, CEO and co-founder of Optalysys, a U.K.-based startup that's pioneering advancements in silicon photonics and Fully Homomorphic Encryption. Nick has a Ph.D. in optical pattern recognition, and a strong foundation in optical technology.

Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
This episode features a fun, thought-provoking chat with Debbie Gustafson, CEO and board member of high-tech photonics equipment company Energetiq Technology. With more than two decades of experience in the industry, she's a powerhouse who has helped open doors for fellow women in STEM through mentorships and other support.

Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
This episode features Siddharth Ramachandran, a Distinguished Professor of Engineering at Boston University. He started his career in industrial research at Bell Labs, and his work with light wave devices has helped advance optical networks, laser-based defense systems, brain imaging, and quantum computing.
Here, he talks with host Justine Murphy about his experiences in the industry, from research to academia and beyond.

Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Join host Justine Murphy for a closer look into the research and education realm with Jana Jágerská, a professor, a researcher, and group and lab leader at the Arctic University of Norway, where she focuses in nanophotonics and laser spectroscopy for the detection of trace gases and pollutants.
In this chat, she shares some of the really interesting perspectives she’s gained from her years as a researcher, educator, and mentor.

Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
In this episode, host Justine Murphy chats with Tyler Simays, marketing manager at KrellTech, where he works to drive growth and innovation, and has helped spearhead the company's Photonics Outreach Program that introduces high school students to the cutting-edge world of photonics. Tyler brings a global perspective and years of experience to his work bridging the realms of technology and business, and is dedicated to inspiring the next generation.

Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
This episode features Brad Booth, CEO of NLM Photonics. He came to NLM with years of experience working on Meta platforms and Microsoft Azure, and has held roles at Dell, Intel, and Bell-Northern Research.

Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
In this episode, host Justine Murphy talks with Atikem Haile, vice president of marketing and business development at Lightwave Logic.
They cover his 20+ years of experience that spans a unique range of technology, finance, and business., as well as his perspectives on a number of issues impacting the industry.