Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

The electro-optical dynamic

This edition features Yvain Thonnart, a chief scientist in the digital ICs and systems division of the French research institute CEA-List, where he focuses on areas including networks-on-chip and integrating emerging photonics technologies.
He talked recently with Host Justine Murphy about his work at CEA, and his team’s potentially game-changing development of the first dynamically channeled electro-optical router for photonic interposers.

The data in deep space

In this episode, Erin Howard, a research scientist currently working at the University of Washington on the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, talks with Host Justine Murphy about their passion for exploring the universe through data, and the excitement in contributing to cutting-edge scientific discoveries.

Research to expand technology

This episode features Dr. Aleksandra Kaszubowska, an assistant professor of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Trinity College Dublin and an assistant professor and research fellow at the CONNECT Research Center.
She talked with Host Justine Murphy about the exciting work her team is doing, as well as her vast research experience and the remarkable path that led to where she is today.

Technicians: The heart of the industry

This edition features Host Justine Murphy's chat with Dr. Brian Monacelli, a professor and director of Laser Technology at Pasadena City College in California. He’s also a Principal Optical Engineer and supervisor of the Optical Implementation group at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
They recently discussed things like the importance of training technicians in hands-on laboratory skills, and he also offered some perspectives on the future of optics and the crucial role technicians will play.
 

Aerotech quick chat: Co-packaged optics & the active alignment breakthrough

This episode features a technical conversation about co-packaged optics, the rapid rise of interest in this technology, and why active alignment is a major manufacturing bottleneck in photonics. The discussion, sponsored by Aerotech, focuses on the company’s new PICAlign approach, developed in collaboration with SENKO and Santec, which aims to improve throughput, quality, and efficiency in optical device assembly.
Talking with Host Justine Murphy, Aerotech Business Development Manager Justin Bressi explains how monitoring multiple optical channels at once and searching in all six degrees of freedom can improve alignment outcomes and reduce scrap.
The conversation also touches on the broader data center and semiconductor ecosystem, where demand for faster, more efficient photonic systems is driving new investment and partnerships.

Light News: April 14, 2026

Here's a roundup of some of the most interesting and exciting things happening in the photonics industry!

The heart of chemistry

Host Justine Murphy talked recently with Dr. Judy Wu, the Thomas A. Albright Professor of Chemistry at the University of Houston, where her work has included computational quantum chemistry to study light-activated chemistry. 
They discussed her work as a computational and organic chemist and professor, unconventional ways to boost the next generation of scientists, and her contributions toward bridging theory with real-world application.
 

The spark for photonics education

Here is an interesting interview Host Justine Murphy had recently with Kevin McComber, co-founder and CEO of Spark Photonics Design, and co-founder and executive director of Spark Photonics Foundation, a nonprofit STEM education, workforce development, and outreach organization.
He talked about his engineering background and entrepreneurial spirit, as well as his thoughts on the education and workforce initiatives he calls crucial for the future of STEM.
 

Silicon photonics meets AI

This episode features Vivek Raghunathan, co-founder and CEO of Xscape Photonics, a Columbia University spinoff focused on silicon photonics and AI.
He has nearly two decades of experience in the silicon photonics sector, including at Intel. 
In this chat, he talks with Host Justine Murphy about Xscape Photonics and its innovative work, as well as the role silicon photonics will play in the future of AI.

Leading with purpose

Jennifer Cable, president of Thorlabs, talked recently with Host Justine Murphy about the company's role in the industry, as well as building an inclusive culture and enhancing employee engagement, while also investing in advanced manufacturing technology and infrastructure.