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

Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
This episode kicks off a new monthly interview series presented by EPIC, the European Photonics Industry Consortium, that will showcase the people and companies enriching and advancing the photonics industry.
In this edition, EPIC’s Dr. Ivan Nikitski talks with Pim Kat, CEO of Amazec Photonics, and Eelko Brinkhoff, the incoming CEO of PhotonDelta.

Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
In this episode, Justine Murphy talks with Hagen Zimer, CEO of Laser Technology at Trumpf. He's got many years of experience in the laser industry, and a clear and true passion for all things photonics.

Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
This episode features Dr. Nikhil Balram, CEO of Mojo Vision. He has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, and more than 30 years of experience in the semiconductor and display industries. He’s also received several awards, including a Gold Stevie Award for Executive of the Year in the electronics category and the Otto Schade Prize from the Society for Information Display.

Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
In this episode, we talk with Andres Chavarria, the technical director of LUNA Innovations. He’s the former technical director at OptaSense, and has more than 20 years of experience in the field. He now focuses on fiber optic sensing tools for a variety of applications and industries, from smart infrastructure and telecommunications to energy, earth, and engineering systems.

Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
The latest roundup of some of the most interesting and exciting news impacting the photonics industry!

Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
This episode features Sam Rubin, CEO of LightPath Technologies. He says he’s an engineer at heart who got his start in the optics industry alongside his father before founding xLight Photonics. He talks about his experiences in optics and photonics, including the many years he spent in various roles at Thorlabs.

Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
This episode features Mike Dunne and Greg Hays, from SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. The pair are part of a team that’s now making some exciting high-energy upgrades to the Linac Coherent Light Source, meant to help researchers and technologies advance.

Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
This episode features a really interesting chat with Mike Noonen, CEO of Swave Photonics. He talks about the company's work with holography and other photonics technologies, and what it all means for the future.

Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Here's the latest roundup of some of the most interesting and exciting news impacting the photonics industry!

Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
This episode features Cory Boone, technical marketing manager at Edmund Optics. An engineering, optics, and marketing guru, he's very active in educational outreach, he creates the company's popular YouTube and TikTok videos, and has even authored a children’s book ("Larry Laser Finds His Spark") to share the fun of STEM with future generations.