Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Industrial research meets academia

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.
 

Research perspectives from the Arctic

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.

Inspiring the future through education

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.

A startup for the future

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.
 

The green tech revolution

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.

Found in translation: The marketing of science

In this episode, host Justine Murphy talks with Cicely Rathmell, vice president of marketing at Wasatch Photonics.
Their chat covers everything from Cicely's expertise in science and her experiences in the photonics industry to her thoughts on the future.

EPIC interview: A VCSEL-based future

Here is another installment of our interview series presented by EPIC, the European Photonics Industry Consortium. This episode features EPIC's Antonio Castelo talking with Alexander Weigl, head of Product Management at TRUMPF Photonic Components, and iThera Medical’s CTO Patrick Leisching.
Their discussion focuses on a recent collaboration on a solution for optoacoustic imaging: a VCSEL-based subsystem that can replace current photonic systems that developers are calling a game changer for routine clinical use that’s applicable to a wide range of diseases.
 

Light News 03.18.25

Here if the latest roundup of some of the most interesting and exciting news impacting the photonics industry! 

A journey from academia to startup

Here is another fun chat Host Justine Murphy had during Photonics West in January. This one is with Daniel Shaddock, CEO and co-founder of Liquid Instruments, a developer of reconfigurable test and measurement solutions for scientists and engineers.
Before founding this startup a decade ago, he was a professor at the Australian National University and a Directors Fellow at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab. He's a physicist, an engineer, and an entrepreneur with many years of expertise in optical and electronic instrumentation, ultimately helping accelerate research and development across industries.

Bridging industry, academia, and diversity

This episode features Dr. Olivia Wheeler-Williams, coatings development manager at Edmund Optics, who has been named a 2025 Optica Ambassador, a position that allows her to help strengthen ties between academia and industry.
Olivia met up with host Justine Murphy during Photonics West back in early February, where they talked about things like her work at Edmund, being a mentor, and the importance of diversity in optics.