Future Photonics Hub
Bridging the gap between academic research and product development by bringing industry and funding agencies together to co-invest in R&D.
The Future Photonics Hub is a partnership between two leading UK research institutes, the Optoelectronics Research Centre at the University of Southampton and the EPSRC National Epitaxy Facility at the University of Sheffield.
We work with a network of over 40 companies, representing strategic UK sectors including telecommunications, healthcare, defence and aerospace, to support the rapid commercialisation of innovative photonics manufacturing technologies.
Our goals
Together, we are combining our expertise and state-of-the art experimental facilities to:
Lead research
Lead research in core photonics platform technologies: silica optical fibres, III-V semiconductors, silicon photonics, 2D materials and metamaterials.
Integrate processes
Develop integrated manufacturing processes, making it simple and efficient to incorporate photonics into high-value systems.
Fund the future
Fund early stage research into cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
About us
We aim to secure the UK’s position as a leading innovator in the high value global photonics market by transferring new, practical and commercial process technologies to industry.
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Outreach
Outreach and public engagement brings photonics research to diverse audiences outside academia, from pupils and teachers, to community groups and the general public.
Our facilities
The Future Photonics Hub is home to one of Europe’s best nanoelectronics and photonics fabrication facilities.
Get in touch
Drop us a line if you’d like to discuss an event or collaboration. We’d love to hear from you!
Latest news
Keep up to date with the latest news from The Future Photonics Hub.
Rising to the challenge of the global shortage of semiconductors
Semiconductors are essential ingredients of almost every electronic and photonic device on the planet. They are used in communications infrastructure, artificial intelligence, robotics, healthcare, military technology, quantum and cloud computing, and everyday consumer devices such as white goods and smart meters.
Anniversary Fellowship: Welcoming Dr. Dongyang Wang
The Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) have recently recruited Dr. Dong Yang Wang through the University of Southampton’s highly competitive Anniversary Fellowship Scheme. The scheme was launched in 2022 in support of the University Strategy and to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the University’s Royal Charter.
SPIE’s highest honour awarded to Deputy Director of the Optoelectronics Research Centre
Professor Graham Reed, Deputy Director of the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) and Co-Investigator of the Future Photonics Hub, has been awarded the 2023 SPIE Gold Medal, their highest honour. It has been awarded in recognition of his sustained and ongoing leadership in the silicon photonics field, particularly in the area of silicon photonics modulators, mid-IR silicon photonics, and integrated lidar.
Securing the UK’s position as leading innovators in the global photonics market by transferring new, commercial technologies to industry.
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