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.
Bringing quantum research into manufacturing of the future
Bringing quantum research into manufacturing of the future Professor Jon Heffernan is the Deputy Director of the Future Photonics Hub and leads the National Epitaxy Facility, based at the University of Sheffield, which is pioneering the development and...
Rebuilding the UK telecommunications industry
High power fibre laser technology boasts many unique features that set it apart from other competing technologies and could be the key to making manufacturing more efficient and sustainable.
Investing in the next generation of photonics leaders
As an Early Career Researcher, Dr Natalie Wheeler knows the challenges she and her peers face when trying to “cross the barrier” from postdoc to research group leader.
Securing the UK’s position as leading innovators in the global photonics market by transferring new, commercial technologies to industry.
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