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.
Unlocking new data on ocean greenhouse gas emissions
Researchers at the University of Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre and the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS) are developing a new generation of smart, low-cost optical sensors capable of detecting greenhouse gases and pollutants in our oceans. The technology is set to revolutionise ocean monitoring techniques and will enable scientists to answer urgent questions about global warming processes for the first time.
Facilitating dialogue: the UK photonics innovation chain
Leaders from industry and academia came together to discuss current photonics issues at Photonex and Vacuum Technologies, SPIE’s annual exhibition and events programme which took place in Glasgow on 29–30 September 2021. The Hub supported two panel discussions, inviting key members of the UK’s innovation ecosystem and industry representatives to tackle the question: The UK Photonics Innovation Chain: What Can We Do Better?
Championing photonics and its role in reaching net zero
With a degree in laser physics and optoelectronics and a 20-year career as a physics teacher, it’s no surprise that Carol Monaghan, MP for Glasgow North West, has a special interest in photonics. A champion for the photonics sector in Westminster, she established the All-party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Photonics and Quantum and is keen to see the realisation of the huge environmental and economic potential of optical technologies.
Securing the UK’s position as leading innovators in the global photonics market by transferring new, commercial technologies to industry.
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