We were delighted to welcome Prof. Sylwester Latkowski (Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands) to the Cambridge Graphene Centre (CGC) for the QAMSS SRI Advanced Technology Lecture of Lent Term 2026.
In his talk, “Integrated Photonics Technologies for Applications in Communications and Beyond,” Prof. Latkowski provided a wide-ranging and engaging overview of how photonic integration is enabling compact, high-performance on-chip systems for applications well beyond traditional telecommunications. He highlighted how photonic integrated circuits are increasingly central to areas such as data communications, sensing, RF photonics (including millimetre- and terahertz-wave generation), and quantum technologies, where the combined advantages of reduced size, weight, power and cost are particularly compelling.
A key theme of the lecture was the diversity of performance demands placed on integrated photonic systems—spanning signal quality, wavelength coverage, tunability, stability, efficiency, bandwidth and optical loss—and the importance of technology platforms that can address these requirements in a scalable way. Prof. Latkowski discussed how monolithic integration on indium phosphide (InP) supports a new class of chip-scale photonic systems, including advanced laser sources with tailorable complex cavities designed to meet the needs of specific applications. He also described how heterogeneous integration, combining complementary material platforms, can further extend functionality and optimise system performance.
Drawing on work developed and co-developed at Eindhoven University of Technology and the Photonic Integration Technology Center, Prof. Latkowski shared a series of examples illustrating the full workflow—from concept and design through to fabrication and experimental validation. He concluded by discussing the broader challenges and opportunities associated with making these technologies more accessible and scalable, including integration into semiconductor design and production flows.
We thank Prof. Latkowski for an excellent lecture and for his visit to CGC, including discussions with researchers and tours of facilities. QAMSS looks forward to continuing the lecture series in the Lent term with further speakers spanning quantum, advanced materials, and enabling technologies.
