A new generation of imaging technology capable of capturing depth, motion and even polarization in real time could reshape industries from advanced manufacturing to defence, according to a lecture delivered today by Dr Mehdi Asghari, from SiLC Technologies, USA, as part of the QAMSS lecture series.
Dr Asghari explored how silicon photonics combined with coherent light is enabling imaging systems to move beyond traditional 2D and 3D approaches. Instead of simply recording flat images, these systems can simultaneously detect multiple layers of information including distance, movement and polarization, opening the door to far richer real-time visual data.
Central to the talk was the development of a highly photon-optimised silicon photonics platform designed to integrate complex optical systems onto compact and robust chips. Dr Asghari explained that this approach allows advanced imaging capabilities to be deployed more reliably and at greater scale than conventional optical technologies.
The lecture also highlighted practical applications already emerging from the technology. Examples included long-range metrology systems capable of highly accurate measurements across significant distances, as well as imaging tools designed to help detect and defend against malicious drones.
The presentation reflected growing momentum in silicon photonics research, an area increasingly seen as critical for the future of sensing, autonomous systems and next-generation machine vision. As industries seek faster and more detailed real-time data, multi-modality imaging technologies are expected to become an important part of the next wave of photonic innovation.