• Executive Forum

    The Executive Forum channel features articles and other content centering around the business of optics and photonics.

    Highlights

    Product advertisement for the “Talking Fly Swatter” from Amazon.com, accessed on June 22, 2022 (left) and “Finger Mounted Flyswatter” from U.S. Patent No. 7,484,328, issued to John Richard Daugherty on February 3, 2009 (right).
    Executive Forum

    An invention and patent filing gray area: Obviousness

    Fred Thomas
    Feb. 24, 2025
    What is an invention? Most of us use the term “invention” loosely. I believe you will find a re-examination of the term worthwhile. In fact, if you’re the creative type, understanding...
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    Executive Forum

    Are the tides finally turning for photonics?

    Peter Fretty
    Feb. 24, 2025
    After a few down years, optimism is surfacing for a strong 2025.
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    Executive Forum

    Can silicon photonics overcome scaling challenges for AI and data centers?

    René Jonker
    Feb. 13, 2025
    Scaling silicon photonics for AI and data centers faces innovation hurdles in four key areas: Energy efficiency, manufacturing and packaging, ecosystem development, and cost optimizatio...
    GQI uses a rigorous, data-driven approach to map the quantum ecosystem—systematically tracking over 1,800 quantum technology entities to elucidate the complex network of interrelationships driving field advancements.
    Quantum

    A ‘PESTEL’ analysis of the global quantum technology ecosystem

    Michael Baczyk
    Feb. 12, 2025
    Photonics goes beyond merely enabling quantum advances and becomes one of its core industries.
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    Podcasts

    PODCAST: Interview with Michael Lebby, optics and photonics industry veteran

    Justine Murphy
    Feb. 11, 2025
    Episode 38 of Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast features Michael Lebby, whose decades-long career spans all levels of research and development, technology startups, sales...
    (Image credit: INNOCISE)
    INNOCISE's gripper technology features special polymers that can be integrated into different automation units with varying handling needs in both micro- and macro-handling.
    Executive Forum

    Geckos inspire gripping systems

    Jose Pozo
    Jan. 10, 2025
    Marc Schöneich, CEO and co-founder of INNOCISE, discusses his career path, business mindset, and shares advice for up-and-coming entrepreneurs.
    ID 198488032 © Mohamad Faizal Ramli | Dreamstime.com
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    Executive Forum

    Venture funding finishes 2024 with familiar themes

    Eric Hall
    Jan. 8, 2025
    Investments continue in optical interconnects and quantum computing.
    Rivada's Outernet: an independent, fully meshed network via laser links.
    Executive Forum

    New space race: Photonics is revolutionizing satellite networks

    Jérémy Picot-Clémente
    Jan. 8, 2025
    A new space race is being driven by unprecedented advancements in photonic technologies, which is revolutionizing satellite networks and redefining global communication infrastructure...
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    Executive Forum

    Photonics IP Update: December 2024

    Iain McIntyre
    Jan. 6, 2025
    This roundup summarizes photonics-related patent litigation and Patent Office procedures for December.