29 October 2024, 09:00 - 10:30（CET）, Dr. Wilfried Noell, Chief Scientist at Focuslight delivering an online presentation at EPIC Online Technology Meeting on Integrated Photonics Manufacturing with TOSIA on the topic of “Micro-Optics: An Enabling Technology for DATACOM”.

Summary

Micro-optics is emerging as a critical enabling technology for addressing the growing demands of data communication (DATACOM) systems. As next-generation data centers and AI/LLM clusters face challenges such as increasing bandwidth requirements, ultra-low latency, and high power consumption, micro-optics offers scalable, energy-efficient solutions. These technologies, particularly refractive and diffractive micro/nano-optics, are being explored for their potential to enhance photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and optical switches. However, integrating them into existing infrastructures requires overcoming complexity while ensuring reliability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The presentation highlights how micro-optics can support advancements in optical communication systems.

Speaker

Dr. Wilfried Noell is Chief Scientist at Focuslight, specialising in integrated optics, microtechnology, silicon photonics and miniaturising photonics systems. With more than 25 years of experience in the photonics industry, he previously served as Senior Principal Scientist and Director of R&D at SUSS MicroOptics (acquired by Focuslight in January 2024, now as Focuslight Switzerland).

Wilfried started his career as team leader at the University of Neuchatel and has later held key roles at Comet AG and EPFL, focusing on MEMS and optical MEMS (MOEMS). Wilfried holds a PhD in Si-Photonics for sensing applications from IMM Mainz / Uni Ulm and a master's degree in physics from TU Darmstadt / Deutsche Telekom for his work on InP integrated optics.