Iraklis Avramopoulos

Iraklis Avramopoulos is a Professor at the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and serves as Director of the Photonic Communications Research Laboratory (PCRL). He studied Physics at Imperial College London, earned a Master's degree in Applied Optics, and completed his PhD in Physics in 1989, focusing on nonlinear effects in lasers and optical fibers.

• Education:
  • Physics, Imperial College London
  • Master's in Applied Optics
  • PhD in Physics (1989)

His research spans optical telecommunications, data communication in computing centers, digital signal processing, photonic sensors (including biosensors for harmful substances in food and pro-cancer cell carriers), leak detection systems, and quantum communications. He pioneered photonic integration on silicon, glass, and polymers, with applications in telecommunications, high-speed transceivers, and optical switching.

PCRL, under his leadership, participates in 12 large-scale European research projects and has authored over 500 publications and 5 patents. The lab's graduates have secured faculty positions, industry leadership roles, and founded startups.

• Research Highlights:
  • Optical interconnects for computing systems
  • Quantum communications and security
  • Advanced photonic materials and metamaterials

Avramopoulos has held key roles in the European Research Council (ERC), program committees (e.g., ECOC), and the Photonics 21 platform, driving pan-European innovation. PCRL's work combines theoretical exploration with real-world applications in sensing, telecommunications, and quantum technologies.