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David J. ThomsonView profile

Professor

• Photonics
• Silicon Photonics
• Optical Computing
• +3 more

Professor David J. Thomson is a Professorial Fellow in the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton, holding a prestigious Royal Society University Research Fellowship. He pioneers photonics research for computing applications and LIDAR systems, commanding over £10 million in research funding and leading a 12-member team focused on novel photonic device development and electronic integration. Thomson's research centers on silicon photonics and optical computing, with critical advancements in high-speed optical modulators, photonic integrated circuits, and LIDAR technologies. His work drives innovations in programmable photonics using phase-change materials and the co-integration of photonic and electronic systems, enabling breakthroughs in energy-efficient data communication and next-generation computing architectures. Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a dominant focus on silicon photonics for ultra-high-speed optical interconnects, featuring programmable circuits with Sb2Se3 phase-change materials, 224 Gbaud transmitters, and MOSCAP ring modulators with sub-5nm insulators. These works collectively address bandwidth and energy challenges in data centers and high-performance computing through monolithic integration and novel material systems. Scientific Awards: Royal Society University Research Fellowship Thomson actively supervises eight PhD students across the ORC and Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, while managing substantial grants exceeding £10 million from the Royal Society, EPSRC, Horizon Europe, and Huawei Technologies. His projects include DOLORES (Digital Optical Computing Platform), Tunnel Epitaxy of III-V on Silicon, and PIXEurope, targeting revolutionary photonic integration for neural networks and communications. He leads a specialized research team within the ORC's state-of-the-art facilities, focusing on photonic device design, fabrication, and characterization. This group collaborates on major European initiatives like Horizon Europe's DOLORES and PIXEurope, advancing silicon photonic platforms for optical computing and LIDAR applications.

Callum LittlejohnsView profile

Professor

• Photonics
• Silicon Photonics
• Optical Engineering
• +6 more

Professor Callum Littlejohns is a Professorial Fellow-Enterprise at the University of Southampton , specializing in silicon photonics and integrated optical systems. He is affiliated with the Photonic Systems, Circuits and Sensors Group , focusing on advancing high-speed photonic devices and energy-efficient optical interconnects. Research interests: silicon photonics, optical engineering, wavelength conversion, and photonic education. Active projects: Horizon Europe - DOLORES, PIXEurope; EPSRC-funded Layered Materials Research Foundry. Collaborations: with Professors Graham Reed, David Thomson, and Anna Peacock on silicon photonic modulators and switches. His recent publications emphasize 3D integration, MOSCAP ring modulators, and Kerr effect-based high-speed devices. He also contributes to workforce development through photonics education programs.

Graham ReedView profile

Professor

• Silicon Photonics
• Optical Communications
• Photonic Integrated Circuits
• +4 more

Professor Graham Reed FRS, FREng, FIET, FOSA, FSPIE, FEOS serves as Head of School at the University of Southampton's Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, leading the Optoelectronics Research Centre. With extensive expertise in silicon photonics and optical communications, he directs numerous research initiatives advancing photonic integrated circuit technology. His research interests focus on Silicon Photonics , Optical Communications , Photonic Integrated Circuits , Mid-Infrared Photonics , and Optical Sensors . Professor Reed's work bridges fundamental research with practical applications in communications, healthcare diagnostics, and environmental monitoring systems. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on high-speed optical modulators operating at 224 Gb/s and beyond, 3D photonic integration techniques, and mid-infrared silicon photonics applications. His research demonstrates consistent progress toward more energy-efficient, higher-capacity photonic systems with practical implementation pathways. His scientific recognition includes: Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award (2014) Professor Reed currently supervises PhD students including April Morgan Logan and leads multiple research projects with significant funding from EPSRC, Horizon Europe, and industry partners. His research groups include the Photonic Systems, Circuits and Sensors Group and the Silicon Photonics Research team, working on cutting-edge projects like MISSION (Mid-Infrared Silicon Photonic Sensors) and C-PIC. His laboratory facilities support advanced photonic device fabrication and characterization, enabling research from theoretical design through to practical implementation of silicon photonic systems.