David Payne

Professor Sir David Payne is a distinguished academic and researcher in photonics at the University of Southampton, specifically within the Department of Photonics. He holds the title of Professor of Photonics and has contributed seminal work in optical fibre technologies, including the invention of the Erbium-Doped Fibre Amplifier (EDFA) and high-power fibre lasers. His research spans telecommunications, nanophotonics, and optical materials, with over 650 publications in conferences and journals.

He leads major research projects funded by the EPSRC, including initiatives in high-power photonics and photonic manufacturing. His work has been recognized through numerous awards, such as the Tyndall Award, Marconi Prize, and the VinFuture Grand Prize. Payne is also an influential entrepreneur, founding multiple spinout companies in photonics, including SPI Lasers.

In teaching, he engages with schools through talks on science and innovation, often incorporating demonstrations by PhD students. His external roles include keynote speaking at international conferences like the Asia Communications and Photonics Conference. As former Director of the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), he oversaw 190 staff and 135 PhD students, fostering a globally renowned research environment.

Notable research projects include breakthroughs in fibre laser output exceeding kilowatt levels and the development of spun fibres for undersea cables. His legacy includes 800 alumni across global photonics industries and co-direction of the Photonics Institute in Singapore.