PODCAST: July 7, 2026 Light News
In this edition of Following the Photons' Light News:
- Researchers at the University of Rochester’s Institute of Optics have developed a solar-thermal process for turning ocean water into fresh drinking water, using little energy and no chemical additives.
- Researchers in Austria have made a notable advance with its groundbreaking broadband UV dual-comb spectrometer, in the form of a compact device.
- Keysight Technologies has acquired VPIphotonics, in a move meant to strengthen their capabilities.
- Integrated photonics developer Jenoptik Optical Systems has named its new president.
- Consumer-grade LiDAR sensors can perform non-line-of-sight imaging with simple, inexpensive off-the-shelf hardware. And it’s got the potential to boost broader real-world applications.
- SPIE has announced the 2026 scholarship award winners, recognizing the photonics industry’s next generation of innovators.
Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics and optics. Join us as we bring you the latest news and insights from the forefront of the photonics industry. Our episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.
Be sure to subscribe to Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast on Podbean, or wherever you find quality podcasts.
About the Author
Justine Murphy
Multimedia Director, Digital Infrastructure
Justine Murphy is the multimedia director for Endeavor Business Media's Digital Infrastructure Group. She is a multiple award-winning writer and editor with more 20 years of experience in newspaper publishing as well as public relations, marketing, and communications. For nearly 10 years, she has covered all facets of the optics and photonics industry as an editor, writer, web news anchor, and podcast host for an internationally reaching magazine publishing company. Her work has earned accolades from the New England Press Association as well as the SIIA/Jesse H. Neal Awards. She received a B.A. from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.