Conferences - Photonics West 2025 Conferences - Photonics West 2025

Conferences

Join us at Photonics West 2025, where groundbreaking optical technologies and applications take center stage. Dive into thought-provoking discussions, innovative product insights, and transformative research across a range of topics, including quantum computing, terahertz detection, advanced photodetectors, and high-energy laser systems. From exploring regulatory pathways for startups to uncovering the science behind fast-response KTN crystal devices and top-hat beam arrays, this year’s lineup promises to inspire.

 

In addition, we are excited to bring to you the following in-booth talks that provide engaging, on-the-spot insights and discussions:

 

  1. Solid State Division - discover what is to come in the future
  2. NKT Photonics x Hamamatsu applications and product selection – a collaboration to drive innovation across industries
  3. Reprise of earlier presentation “Trapped ion and neutral atom quantum computers illuminating the path for innovation: past, present, and future of qubit state detection”

 

Whether you’re charting new strategies, diving into simulation studies, or envisioning the future of quantum state detection, Photonics West 2025 is your destination for knowledge.

 

Panel discussion:

Regulatory pathways and market strategies for optical technologies startups

January 26, 2025 @ 3:35 PM - 5:20 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 212 (Level 2)

Join the Optical Fibers and Sensors for Medical Diagnostics, Treatment and Environmental Applications XXV conference for this panel discussion. Navigating a complex regulatory landscape and developing effective market entry strategies are critical challenges for startups in the optical technologies sector. This panel will bring together experts from regulatory agencies, industry leaders, and experienced entrepreneurs to discuss unique regulatory pathways and commercialization strategies for optical innovations in the biomedical field. Attendees will gain insights into the U.S. FDA approval process and the latest trends in regulatory science that impact optical technologies. In addition, this session will provide guidance on market access strategies, such as engaging with key opinion leaders and leveraging partnerships for distribution and commercialization. The goal of this panel is to discuss practical tools and share knowledge to help startups successfully bring their optical innovations to market.

Panelist:



Gary Spingarn
is a Product Manager with Hamamatsu focusing on detectors and light sources for the mid-infrared region. As a chemical engineer, Gary made his start in industrial gases where he gained hands-on experience in all sorts of processes such as steel mills, plastics manufacturing, and alternative energy. Photonic devices were key in many of his past projects, and he began with the spectrometer group before moving into mid-infrared components. Leveraging past experience, Gary continues to support the development of gas analyzers, analytical instruments, medical devices, pyrometers, and new applications.

Physics and simulation of optoelectronic devices XXXIII | Conference 13360

Simulation of geometric structure’s effects on electro-optic properties of KTN crystal devices with fast response time

Paper 13360-4 | January 28, 2025 @ 9:20 AM - 9:40 AM PST | Moscone West, Room 2008 (Level 2)

 

Abstract

The potassium tantalate niobate (KTN) crystal, a type of electro-optic crystal, exhibits a relative dielectric constant exceeding 10,000, enabling phase modulation proportional to the square of the electric field through the Kerr effect. On the other hand, due to the high relative dielectric constant of KTN crystals, the in-plane electric field distribution of the electrode patterns causes crosstalk between electrodes. In this study, we utilized multi-physics simulation environment software (COMSOL Multiphysics) based on the finite element method to construct the simulation of the electric field distribution and wave propagation in KTN bulk crystals with comb-shaped electrodes. This report presents the COMSOL Multiphysics simulation results and discusses the effect of unexpected geometric structures and electro-optic properties on spatial light modulation.

Presenter:

Tsubasa Watanabe



Tsubasa Watanabe
 received his B.E. degree in Electronic Engineering from Shibaura Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan, in 2015. He joined Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Shizuoka, Japan, in 2015, where he has been engaged in the research and development of crystal and optical thin-film devices.

Terahertz, RF, millimeter, and submillimeter-wave technology and applications XVIII | Conference 13365

Terahertz detection by doubly clamped MEMS beam resonators using piezoresistive effect in p-type modulation-doped AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructures

Paper 13365-20 | January 28, 2025 @ 10:45 AM - 11:05 AM PST  | Moscone West, Room 2024 (Level 2)

 

Abstract

We have fabricated doubly clamped MEMS beam resonators using p-type modulation-doped AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructures and characterized their performance for detecting terahertz (THz) radiation by measuring resonance frequency shift of the MEMS beams by THz radiation heating. Previously, we used the piezocapacitive effect of n-type AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructures to detect the radio-frequency (rf) signal of the MEMS beam vibration. However, the rf signals were less than 1 μV because of stray capacitance of readout cables. To overcome this problem, we have developed p-type MEMS beam resonators to detect the rf signal using their large piezoresistive effect in the valence band. The p-type MEMS resonators exhibited rf signal as large as 1 mV. Furthermore, we characterized the noise performance and found that the frequency noise is in the order of 10 mHz/√Hz, when the MEMS resonance frequency was around 220 kHz, indicating low-noise performance.

Presenter:

Takahashi Kazuhiro




Takahashi Kazuhiro
 received his M.E. degree from the Department of Chemical Systems and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, Japan, in 2018. In the same year, he joined Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., where he has been actively involved in the research and development of terahertz wave technology. Since 2022, he has also served as a private sector joint researcher at the Hirakawa Laboratory, University of Tokyo. He is a member of the Japan Society of Applied Physics.

Booth presentation

Solid State Division roadmap and strategy

January 28, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST 

 

During this talk, Yoshihisa Warashina from Hamamatsu Photonics’ Solid State Division will cover the roadmap and strategy of the Solid State Division moving forward. During this hour, he will cover new product development, long term strategy, and the overall future of photonics!

Presenter:

Tomohiko Suzuki



Yoshihisa Warashina is the Deputy General Manager of the Solid State Division at Hamamatsu Photonics. He joined Hamamatsu Photonics in 1986 and was assigned to the President’s Office/Laboratory, where he worked on the development of ultra-long-distance rangefinders. In 2007, he transferred to the Development Department of the Solid State Division, where he was involved in the development and commercialization of high-speed optical communication subassemblies. Additionally, he worked on the development and commercialization of MEMS technology, including MEMS-FTIR and MEMS mirrors. In 2020, he was appointed as the General Manager of the Development Department of the Solid State Division, and in 2023, he became the Deputy General Manager of the Solid State Division.

Quantum computing, communication, and simulation V | Conference 13391

Trapped ion and neutral atom quantum computers illuminating the path for innovation: past, present, and future of qubit state detection

Paper 13391-97 | January 28, 2025 @ 11:50 AM - 12:10 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 158 (Upper Mezz)

 

Abstract

Quantum computers are a rapidly growing and emerging technology. Trapped ions and neutral atoms are among the modalities being investigated for quantum computers and rely heavily on photonics. Photonics plays an important role in trapped ion and neutral atom quantum computers especially in measuring the atom’s or ion’s fluorescence or lack of fluorescence as the photons that are emitted carry valuable information on their state. This presentation will provide an overview on trapped ion and neutral atom quantum computers. We will also discuss detector and imaging technologies used for qubit state and mid-circuit measurement as well as considerations for the future of detection and imaging for trapped ion and neutral atom quantum computers.

Presenter:

Klea Dhimitri



Klea Dhimitri
is an Applications Engineer at Hamamatsu Corporation in Bridgewater, NJ. Her expertise includes photodetectors such as photomultiplier tubes (PMT), single-photon avalanche diodes (SPAD), MPPC (which is Hamamatsu’s silicon photomultiplier), photodiodes and avalanche photodiodes (APD) and their role in quantum applications. Klea leads Hamamatsu's efforts in bringing R&D from Japan together with researchers and early adopters in North America to provide a range of photonics solutions such as detectors, modulators, and cameras for the current and future quantum technologies landscape. She received her bachelor’s degree in Physics and Mathematics from CUNY Hunter College in 2018.

Booth presentation

NKT Photonics x Hamamatsu applications and product selection

January 29, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST 

 

Join us at our booth to learn about synergies between Hamamatsu Photonics and the newest addition to the Hamamatsu family: NKT Photonics!
During this hour, Hamamatsu’s Gary Spingarn will introduce and MC a list of applications presented by members of NKT Photonics. Hamamatsu’s Eric Mesa will conclude the talk with a comprehensive product selection guide to help you choose the best Hamamatsu, Energetiq, or NKT product for your projects. 

Presenter:

Tomohiko Suzuki

Gary Spingarn

Presenter:

Tomohiko Suzuki

Eric Mesa

Presenter:

NKT Photonics’s speaker (coming soon)

High power lasers for fusion research VIII | Conference 13343

Current status of the LD pumped Yb:YAG ceramics laser toward 250 J at 10 Hz operation

Paper 13343-14 | January 29, 2025 @ 12:15 PM - 12:30 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 303 (Level 3)

 

Abstract

Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. has previously demonstrated a 253 J, 0.2 Hz and a 106 J, 10 Hz laser performance by an LD-pumped Yb:YAG ceramics multi-disks laser with cryogenic helium gas cooling. The small-signal gain of the 250 J-class laser amplifier was 10.1 at the maximum pump energy of 1 kJ at 10 Hz repetition rate condition. In the amplification calculation using Frantz and Nodvik’s equation, a 250 J at 10 Hz output will be achieved using an input energy of over 50 J with 1 kJ pumping. We will report the results and prospects of the current laser amplifier aimed at 250 J × 10 Hz operation.

Presenter:

Takaaki Morita

 

 

 

Takaaki Morita received his M.E. degree in physics and optics from The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo, Japan, in 2013. He joined Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. in 2013, where he has been engaged in the research and development of high-power diode-pumped solid-state lasers.

Booth presentation

Trapped ion and neutral atom quantum computers illuminating the path for innovation: past, present, and future of qubit state detection

January 29, 2025 @ 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM PST

 

Presenter:

Tomohiko Suzuki

Klea Dhimitri




Special event: Quantum West Business Summit: The path from startups to end users in commercial quantum sensing technology

Hamamatsu's quantum sensor technology - preview of the upcoming optically pumped magnetometer release

January 29, 2025 @ 3:15 PM - 5:00 PM PST | Moscone South, Room 153 (Upper Mezz)

 

Abstract

Quantum sensors based on thermal alkali vapors are a promising new category of sensors that optically interrogate atoms in a vapor cell and make use of their sensitivity to changes in their environment, such as changes in the magnetic or gravitational fields surrounding the atoms. At Hamamatsu we have a long history of manufacturing photonic technology based on precision glasswork and alkali material processing. This puts us in a unique position to add value to the quantum sensor market. In this talk, I would like to introduce Hamamatsu’s recent development efforts in the field of quantum sensors with a focus on our optically pumped magnetometer which is scheduled to be released around mid-2025.

Presenter:




Michael Semmlinger
 is a key member of Hamamatsu’s research support and marketing team, specializing in cutting-edge quantum sensing technologies, including optically pumped magnetometers and atomic clocks. Passionate about innovation, Michael bridges the gap between groundbreaking R&D in Japan and real-world market needs, delivering custom solutions that redefine possibilities in quantum sensing applications. Michael received his Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Rice University in 2020, centered on research in nonlinear metamaterials.  He thrives at the forefront of emerging technologies, shaping the future of quantum sensing with curiosity and precision.

Practical holography XXXIX: displays, materials, and applications | Conference 13390

Optimizing top-hat beam arrays: relative angular adjustment between beam shapes and unit cells in square lattice

Paper 13390-35 | January 29, 2025 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM PST | Moscone West, Room 2003 (Level 2)

 

Abstract

This study aims to construct a dense top-hat focusing array by convolving the top-hat region into a multi-spot pattern. In simulations to array the top-hat in tiles, we verify its effectiveness by the summation of tiling holograms and top-hat generating holograms. Additionally, we discuss how the relative angle between the rotation angle of the top-hat shape and the unit cell in the square lattice affects the diffraction light intensities.

Presenter:

Hirota Sakai




Hiroto Sakai earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Osaka, Japan. He joined Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. in 2012 and has since been involved in the research and development of spatial light modulators and holography.

Course SC1277

Photodetectors: theory, practice, and applications

January 26, 2025 @ 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM PST

Many new and trending photonics applications (PET for medical imaging, LiDAR for autonomous vehicles, flow cytometry for medical point-of-care) require the use of photodetectors. This course discusses the selection process of an optimal photodetector from a pool of four (photomultiplier tube, photodiode, avalanche photodiode, and silicon photomultiplier) using the WITS$ methodology. The approach is based on four fundamental properties of light − wavelength (W), intensity (I), temporal behavior (T), and spatial characteristics (S) − and cost ($). After reviewing the basic concepts of the detectors’ optoelectronic characteristics, operation, and noise, the course presents realistic case studies of the selection process for a wide range of experimental setups. Anyone who wants to answer questions such as, “Should I switch from PMT to SiPM?” or “What are the advantages and weaknesses of each photodetector technology?” will benefit from taking this course.

Instructor:




Slawomir Piatek
has been measuring proper motions of nearby galaxies using images obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope as senior university lecturer of physics at New Jersey Institute of Technology. Additionally, he has developed a photonics training program for engineers at Hamamatsu Corporation in New Jersey in the role of a science consultant. He has presented at various international conferences and webinars on important topics such as automotive LiDAR, flow cytometry, selection of photodetectors and more. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.

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