The industry’s most innovative people 2024 Christopher Holmes
Organisation: University of Southampton Role: Principal Enterprise Fellow Based in: Southampton, UK Education: PhD, Optoelectronics / Photonics, University of Southampton
What are you currently working on? What will the impact be? Flexible planar optics for integration into high-value composite materials, such as carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP). Specifically, I am interested in silica-based planar glass. This builds on decades of optical fibre integration into composites, with added advantage of planar, e.g. switching, new sensor network topologies and enhanced sensing capability have been proven. The composite sector is worth over $100bn and increasingly used in manufacture of commercial aircraft, shipping, green energy infrastructure, civil infrastructure, production automotive etc. My research will offer more information during manufacture and through-life of these components, reducing material scrappage and extending lifetime.
What was the most surprising thing you found in the course of your latest research? High performance and stability achieved from a compact and low-cost spectral interrogator (
https://www.nature.com/ articles/s41598-023-35708-1.pdf). The patent pending invention uses machine learning to offload complex (and costly) fabrication, whilst at the same time allowing a reduced footprint to reduce size. Currently seeking commercialisation through Asterium Technologies (asterium.
co.uk) founded this year.
What’s your biggest research priority in the coming year? I am PI (principal investigator) on a new UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) grant of £1.25m. This seeks to explore lithium- doped flexible planar glass for solid state batteries. I see this through eventual structural battery applications linking full standalone optoelectronic capability in high-value composite material (ushering in a new intelligent material).
China (e.g. China-Taiwan) and global economic shifts all point to growth in the military sector – e.g. directed energy weapons.
Thinking about your current location, what are the challenges or opportunities faced by photonics researchers or companies in that country specifically? (For example, in relation to industry bodies, government support, legislation or trade agreements) Photonics technologies often intersect with various industries, each with its own set of regulations and standards. For example, a lot of the applications I have sought over the past 10 years are in aerospace (a particularly challenging sector for this). Navigating regulations can be complex, especially when technologies are still emerging and regulatory frameworks might not be well established; for example, photonic sensor solutions to the hydrogen economy or automating ground-based maintenance of drones or using AI-driven sensors for information about aircraft flightworthiness all present their own challenges and need for dialogue with decision-makers and key stakeholders..
In your opinion, what is the most significant photonics technology (other than one you have worked on) to emerge in the past 12 months and why? Just within 12 months, it was Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's announcement of fusion that yielded more energy than was absorbed by the fuel. There is a long way still to go on this journey, but it is a significant milestone. Beyond the scientific merit, the collaboration and scale is an inspiration to all.
"Inflation is having consequences on investment, particularly for new photonics companies seeking seed and VC funding"
What are the biggest challenges or threats to the industry in the next 12 months? How can these be overcome? Inflation is having consequences on investment, particularly for new photonics companies seeking seed and VC funding. There is always a risk that the next big photonics sector is hampered in growth due to this.
Which photonics sector do you see as having the greatest opportunity for growth in the next 12 months? The Ukraine war, tensions surrounding
What is your proudest moment in photonics so far? Being awarded a Royal Society Industry Fellowship with GE Aerospace, validating my expertise and utilising my knowledge to inform roadmaps of the company.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get to where you are/do the job you do? Winning research grants that allow you to achieve the vision you have is not easy. It is a highly competitive space and the more ambitious you are, the more difficult it is for others to see (especially when you start your journey). I have seen many good people have a few rejections and give-up on their dream/vision. If you want to achieve, be prepared to take the hits, learn and try again.
Where can people find you online?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher- holmes-photonics/?originalSubdomain=uk
Where can people see you in person over the next year? CLEO (US), FiO, IEEE Sensors.
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