The industry’s most innovative people 2024 Dalius Petrulionis


Organisation: Light Conversion Role: Program Manager Based in: Vilnius, Lithuania Education: MSc in Materials Science, Vilnius University


Dalius Petrulionis, Program Manager at Light Conversion in Vilnius, Lithuania, is currently immersed in pioneering control methods for regenerative amplifiers. His work aims to unlock the potential


for high-energy and high-average-power ultra-short pulse burst generation, offering unprecedented flexibility in pulse spacing and amplitude envelope control. Additionally, he is extending the capabilities of a patented system – "Arbitrary control of amplitude, polarisation, and phase of light in pulsed laser systems" – to achieve pulse- to-pulse amplitude control at high repetition rates. He says these advancements have already opened new vistas in SRS microscopy, transparent media data recording, and micromachining. Petrulionis' focus is primarily on harnessing electro optic crystals, addressing their non-idealities related to electrochemical properties, high voltage, thermal dynamics, and piezoelectric effects. He is also pioneering novel controller designs in this pursuit. Beyond his role at Light Conversion,


Petrulionis is deeply involved in free- space optical communication, particularly for spaceborne applications, as the CTO of Astrolight, a start-up he co-founded. Astrolight is on a mission to disrupt the satellite data downlink market by developing an affordable end-to-end solution for free- space optical communication. Its technology can deliver speeds of up to 10 Gbps, even from small low-Earth-orbit satellites. The challenges include fine laser pointing precision and radiation-hardened photonic design to communicate with satellites flying at high speeds and in radiation-heavy environments. Petrulionis has also personally explored


active mode-locking for data transmission and lidar pulse generation, a project funded by the European Space Agency (ESA). This project draws on his combined experiences from both Astrolight and Light Conversion. One of the surprising revelations


Petrulionis found in his recent research is the impact of what he terms as scientific or engineering "folklore" on stifling innovation. He believes his background as an electronics engineer and material scientist allows him to approach problems from abstract angles, often leading to solutions deemed "unviable" by experts in photonics. He emphasises the value of scepticism in challenging established norms. Looking ahead, Petrulionis' research


"Petrulionis highlights the evolution of adaptive optics alternatives, such as TILBA-ATMO from Cailabs, as a game- changing technology"


priorities are centred on refining control methods, favouring information-driven approaches over fundamental component optimisation. He believes that smart control methods can pave the way for novel capabilities with minimal engineering effort. Regarding recent photonics


advancements, Petrulionis highlights the evolution of adaptive optics alternatives, such as TILBA-ATMO from Cailabs, as a game-changing technology. He believes these alternatives, which he acknowledges are not entirely new, promise cost-effective single-mode fibre coupling for free-space


optical signals, potentially transforming communication and data collection. Petrulionis predicts the continuation


of geopolitical uncertainties and market fluctuations over the next 12 months, hindering investor willingness to take risks. Additionally, he says the decoupling of Chinese and Western economies is affecting revenue growth for some companies. In terms of growth opportunities,


Petrulionis sees the field of free-space optical communication as poised for rapid expansion. He believes it offers transformative capabilities for Earth observation, satellite communication, and military applications. In Lithuania, where Petrulionis is


currently based, he says the challenges include a dwindling number of students studying physics and engineering and limited investment opportunities compared with the United States. One way you can connect with Petrulionis is on LinkedIn.


2024 Photonics100 21


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