Nowadays, thanks to the compatibility with CMOS of silicon-on-insulator technology, Photonic Integrated circuits (PICs) are emerging as a new competitive alternative to electronic circuits, especially in the telecommunication field. Although most of the research is focused on optical communications applications, in recent years the research field of integrated photonics has expanded to sensing, biomedical, spectroscopy, and many other applications. In this seminar, I'll highlight the main strengths, applications, challenges, and future of Silicon Photonics as the most promising platform for PICs.

Andrés Martínez is a Ph.D. candidate at the Photonic Devices Group of the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano. His investigation is focused on photonic integrated circuits for FSO applications, optical communication systems, and non-conventional technologies for optical power monitoring and control.