LightMinds is a podcast about the technologies shaping the future of connectivity, told through smart, curious, and approachable conversations.
From silicon photonics and fiber optics to optical networking, data centers, and what’s coming next, LightMinds brings together engineers, innovators, and industry leaders to break down complex ideas without taking ourselves too seriously.
Whether you’re deep in the photonics world or just curious about how light is powering the future, LightMinds keeps things insightful, engaging, and well, light‑minded.
Quantum gets talked about like it’s just around the corner, but building it is a completely different story.
Arturo Santiago sits down with Simon Hall, Chris Cox, and Dr. Bernard Lee for a practical conversation on quantum photonics, entanglement, and the work that actually makes these systems function. From measurement and standards to infrastructure and scalability, this episode focuses on what it takes to turn quantum from a concept into something real.
A clear, grounded look at where the technology stands today, and what still needs to happen next.
1 May 2026
Ep. 03 - Nothing's "In the Air", The Hidden Highways Behind AI Data Centers
Wireless is only the last hop.
In this episode of LightMinds, Ruqayyah Kechiche (Chair, BICSI UK & Ireland) and Dr. Bernard Lee (Vice Chair) explain why structured cabling and standards are the foundation behind Wi‑Fi, cloud, and AI data centers.
A clear, practical conversation on the physical layer, scalability, and what it really takes to design infrastructure that lasts.
1 Apr 2026
Ep. 02 - The Hard Part of Photonics: Scaling PICs
Photonic Integrated Circuits are powering the next wave of AI and data‑center innovation, but packaging and standards are becoming major challenges to scale.
In this episode, we sit down with Peter O’Brien, Richard Pitwon, and Kazu Takano to break down the real‑world obstacles behind PIC adoption. From packaging and manufacturability to standards, serviceability, and system integration, the conversation connects research, industry, and deployment realities.
A clear and engaging discussion on why PICs are hard, what’s holding them back, and what needs to change next.
4 Mar 2026
Ep. 01 Active Alignment: Enabling Scalable Silicon Photonics
Active Alignment plays a key role in enabling modern optical packaging and silicon photonics.In this episode of LightMinds, Arturo Santiago sits down with Justin Bressi, Chris Heisler, and Ryan Vallance to discuss how active alignment works, the challenges it presents, and where the technology is headed as photonic systems continue to scale.
27 Feb 2026
LightMinds Trailer
Welcome to LightMinds, a podcast about the technologies shaping the future of connectivity, delivered through smart, curious, and approachable conversations.From silicon photonics and fiber optics to optical networking, data centers, and what’s coming next, LightMinds explores how light is powering the world we’re building tomorrow.In this podcast, we sit down with engineers, innovators, and industry voices to break down complex ideas, share real‑world insights, and talk honestly about where the technology is headed, without taking ourselves too seriously.Serious technology. Lighter conversations.That’s LightMinds.Subscribe to stay up to date with new episodesAvailable on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
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