Abstract The emergence of quantum technologies has led to groundbreaking advancements in computing, sensing, secure communications, and simulation advanced materials with practical applications every industry sector. rapid advancement the ecosystem made it imperative assess maturity these their imminent acceleration towards commercial viability. current status is presented need for a quantum‐ready emphasised. Standard Quantum Technology Readiness Levels (QTRLs) are formulated innovative...

We propose and experimentally demonstrate wideband continuously tunable fractional-order photonic Hilbert transformers (FrHT). These are realized by a single apodized planar Bragg grating within high-birefringence substrate. The fractional order of the FrHT is tuned precisely controlled changing polarization state input light. experimental characterization demonstrates an operating bandwidth up to 120 GHz with amplitude ripples below 3 dB. optical phase shift response directly measured...

We report the first integrated implementation of a polarizer based on use 45°tilted gratings in planar waveguides.The waveguides and are fabricated by direct UV writing hydrogenated germanium-doped silica-on-silicon chip.We experimentally demonstrate polarization extinction ratio per unit length 0.25 dB mm -1 with modelled wavelength dependence smaller than 0.3 for 20 device over C band from 1530-1570 nm.We also present novel numerical study analytical description architecture that good...

The 'Reflecting Photonics' show garden was exhibited at the 2015 Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Flower Show in Tatton Park, UK, to celebrate International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies. Elks-Smith Garden Design alongside landscapers 'Turf N' Earth' collaborated with researchers, marketing outreach professionals from University Southampton design, construct exhibit a photonics-themed garden. supporting exhibition united science art reach new audiences – particularly family...

While optics and photonics are exciting disciplines with much research, industrial, economic potential in the 21st century, this appreciation is only shared by a limited number of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) experts, there recognized STEM skills shortage.To widen pool talent, it essential to expose students throughout their education particularly starting at young age.The Lightwave programme, consisting an interactive collection demonstrations experiments targeted...

The accepted industrial skills shortage in the subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) United Kingdom has led to an increasing drive for universities work with a wider pool potential students. One contributor this is Lightwave Roadshow, photonics-focused outreach program run by postgraduate students from University Southampton. benefitted unique platform International Year Light (IYL) 2015 development support hands-on interactive activities. In report we review...

The Lightwave Roadshow is an outreach program run by research students at the University of Southampton, UK, that seeks to educate and inspire young with optics, through conducting workshops in local schools exhibiting regional educational fairs. Adopting a hands-on philosophy enabled extensive collection experimental optical demonstrations, aims promote scientific interest indirectly address global STEM skills shortage. While has become well-established since its inception 1998, 2015...

Universities in the United Kingdom have been driven to work with a larger pool of potential students than just more traditional student (middle-class white male), order tackle widely-accepted skills-shortage fields science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), whilst honoring their commitment fair access higher education. Student-led outreach programs contributed significantly this drive. Two such run by postgraduate at University Southampton are Lightwave Roadshow Accelerate!,...

We propose and investigate numerically a new kind of integrated optical waveguide coupler. Two waveguides with tilted Bragg gratings couple selectively to discrete counterpropagating cladding mode that acts as an intermediary transfer power between the waveguides. This gives highly versatile platform can act low-loss coupler arbitrary coupling ratio 0% 100%, narrow-bandwidth wavelength filter, phase-selective switch transmits two light waves fixed relative phase but reflects orthogonal...

Direct UV-written waveguides are fabricated in silica-on-silicon with birefringence of (4.9 ± 0.2) × 10-4, much greater than previously reported this platform. We show that these suitable for the generation heralded single photons at telecommunication wavelengths by spontaneous four-wave mixing. A pulsed pump field 1060 nm generates pairs highly detuned, spectrally uncorrelated modes near 1550 and 800 nm. Waveguide-to-fiber coupling efficiencies 78-91 % achieved all fields. Waveguide is...

We report the first demonstration of an integrated polarizing coupler based on tilted gratings operating in C-band with a TE-TM extinction ratio out-coupled port excess 17 dB.

Fiber optics and its application in telecommunications are rarely encountered by students until they reach tertiary education. While some secondary/middle school curricula may include coverage of basic geometrical concepts such as reflection refraction, few if any go further to elaborate on how these eventually relate global telecommunications. One could say that the science is made accessible for early-stage students, but discussions about applications often reserved till later stages. In...

Integrated optical systems offer high component density in a compact, stable and robust platform. However, there are many situations which it is useful to transition from an integrated waveguide fiber, such as long distance transmission. This paper presents measurement of coupling losses highlighting improvements the technique presenting data waveguides design for operation at 1550 nm. A known method characterise use backscatter reflectometer. Commercial demonstrate measurements with...

The 16th May 2018 marks the first annual International Day of Light (IDL). steering committee IDL initiative encouraged grassroots activities to increase awareness and understanding applications light. One such undertaking is program events developed by postgraduate students Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at University Southampton (UoS). focused on engaging with public local schools low levels progression higher education. Three were designed: an outreach masterclass, combining...

Novel research-inspired outreach activities allow scientists and members of the public to engage in a conversation, increasing public's understanding interest scientific research. This paper reviews engagement initiatives undertaken by researchers from University Southampton's Optical Engineering Quantum Photonics Group during 5-year research program grant entitled Building Large States. The have been supported UK Physical Sciences Research Council institutional, national international...

The Networked Quantum Information Technologies hub (NQIT) is one of the quantum hubs UK's agship scheme, bringing together academia, industry and government. Optical Engineering Pho- tonics group at University Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre have developed an interactive demonstrator a key device within NQIT to bring photonics technologies wider audience. system was exhibited 2017 UK Showcase in London audience It also featured as part City stand 2018 Cheltenham science...

Abstract Optical fibre communication enables the global internet, but few youths ever learn about how it works, even at a basic level, until tertiary education. While some middle school curricula might include simple geometrical optics concepts like reflection and refraction, they often lack contextual linkage to worldwide telecommunications. Through our studies, we have found that students are more engaged in learning process when material directly relates real life. To address this gap,...

We investigate theoretically devices based on arrays of parallel planar waveguides inscribed with tilted Bragg gratings. demonstrate polarization-dependent N by N+1 linear couplers. Deterministic switching can be achieved coherent control input beams optimized apodization the

A prototype planar waveguide spectrometer is fabricated with a 45° direct UV-written grating and chirp of 140 nm. The focus translates by 1-2 µm/nm input wavelength tuning, over bandwidth more than 200

OPTIKS, Outreach for Professionals who Teach in Informal Environments and K-12 Schools, is an interactive workshop industry professionals, graduate students or faculty are interested presenting outreach training others how to conduct workshops. The paper outlines the components of this class participants understand develop lessons activities engage prospective audiences about optics photonics science technology. Key preparation considerations, such as audience location, presented alongside...

Initiatives in education and training tailored to industry needs have been a core part of the bi-annual SPIE Optics Education Outreach conference, accounting for over 50% papers since its inception 2010. In this paper, authors explore whether conference has useful readership by reviewing contributions meeting industry-oriented activities. Accounting scope, bibliographic review literature all five proceedings OP301 is presented describe participants terms their affiliations background,...