ITMO Now Offers New Master's Track In Photonics

ITMO University will train engineers and researchers capable of developing photonic chips and optoelectronic devices for AI systems, data centers, and telecommunications. Students of the Integrated Photonics Technologies track will follow the full development cycle of photonic devices: from modeling fundamental processes to working in clean rooms and modern laboratories. Read on to learn more about the program.

Integrated photonics is considered one of the most promising technologies for high-speed data transmission and processing. Photonic technologies can replace electronics in data centers and AI systems: using light instead of an electric current can help overcome the limits related to heat and latency, reduce energy consumption, and increase data transfer speeds.

The Integrated Photonics Technologies track within the Master’s program Advanced Quantum and Nanophotonic Systems will train specialists for this rapidly growing field. The head of the track is Sergey Makarov and the track is curated by Alexandra Furasova.

“We are launching the track in response to the boom of photonics for AI infrastructure: data centers and telecom are in need of energy-efficient solutions. Every month new companies and products appear on the market, but in Russia relevant specialists are not trained on a systematic level. This new track is the first that trains engineers and R&D leaders specifically for this stack of technologies and not just ‘regular’ photonics engineers,” shares Alexandra Furasova, a researcher at the Laboratory of Hybrid Nanophotonics and Optoelectronics.

Practical training will start right from the first semester. Students will be developing components for integrated photonic chips, creating optical systems for high-speed video and image processing, and designing measuring equipment, diodes, and photodetectors. The tasks are devised with input from industrial partners: Sberbank, Softline, and niche-specific optics companies.

This track will be a good fit for applicants interested in optics and electronics with a strong background in physics, mathematics, and programming. During their studies, students will benefit from simulation skills, engineering thinking, and interest in solving complex interdisciplinary problems.

Graduates will be able to work at research labs and high-tech companies, including as design engineers of photonic integrated chips, technology engineers, process engineers, system engineers, testing specialists, R&D project managers in photonics, R&D engineers in quantum technologies and photonic devices, process engineers in materials for photonics, machine vision engineers, and testing engineers in non-destructive testing.

The program aligns with ITMO’s strategic focus on photonics – which includes the development of libraries of photonic integrated circuit components, optoelectronic devices, lithography methods, measurement systems, and products for the teledatacom industry.