In this in-depth interview recorded in January 2019, Michael Lebby, CEO at Lightwave Logic, explores the origins of modern integrated photonics from the early discoveries at Bell Labs. He explains the value of a company is not the number of patents that you own. It is understanding which patents and IP are needed to protect your company and when to use them. He explains his move from Motorola to Intel to set up their Silicon Photonics group, using the silicon mentality so as to bring the costs down. He talks about the importance of understanding processes in depth and the role that forecasting and roadmaps play.

Exploring the barriers – the purple brick walls.
Michael Lebby does not shy away from about the financial challenges facing many photonics companies, many of whom have less than 100 employees. Why is an in-depth discussion important in a pre-competitive phase? He hopes that consolidation will ensure that the winning companies are profitable. VC’s tend to think in terms of software investment because of the faster return on investment. But there are other paths that can be explored – like the emergence of the European pilot lines which help to share costs and develop the necessary standards.

The rediscovery of Polymer Photonics
Lebby explains the strategy behind Lightwave Logic, an electro-optic polymer material spin-out from DuPont pursuing the 100G opportunity. New successful paths are emerging as packaging becomes part of the device design. You can’t separate the optics challenges from the electronics. It will require creative designs to replace traditional gold-boxes.

In the last part of the interview, Michael Lebby also looks at contract manufacturing – at what point does it make sense? He points out that EPIC is not just a trade association. It is also emerging as a technology platform in its own right. He reveals what is going on in the background in his house and his passion for collecting the unusual.

If you watch only one video this year, grab a coffee and notepaper. Listen to what Lebby says and do what he is telling us to do!

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