Special symposium 50 years of ECOC
Monday, 23rd September 2024: 17:45 – 19:15
Organizers: Peter Krummrich, Technische Universität Dortmund, Sebastian Randel, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Since its inception in 1975 in London, UK, the European Conference on Optical Communication (ECOC) has grown into a remarkable success story, becoming one of the most prestigious events in the field of optical communication. Over the past five decades, ECOC has consistently provided a platform for researchers, industry professionals, and academics to share their groundbreaking work, foster collaborations, and drive the field forward.
As we gather to celebrate the 50th edition of ECOC in the vibrant city of Frankfurt am Main, Germany, we reflect on the incredible journey of innovation and progress that has defined this conference. This milestone is not just a testament to the enduring relevance of ECOC, but also to the relentless pursuit of excellence by the global optical communication community.
To commemorate this special occasion, we are hosting a symposium that will delve into the rich history and future prospects of optical communication. We are honored to have four distinguished speakers, each a luminary in their own right, who have made significant contributions to the field. These experts will share their insights and perspectives on the evolution of optical communication technologies and the pivotal role that ECOC has played in shaping this dynamic landscape.
Join us as we celebrate the past, present, and future of optical communication, and honor the achievements that have brought us to this momentous 50th edition of ECOC. Together, we will explore the innovations that have transformed our world and look ahead to the exciting advancements that lie on the horizon.
Line-up of speakers
Meint K. Smit
Professor emeritus of TU Eindhoven
Progress in InP-based Photonic Integration
Meint K. Smit started research in photonic integration in 1981. He invented the Arrayed Waveguide Grating (LEOS Technical Achievement 1997) and was closely involved in the introduction of MMI-couplers, key components in Photonic ICs. In 2000 he became the leader of the Photonic Integration group at the COBRA Research Institute of TU Eindhoven. He is the founder of the JePPIX platform, the Joint European Platform for Photonic Integration of Components and Circuits and he was strongly involved in the development of the InP-based photonic foundry system in Europe. Meint Smit is an IEEE Fellow. In 2012 he received an ERC Advanced Grant, in 2016 the Rank Prize for Optoelectronics and in 2021 the John Tyndall Award.
Robert W. Tkach
Former Director of Transmission Subsystems Research at Nokia Bell Labs
High Capacity Optical Transmission: A Look Back at the Future
Robert W. Tkach was Director of Transmission Subsystems Research at Nokia Bell Labs until his retirement in 2021. His research involved fiber nonlinearity and dispersion management, optical amplification, optical networking, and high-capacity DWDM transmission systems. Prior to rejoining Bell Laboratories in 2006, he was: CTO of Celion Networks, Division Manager at AT&T Labs – Research, and a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff at AT&T Bell Laboratories. He served as a member of the International Advisory Committee of the ECOC Executive Management Committee. He is a Fellow of the Optical Society of America, the IEEE, and AT&T. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and has received the Thomas Alva Edison Patent Award from the R&D Council of New Jersey the IEEE/OSA John Tyndall Award the Marconi Prize and Fellowship and the IEEE Alexander Graham Bell Medal.
Yutaka Miyamoto
NTT Fellow, NTT Network Innovation Laboratories
Progress of Digital Lightwave Communication Transforming Data-Centric Optical Transport Network
Yutaka Miyamoto received the B.E. and M.E. degrees in electrical engineering from Waseda University in 1986 and 1988, respectively, and received Dr. Eng. degree in electrical engineering from Tokyo University in 2016, Japan. He joined the NTT Transmission Systems Laboratories in 1988, where he engaged in research and development (R&D) on 10-Gbit/s first terrestrial optical transmission system (FA-10G) using EDFA inline repeaters. Since 1997, he had studied and directed the R&D of optical transport technologies based over 40-Gbit/s channel and beyond in NTT Network Innovation Labs. He had served as an ECOC TPC member of digital transmission subcommittee from 2011 to 2017. Since 2020, he has been NTT Fellow of NTT Network Innovation Laboratories, promoting the R&D for future scalable Optical Transport Network with Pbit/s-class capacity. He is a member of the IEEE, and a Fellow of IEICE.
David Payne
Professor of Photonics, Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton
50 Years of ECOC: Some memories from London to Frankfurt
David Payne is a Professor of Photonics and former Director of the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), University of Southampton. He has published over 650 Conference and Journal papers and is co-inventor on over 40 patents. Over the last 58 years, he has made numerous key contributions in optical fibre communications and laser technology. His work in fibre fabrication in the 1970s resulted in most of the special fibres used today, including the revolutionary erbium-doped fibre amplifier (EDFA) and kilowatt-class fibre lasers for manufacturing and defence. Recognition of his work includes the 1998 Benjamin Franklin Medal for Engineering, the 2007 IEEE Photonics Award, the 1991 IEEE/LEOS Tyndall Award and he is Laureate of the 2008 Millennium Technology Prize. Most recently, with others he received the VinFutures Grand Prize. As an entrepreneur, he has helped found several companies in the local area. David was knighted in 2013 for services to Photonics Research and Applications.