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RIT Photonics
The Future Photon Initiative (FPI) develops photonic devices in pursuit of answers to grand questions, leveraging efforts of existing RIT research groups who develop technology for the generation, transmission, manipulation, absorption, and detection of photons.
FPI cross-disciplinary teams collaborate with external university groups, industry, and national laboratories to develop and commercialize new photonic device technology. Potential markets include solar energy, biophotonics, high performance imaging, astrophysics, communication, electronics, quantum information, and computing. Eleven groups across the RIT campus make up FPI: Center for Detectors, Integrated Photonics Group, Nanolithography Research Lab, NanoPower Research Labs, Photonic Systems Lab, Photonics and Optics Workforce Education Research Project, Semiconductor Microsystems Fabrication Lab, and the Simone Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
21
active sponsored research awards in 2024
$10.1M
in active sponsored research awards in 2024
16
current researchers who have won $1 million or more in research funding since 2000
50+
funded research students
News
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February 5, 2025
![A scanning electron micrograph of a chiral magic-sized cluster film with micrometer-scale bands being broken into their nanometer-scale filament units.]()
Adding chirality to semiconductors could improve light-based technology
Photonics Spectra interviews Steven Weinstein, professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering, about his recent collaboration on semiconductor research.
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January 30, 2025
![an image of scanning electron micrograph of a chiral magic-sized cluster film with micrometer-scale bands being broken into their nanometer-scale filament units]()
Research collaboration between RIT and Cornell produces new technique to enhance sensors and photonic devices
Researchers have discovered new ways to bend light to improve optical applications such as sensors, displays, and next-generation photonic devices.
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January 28, 2025
![William Sanders appears walking out from behind a black curtain with the RIT mascot RITchie holding the curtain open.]()
William H. Sanders named RIT’s 11th president
The dean of Carnegie Mellon’s College of Engineering is praised for his research credentials, success in global partnerships and entrepreneurship, and strong student engagement. He starts at RIT July 1.
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December 11, 2024
![Bing Yan holds a laptop in front of themselves in a lab room.]()
University researcher leads quantum computing project to improve electrical grid systems
Yan, an assistant professor of electrical engineering in RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering, is leading a research team developing advanced optimization models and methods to manage complexities of operating the modern electrical grid through quantum computing.
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Quantum Activities at RIT
Future Photon Initiative Brochure
Future Photon Initiative Research Pamphlet
Students: Join the Future Photon Initiative
- The Future Photon Initiative and Center for Detectors are hiring:
- Student Lab Assistants (ID 3933)
- Lab Programming Assistants (ID 23143)
- Executive Assistants (ID 23131)
- Software Engineers (ID 24545)
Search for the job IDs on RIT Career Connect for more information. Co-op opportunities available.
NOVA NEXUS: Photonics, Astrophysics, and Quantum Technologies for Scientific Discovery
This Vertically Integrated Project (VIP) engages undergraduate students in multidisciplinary research at the intersection of photonics, astrophysics, and quantum technologies. Aligned with the missions of several federal agencies, including NASA, NSF, and DoD, the project focuses on developing innovative photonic devices, quantum information system technologies, and advanced detectors for applications in space exploration, communication, and sensing. Students will gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research, contributing to advancements in photonics and quantum technologies and innovation.
Nova Nexus Webpage: Information and Application Instructions