His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh saw how ground-breaking light-based technology is being used to power the UK's economic growth during a visit to the University of Southampton.
During a tour on Friday (October 3), The Duke of Edinburgh met academics at the forefront of developing silicon photonics - a transformative technology currently used in data-centres, but with promising applications in healthcare, AI and quantum technology.
He also met college students from Ringwood School, in Hampshire, to hear about ongoing work to inspire young people to explore careers in science, as well as young entrepreneurs who have established start-ups with the University's support.
Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Southampton, Professor Mark E. Smith , said: "Our University is building skills for the future and inspiring the next generation of students and researchers to explore the opportunities offered by silicon photonics.
"I'm delighted to have welcomed The Duke of Edinburgh to see our pioneering work and to meet the students and business partners we are working with. This work creates a pipeline of talent and enterprise aligned with the Government's skills agenda and industrial strategy."
Silicon photonics uses the same material found in computer chips to manipulate light with incredible precision. This enables the development of faster, smaller, more energy-efficient and low-cost technologies that power high-speed data transfer, smart devices, and the next-generation of medical equipment, artificial intelligence systems and more.
CORNERSTONE is the University of Southampton's silicon photonics prototyping foundry, working with businesses and industry partners to develop the potential for further developments in telecoms and healthcare.
CORNERSTONE Director, Professor Graham Reed , said: "By uniting leading entrepreneurs and researchers we're delivering a step-change in the silicon photonics industry that will foster growth, create skilled jobs and position the UK as a hub of global innovation."
Students at Ringwood School took part in a hologram workshop to bring photonics to life.
Professor Averil Macdonald said: "We want to inspire students from all backgrounds to see that a career in science could be for them and engaging with them about the science and technology of silicon photonics is a great way to start."
The Duke last visited in 2012 to mark the University's Diamond Jubilee.
