BINGHAMTON, NY – "Revolutionizing Computing and Communications with Silicon Photonics," will be the topic of the Binghamton University Forum luncheon program on Thursday, April 17. A luncheon buffet will begin at noon and the formal program will start at 12:30 p.m., at the Binghamton Club, 83 Front St., Binghamton.

Guest speaker Mario Paniccia ‘88, an Intel Fellow and general manager of the Silicon Photonics Solutions Group at Intel, will discuss some of the recent advances in the world of silicon photonics.

Paniccia earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from Binghamton University in 1988, a PhD in solid state physics from Purdue University in 1994, and an honorary doctorate from Binghamton University in 2009. After joining Intel in 1995 as a lead researcher, Paniccia developed a novel optical testing technology for probing transistor timing in microprocessors that is now the standard optical testing technology in the industry today.

Paniccia started Intel’s research in silicon photonics, and currently leads its business unit in driving silicon photonics product commercialization. The silicon chip, a mainstay of the electronics industry for the past 40 years, has revolutionized the way the world operates and has the potential to impact optical communications as profoundly as it has impacted the electronics industry.

Recognized with numerous awards, Paniccia was named one of the top 50 researchers by Scientific American in 2004, "Scientist of the Year" by R&D Magazine in 2008, and "Innovator of the Year" by EE Times in 2011. He has received two Intel achievement awards, has published numerous papers and has over 70 patents issued or pending. 

The Binghamton University Forum is a membership organization comprised of business, professional and community leaders that brings nationally known authorities to speak at functions throughout the year. For more information, call the Forum office at (607) 777-4390.