Summary In this episode of Now, Next, and Beyond, host Jeff Nolan discusses thermal management with Dr. Sridhar Nagarajan, an expert in the field. They explore the importance of thermal management in various industries, including automotive design, data centers, and consumer devices. They also discuss the challenges and innovations in engineering materials for thermal management. The episode emphasizes the need for energy sustainability and offers advice for young professionals in the field. Takeaways: Thermal management is crucial in industries such as automotive design, data centers, and consumer devices. Engineering materials with high thermal conductivity and low coefficient of thermal expansion are essential for effective thermal management. Maintaining optimal temperature ranges is important for efficiency and the longevity of systems. Innovations in thermal management include advancements in chip-level cooling and the use of materials like diamond and silicon carbide. Young professionals should focus on energy sustainability in their work. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Thermal Management 03:47 The Importance of Thermal Management 08:46 Engineering Materials for Thermal Management 14:01 Thermal Management in Automotive Design 16:29 Optimal Temperature Range and Efficiency 19:17 Thermal Management in Data Centers 22:37 Thermal Management in Consumer Devices 23:35 Thermal Management in Various Industries 26:20 Innovations in Thermal Management 31:42 Advice for Grad Students and Young Professionals

This is part two of the interview with Coherent CMO Sanjai Parthasarathi.  Takeaways Connectivity and internet access are essential for both urban and rural areas, and there is still a need for increased bandwidth and infrastructure development. Space optical communication provides a perfect transmission medium for data transmission without signal attenuation. Satellite communications, including satellite-to-satellite optical links, are becoming more prevalent in the commercial domain. The adoption of new technologies often takes longer than expected, but breakthroughs can happen when unrelated developments come together. Engineered materials and crystal growth require significant human expertise and investment, providing a competitive advantage. Platform technologies, such as gallium arsenide, have broad-based growth potential across multiple markets. The future of technology includes advancements in wearables, personal health monitors, optogenetics, and pulse laser deposition.

In our first episode of Now, Next and Beyond, we sit down with Sanjai Parthasarathi, the CMO of Coherent to discuss optical communications technology and the impact of AI on the industry. Sanjai highlights milestone developments in the industry, such as advancements in materials and laser processing. The conversation covers various topics related to the Coherent business and the future of technology. The chapters include discussions on space optical communication, satellite communications, and non-commercial technologies becoming commercially available.  Part One Takeaways Optical communications are at the center of mega trends the depend on the need for increased bandwidth and capacity. Connecting the world – and space! – is now taking on greater urgency and scale with the introduction of AI as a force. Advancements in materials and laser processing have had a significant impact on the industry, enabling technologies like amorphous silicon and fiber optic amplifiers. The role of optics and coatings is crucial in various applications, from displays to sensors. AI is driving the demand for transceivers in data centers, as GPUs require high-speed connections for efficient processing.