John Bowers

John E. Bowers is the Fred Kavli Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he also served as Director of the Institute for Energy Efficiency. A world-leading researcher in silicon photonics and optoelectronics, John’s work has advanced the development of low-power optical devices and next-generation communication networks. His research spans silicon photonics, integrated circuits, fiber-optic transmission systems, thermoelectrics, high-efficiency solar cells, and optical switching technologies designed to dramatically reduce the energy required to transmit and process data.

Over the course of his career, John has helped pioneer hybrid silicon laser technology, including collaborations that led to high-speed optical data links integrated directly onto silicon chips. His innovations have had significant impact on both academic research and commercial applications in communications and data infrastructure.

In addition to his academic leadership, John co-founded Calient Technologies and previously worked at Bell Laboratories, contributing to advances in optoelectronic devices and fiber-optic systems. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a fellow of multiple scientific societies. Through his research, entrepreneurship, and mentorship, John has played a defining role in shaping the modern field of photonics and energy-efficient optical communications.