Welcome to the Photonics Communications Research Laboratory (PCRL), founded in September 1995 by Prof. Hercules Avramopoulos as a research facility of the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). PCRL is a proud member of the Institute of Communications & Computer Systems (ICCS).

Currently, PCRL comprises a diverse team of 34 doctoral, post-doctoral researchers, and support personnel. Our inclusive research environment fosters collaboration and innovation across various disciplines within photonics and beyond.

Research at PCRL spans a wide range of areas, including optical interconnects and telecommunications, digital signal processing, photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design, biophotonics/sensing and Quantum Communications. We are dedicated to advancing knowledge and technologies that address societal challenges and contribute to scientific advancement.

PCRL plays also a pivotal role in European research initiatives. We currently coordinate or participate in 13 large-scale cooperative European research projects, leveraging our expertise to drive innovation and collaboration on a global scale. Over the past 30 years, PCRL has participated in more than 60 large-scale projects, with a leadership role as the coordinator in 26 of them.

Our contributions to the academic community are reflected in our extensive publication record. PCRL has authored over 500 academic publications, including more than 200 peer-reviewed articles and over 300 conference papers. Additionally, we hold 5 patents, demonstrating our commitment to translating research into real-world applications. These publications serve as a testament to our commitment to advancing knowledge and sharing our discoveries with the scientific community.

The impact of PCRL extends beyond the laboratory, as evidenced by our alumni network. Over the years, 36 PhD students have graduated from PCRL. Today, 8 of them hold faculty positions in Greek and European universities, while others have pursued careers in high-end technology sectors such as the European Patent Office, Cisco, Mellanox, Nokia, and more. Some have even founded successful start-ups. Additionally, several alumni continue their research careers at PCRL or in other prestigious positions. Currently, a further 14 PhD students are on course towards completion of their theses.

We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our research areas, research projects, and academic publications, and to engage with us in shaping the future of photonics and communications.

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