The journal Electro Optics has unveiled its annual Photonics100 2026 list, celebrating the 100 most influential figures shaping the global future of photonics – one of the defining technologies of the 21st century.
This year, three Lithuanian experts have been named among the laureates. Given the country’s modest size, this is a remarkable achievement: with just 2.8 million inhabitants, Lithuania stands out as the world’s most productive photonics nation per capita, outpacing global giants such as Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. The recognition highlights once again the strength and international visibility of Lithuania’s photonics sector.
Lithuanian representatives in the Photonics100 2026 list
Rimantas Budriūnas (Light Conversion)
PhD physicist and R&D engineer, leading the development of optical parametric amplifiers (OPA) and optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification (OPCPA) systems. His work pushes the boundaries of ultrafast light sources, delivering higher power, improved contrast, and enhanced reliability. These technologies are crucial in nonlinear microscopy and strong-field physics, with his solutions recognised as superior to traditional Ti:Sapphire systems.
Gediminas Račiukaitis (Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology – FTMC)
Head of the FTMC Laser Technologies Department and President of the Lithuanian Laser Association. He established one of the largest laser technology laboratories in Lithuania, now home to around 100 scientists and researchers. His current work focuses on ultrafast pulsed laser applications in the semiconductor, electronics and photonics industries – including advanced chip packaging solutions.
Sabina Kuprėnaitė (Optoman)
PhD, senior researcher specialising in non-destructive IBS coatings for high-power ultrashort-pulse and UV laser optics. Her team recently achieved a breakthrough by developing coatings that remain stable even under extreme long-term conditions. This innovation earned the Laser World of Photonics 2025 Innovation Award. Under Kuprėnaitė’s leadership, the research delivers significant industrial value by ensuring reliability, reducing operating costs, and extending system lifetimes.
About Photonics100
Photonics100 was launched by Electro Optics in 2023 to honour 100 of the most innovative individuals advancing the global photonics sector. The list features leaders from academia, industry, and entrepreneurship whose contributions are driving the evolution of optical technologies.
The selection criteria include the level of innovation, contributions to new technology development, and the practical impact of their work across diverse fields – from quantum communication and biomedical diagnostics to industrial laser applications.
The Photonics100 2026 list was announced on 24 September 2025 in London, United Kingdom. This year’s edition reflects the dynamic shifts in the global market – from breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and advances in quantum technologies to supply chain challenges and the growing role of photonics in the semiconductor and electronics industries.
Source: Electro Optics
