The journal Electro Optics has published the annual Photonics100 2026 list, celebrating the 100 most influential people shaping the future of photonics – one of the key technologies of the 21st century. This year, the list includes three representatives from Lithuania. Considering the country’s small size, this is a remarkable achievement: with just 2.8 million people, Lithuania can be seen as the most photonics-productive nation in the world per capita, surpassing much larger players such as Germany, the United Kingdom, or the United States. This recognition once again highlights the strength and visibility of Lithuania’s photonics sector on the global stage.
Dr Rimantas Budriūnas, researcher at the Laser Research Centre, VU Faculty of Physics
Lithuanian honourees in Photonics100 2026
Rimantas Budriūnas (Light Conversion), PhD in Physics, R&D Engineer leading the development of optical parametric amplification (OPA) and optical parametric chirped pulse amplification (OPCPA) systems. His work expands the frontiers of ultrashort light sources, enabling higher power, contrast, and reliability. These technologies are applied in nonlinear microscopy and strong-field physics, with solutions surpassing traditional Ti:sapphire systems.
Gediminas Račiukaitis (Center for Physical Sciences and Technology – FTMC), Head of the Department of Laser Technologies at FTMC and President of the Lithuanian Laser Association. He established one of the largest laser technology laboratories in Lithuania, now hosting around 100 researchers. His current work focuses on ultrashort-pulse laser-based technologies for semiconductors, electronics, and photonics, including advanced chip packaging.
Sabina Kuprėnaitė (Optoman), PhD, Senior Research Engineer developing non-degrading ion beam sputtering (IBS) optical coatings for high-power ultrafast and UV lasers. Her team achieved a breakthrough by creating coatings that maintain stability even under extreme conditions. This innovation was recognised with the Laser World of Photonics 2025 Innovation Award, and is now delivering real value to industry by ensuring system reliability, reduced maintenance costs, and longer lifetimes.
The Photonics100 list was first launched in 2023 by Electro Optics. Its purpose is to recognise 100 innovators each year who are shaping the global photonics landscape. Honourees are selected from academia, industry, and entrepreneurship for their pioneering work across a wide range of applications – from quantum communication and biomedical diagnostics to laser systems for industrial processing.
Selection is based on innovation, contributions to advancing new technologies, and their practical application in solving global challenges.
Photonics100 2026 was announced on September 24, 2025, in London, UK. This year’s edition reflects the dynamics of the global market – breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, advances in quantum technologies, supply chain challenges, and the growing importance of photonics in the semiconductor and electronics industries.
Full list: Photonics100 2026.
Source: https://www.electrooptics.com.