Biography
Darren Hudson joined the College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL) in April 2023 as an Associate Professor. His research focuses on nonlinear dynamics in optical fibers, with applications in LiDAR, remote sensing, and directed energy.
Dr. Hudson earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Colorado Boulder (2009), where he specialized in ultrafast optics and nonlinear fiber dynamics. Following his doctoral research, Dr. Hudson secured a Discovery Early Career Research Award (DECRA) from the Australian Research Council to lead efforts in developing mid-IR fiber lasers. His group at the University of Sydney demonstrated several firsts including the first ultrafast mid-IR fiber laser and the broadest on-chip supercontinuum in a silicon waveguide. During this time, he also co-founded Miriad Technologies, a startup that brought the first fast mid-infrared spectrometer to the market. In 2019, Dr. Hudson joined CACI-Photonics Solutions in Florham Park (NJ), where he led projects developing next-generation multi-spectral laser systems for defense and aerospace applications.
At CREOL, Dr. Hudson’s lab aims to push the boundaries of optical physics, working on novel fiber designs, free-space optical communication, and laser-based sensing technologies. He is passionate about mentoring students and fostering collaboration between academia and industry to drive innovation in photonics.
Research Group
We study the interaction of light and matter using optical fibers. By driving innovations in both laser sources and optical fibers, we aim to create the next generation of high brightness laser sources across the electromagnetic spectrum for a diverse set of applications including long-range LiDAR, remote sensing, free-space communications, and emerging quantum technologies.
