Photonics is playing a pivotal role in advancing Nano/Bio/Info technology by creating new interfaces between multiple disciplines. These interfaces hold promise to meeting many technical challenges of the 21st century.

Prasad's particular area of focus is nanobiophotonics. Nanophotonics provides opportunities for high-density integration in information technology and for efficient harvesting of solar energy. Biophotonics offers exciting opportunities for fundamental research to probe intercellular interactions as well as to produce novel biotechnology to advance human health, particularly in the new field of nanomedicine. New advances in nanobiophotonics provide nanoprobes for biomedical imaging and therapy for cancer as well for other major unment medical needs.

In this interview, Paras N. Prasad discusses some of these opportunities and needs in the solar and biomedical areas, as well as some of the risks and how to counteract them.

Paras N. Prasad is a State University of New York (SUNY) distinguished professor of chemistry, physics, medicine and electrical engineering. He is also the executive director of the Institute for Lasers, Photonics and Biophotonics. Prasad has been extremely active in transitioning basic research to novel technologies leading to new businesses, and is a leader in promoting international scientific intrastructures to benefit developing countries.