The World Runs on Photonics.
Have you ever thought about how messages get sent over the internet? How do autonomous cars know where they're going? Much of our daily activities are powered by photonics, the science of light.
Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous vehicles navigate the streets using photonic-enabled vision systems. Cameras and light detection and ranging (LIDAR) devices allow for lane keeping systems, assisted breaking, and supervised driving systems.
Data Communications
The internet of things has its backbone built with photonics. From the fiber optic cables connecting home internet networks to satellite communications sending signals wirelessly through space to the transceivers that transmit signals in data centers, the world speaks through light.
Manufacturing
Lasers can be used for both additive and subtractive manufacturing. The sintering process allows for highly detailed metal parts to be created by selectively melting metal pallets. Laser cutting can be used to accurately create complex shapes in a variety of materials. Even resin 3D printing is made possible by light-emitting display panels.
Medical Imaging
Medical researchers are constantly developing new medical diagnostic equipment and devices using the power of light to identify and cure diseases. Imaging goes beyond x-rays and MRIs; advanced microscopic techniques using infrared light to excite cells and even molecules are used to provide deep insights to the inner workings of our bodies.
Government Initatives to Support
World governments recognize the power that photonics brings to society. This is why the United States, the European Union, China, India, Australia, and more have devoted large portions of their budgets to photonics technology development.