Photonics is an outgrowth of the first practical semiconductor light emitters invented in the early 1960s. Economically important applications for semiconductor photonic devices include optical data recording, fiber optic telecommunications, laser printing, displays, and optical pumping of high-power lasers. The potential applications of photonics are virtually unlimited and include chemical synthesis, medical diagnostics, onchip data communication, laser defense, and fusion energy to name few interesting examples. Photonics is closely related to optics.
Wave-optical engineering exploits the wave nature of light allowing the control of electromagnetic field with microstructures. Even complex optical functions can be implemented by fabricating components with feature of the size of the wavelength. Various branches of industry use microstructured components in their products. Diffractive optics and precision technology enable individual optical components and solutions in spectral imaging devices, beam shaping and dividing applications as well as display and lightning devices.
Further applications arise from the decorative and security features of micro components.
Focus areas:
- Semiconductor technology
- Ultra-fast and intense optics
- Diode and fiber lasers
- Micro-, nano- and biophotonics
- Optical coherence and quantum optics
- Spectral colour technology
- Optical materials technology
- Precision manufacturing.