There is no denying the healthy buzz at SPIE Photonics West was invigorating as the global photonics community continues to enjoy growth opportunities across a truly horizontal realm of industries and applications. While the record number of attendees flooding the halls at Photonics West was merely moment in time, it was indicative of the energy that fuels the photonics community with a steady stream of scientific breakthroughs and innovative introductions from large and small companies alike.
In the Dutch Pavilion, PhotonDelta was excited to spotlight the many advances across the entire realm of photonics computing as integrated photonics enable miniaturization and present the thermal advantages crucial for the next generation of data communication, sensing capabilities for automotive and agricultural applications, and advances in medical devices.
Consider for instance, Astrape Networks, which unveiled the ability to exponentially boost data transmission speeds while keeping a cap on energy consumption levels. As Astrape rolls out its offering, the potential exists to provide data centers with added efficiency and performance.
Astrape’s developments align well with the photonics trends I recently discussed with Jabil’s Giorgio Cazzaniga. “Photonics is becoming sort of master for connecting and transmitting beyond traditional architecture limitations,” he says. “Photonics also are well positioned to handle increased connections between microprocessors and memories. A bright future in supercomputing is forecast, thanks to photonic computing, which can perform calculations for machine learning much faster than its computing counterparts.”
On another front, Coherent—fresh off the synergistic acquisition by II-VI—showcased an entire spectrum of photonics-based innovations touching life sciences, scientific research, and industrial manufacturing. One notable demonstration being the first laser-based solution capable of ablating a microscopic channel around OLED displays while leaving adjacent areas intact—a true step towards bezel-free consumer devices.
Or LightPath Technologies’ introduction of the revolutionary Mantis camera using its proprietary Black Diamond glass material to deliver multispectral thermal imaging capabilities without the cost or complexity of a cooling system.
Each of these developments stand on their own and warrant in-depth coverage (it’s coming), but what these examples collectively represent paints an amazing picture as well. Although maturing and constantly growing, the photonics community continues to sport a truly entrepreneurial spirit. The type of spirit that keeps people thirsty for the next breakthrough, the next ah-ha moment. It’s been fun getting to know people within this community, learning from and feeding off the fervor.
