Persistent photonics

Aug. 23, 2023
The growth rate across the entire photonics community has been nothing short of astonishing.

Technology-centric environments always represent inspirational learning opportunities to me. When I accepted the chief editor role at Laser Focus World, I made a personal commitment to learn as much as I could about the industry, as well as the companies creating and using photonics technology. And, considering how rapidly the technology changes, it has understandably been an ongoing journey of questioning, learning, and meeting some remarkably talented people along the way.

The growth rate across the entire community has been nothing short of astonishing. And it’s equally encouraging to see how well photonics-based organizations have collectively weathered the strange economy. The vast horizontal customer base undoubtedly plays a role in providing stability.

Photonics paints the ideal picture of living on the edge. Technology creators who passionately answer challengesand doubterswith a simple “Why not?” The reality is even with an admittedly cursory view of the industry’s history and trajectory, it’s impossible to overlook the significance of the various emerging sectors where photonics technology is proving pivotal. In each instance, the science-driven, never-ending commitment to research is apparent.

What I find even more impressive is the dedication to ultimately commercializing what comes out of the global institutions, R&D labs, and incubators. After all, commercialization isn’t easy. If it was, there would not be a global need for SBIR-type programs funding promising initiatives.

But the photonics community tends to buck the trend or at least actively pursue avenues to constantly contribute not just for the sake of new photonics components, but solutions to issues across an array of industries. This is true whether it’s a need for better communications technologies, addressing issues in autonomy, improving the effectiveness of medical procedures, or revolutionizing how manufacturers focused on automotive electrification produce batteries.

Its a can-do attitude that happens to be science-based. And, as a quick look at analyst reports shows, the level of confidence that ongoing photonics projects will ultimately realize commercial value is staggering, with CAGRs ranging from 30% to 450%.

Simply put, the photonics community is impressive. Not only did the community have faith in itself when others look at it as an interesting technology without any real applications, today it is becoming the norm for industries to turn to photonics to see how these scientific engineers can help solve their latest problems.

About the Author

Peter Fretty | Associate Group Publisher/Group Editorial Director, Laser & Military

Peter Fretty began his role as Associate Group Publisher, Laser & Military in summer 2023; the group encompasses the Laser Focus World, Military & Aerospace Electronics, and Vision Systems Design brands. He also serves as Group Editorial Director, Laser & Military (effective spring 2023) and served as Editor in Chief of Laser Focus World since October 2021. Prior to that, he was Technology Editor for IndustryWeek for two years.

As a highly experienced journalist, he has regularly covered advances in manufacturing, information technology, and software. He has written thousands of feature articles, cover stories, and white papers for an assortment of trade journals, business publications, and consumer magazines.

Sponsored Recommendations

Next generation tunable infrared lasers

Nov. 28, 2023
Discussion of more powerful and stable quantum cascade tunable infrared lasers, applications, and test results.

What AI demands mean for data centers

Nov. 28, 2023
The 2023 Photonics-Enabled Cloud Computing Summit assembled by Optica took an aggressive approach to calling out the limitations of today’s current technologies.

SLP feature for lighting control available on cameras offering

Nov. 28, 2023
A proprietary structured light projector (SLP) feature is now available on the company’s camera series, including the ace 2, boost R, ace U, and ace L.

Chroma Customer Spotlight - Dr. David Warshaw, About his Lab

Nov. 27, 2023
David Warshaw, Professor and Chair of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Vermont (UVM), walks us through his lab. Learn about his lab’s work with the protein...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!