Photonics is closely related to quantum optics, which studies the theory behind photonics' engineering applications. [2] Though covering all light's technical applications over the whole spectrum, most photonic applications are in the range of visible and near- infrared light. Photonics Spectra is a global photonics resource and magazine with news, products, research, and applications covering optics, lasers, imaging, and sensing.

Understanding the Context

Photonics is an international, scientific, peer-reviewed, open access journal on the science and technology of optics and photonics, published monthly online by MDPI. Nature Photonics offers a unique mix of news and reviews alongside top-quality research papers. Published monthly, in print and online, the journal reflects the entire spectrum of photonics and... Basically, photonics is about how we generate, manipulate, and use light in one way or another.

Key Insights

While electronics depend on electrons-the minuscule carriers of electricity-to deliver information, photonics depends on photons, the particles of light, to do the same. Photonics is the science and technology of light, with an emphasis on applications: harnessing light in a wide range of fields. The term photonics was coined by the French physicist Pierre Aigrain in 1967 and has been widely used since the mid-1970s. An alternative term is lightwave technology. Photonics is quietly transforming the future of technology—from AI and high-speed internet to healthcare and energy.

Final Thoughts

Here’s why this light-powered revolution matters now. The light powered revolution: How photonics is quietly rewiring ... - MSN These so-called photonics chips use optical devices such as lasers, waveguides, filters and switches to shuttle light around and process information. The new advance could provide a big boost for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computers and optical atomic clocks. Photonics is the science and technology of generating, controlling, and detecting photons—particles of light. It underpins a wide range of modern technologies, from fiber-optic communications and lasers to imaging systems, quantum computing, and medical diagnostics.

Emily Standley Allard on MSN: The light powered revolution: How photonics is quietly rewiring the future