rpiekarski@wavejobs.eu 
Photonics is truly the science of the future. It deals with things that look like the plots of the science fiction films. However, all these areas of research are quite real and can significantly change our understanding of the world and the usual standard of living. So what exactly can we achieve using the advances in photonics — today and tomorrow?
Treat effectively and prevent diseases
The use of photonics in the biological and medical sciences will give us the opportunity to revolutionize healthcare. Light can be used effectively for very early detection of disease through non-invasive imaging techniques.
Biophotonics plays an important role in the analysis of processes at the molecular level. This enables us:
- to determine the origin of diseases quickly and accurately,
- to carry out prevention more successfully,
- to develop new treatments.
Photonic technology is essential to meeting the needs of our aging society. Pacemakers and synthetic bones, endoscopes and microcameras used in in-vivo processes — we have this and will have much more thanks to photonics.
Light up the space the way we want, and save energy
Photonics is used in advanced lighting technologies such as solid-state lighting (SSL) based on light-emitting diode (LED) and organic light-emitting diode (OLED). These technologies improve the quality of lighting and contribute to significant energy savings.
Up to 19% of the world’s electricity goes to lighting, so more efficient lighting will provide huge energy savings, not only at the household level, but also globally. SSL technology will allow us to customize the light according to individual needs by adjusting the brightness and color settings. At the same time, it is distinguished by its reliability and long service life.
Use the internet at the highest speeds
Internet speed is a value that you always want to increase. The need for faster, more transparent and greener broadband networks is driving research in many countries. Photonics will help stimulate traffic growth, make data exchange faster, cheaper and more economical.
Improve production quality
Yes, it’s about lasers. It is difficult to find a branch of modern industry where they are not used. Laser processing has become indispensable for high volume, low cost and precision manufacturing.
Lasers are used, for example:
- in the automotive industry,
- for the treatment of plastics,
- for the production of photovoltaic cells,
- for the manufacture of miniature medical technology components.
Further development of lasers will bring production to the next level: better, more accurate, more profitable.
Feel safer
Photonics is a key factor in improving the safety of people, goods and the environment. Photonics technologies are used in:
- the construction sector: for production of fiber optic sensors that detect structural defects;
- driver assistance systems;
- biometrics,
- border security systems,
- equipment that detect dangerous or illegal goods,
- video surveillance systems.
In short, photonics helps highlight hidden threats and thus makes our lives safer.
Yuliya Hoika, journalist, branding and communication specialist.
