Advances and developments in photonics technology have created opportunities for significant improvements in healthcare, automobile, security, and most important scientific research.
However, many of us do not know the differences between photonics and optics.
If you are curious about the vortex phase plate, read this article to get a clear idea regarding photonics.
Photonics vs. Optics
What makes the difference between photonics and optics?
Sometimes these words are used interchangeably. A differentiation can, however, be made. On the one hand, optics is a very old topic, while photonics is a concept that has only been used recently.
Photonics is a concept that refers to instruments that, in contrast to electronics, mostly require the movement of photons that interact with the flow of electrons.
Laser, low-loss optical fiber processing, and semiconductor optical sensors are the major developments contributing to the use of the term Photonics. For example, we can say about vortex lenses.
Electro-optics, optoelectronics, quantum electronics, quantum optics, and light wave technology are other words that are frequently used to refer to these technologies and their particular uses.
Many of these words, although some of them apply to particular technologies, can be used interchangeably.
Electro-Optics is a term for products that have both optical and electrical characteristics but are mainly optical devices. Lasers and electro-optic modulators and switches are examples of electro-optical equipment.
On the other side, optoelectronics refers to instruments that are mainly mechanical, but which provide illumination, such as light-emitting diodes, photo detectors, or display devices for liquid crystals.
The study of the quantum mechanical and coherence properties of light is referred to by Quantum Optics. Quantum Electronics is the study of light and matter interface technologies, such as lasers, optical amplifiers, and optical wave mixing machines.
Applications of Photonics Technology
Aerospace
Usage of LiDAR and laser altimeters, aircraft test and inspection imaging systems, holographic heads-up displays, and navigation optical pattern recognition systems in aerospace technology.
Photonics System
For optical communication networks, this term is also used. The deployment of photonic structures such as high-speed photonic networks is the focus of this field of study. This also entails working on optical regenerators that increase the efficiency of optical signals.
Biomedicine
Uses in biomedicine include laser for surgery, treatment such as photodynamic therapy, and in LASIC processes. Also, monitoring and analysis instruments such as non-invasive glucose sensors are used.
Solid-State Lighting
Owing to their poor quality and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) due to their contribution to mercury to the atmosphere, Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) replace incandescent bulbs. The cost of LEDs is now cost-effective for outdoor lighting, traffic lights, and indoor industrial and office use.
Nano-Technology
Lasers are used in the manufacture of electrical machines, motors, generators, semiconductor chips, circuits, and computers; photonics is central to MEMS development by photolithography.
Alternate Energy
Solar Electric Panels are used by photovoltaic devices (PVDs). Recent cost, efficiency, and reliability changes guarantee that PVDs in the future will be a much greater contributor to Alternative Electric Energy.
Conclusion
Photonics technology is very new and still in the development stages. Scientists and engineers are regularly developing new applications of photonics in manufacturing as well as scientific research.
