A very warm thank you to all the companies and institutesthat made this publication possible:
Technical applications of lightI N F O G R A P H I C S
A very warm thank you to all the companies and institutesthat made this publication possible:
Technical applications of lightI N F O G R A P H I C S
CONTENTS
L I G H T I N G
E N V I R O N M E N T
R E S E A R C H & E C O N O M Y
+ 1
T R A F F I C
P H O T O V O L T A I C S
White LED light 30Brighter with LEDs 31Lamp specifications 32Intelligent luminaires 33Laser shows 34
Tra�c enforcement 35Light on and in the car 36Car headlights 37Airport lighting 38
Solar cells 39Solar energy 40
Optical measurements in citizen projects 41Forest fire surveillance 42Optical sorting 43
Photonics as an industry sector 44Photonics around the globe 45Nobel laureates 46Photonics countries 47
Economic impact of photonics 49Photonics schools 48
50Photonics enthusiast
M E D I C A L T E C H N O L O G YCounting blood cells 26Endoscopy 27
Seeing clearly again 29Seeing near and far 28
B A S I C S
D A T A T R A N S F E R
I M A G E C A P T U R E & D I S P L A Y
P R O D U C T I O N T E C H N O L O G Y
What is photonics? 01Smallest points 02Highest velocity 03Shortest times 04Highest power 05
Light spectrum 07Hidden realm of photonics 08Shorter wavelengths 09Window glass vs optical fiber 10Mirrors vs laser mirrors 11
Laser vs the Sun 13
Image of smallest structures 14Precise laser drilling 15Laser cutting 16Smartphones thanks to the laser 173D printing 18
Laser communication in space 20Optical fiber networks 19
QR-codes 21
Camera lenses 22Gesture control 23Flat screens 24LCD vs OLED 25
Undisturbed superposition 06
Laser types 12
CONTENTS
L I G H T I N G
E N V I R O N M E N T
R E S E A R C H & E C O N O M Y
+ 1
T R A F F I C
P H O T O V O L T A I C S
White LED light 30Brighter with LEDs 31Lamp specifications 32Intelligent luminaires 33Laser shows 34
Tra�c enforcement 35Light on and in the car 36Car headlights 37Airport lighting 38
Solar cells 39Solar energy 40
Optical measurements in citizen projects 41Forest fire surveillance 42Optical sorting 43
Photonics as an industry sector 44Photonics around the globe 45Nobel laureates 46Photonics countries 47
Economic impact of photonics 49Photonics schools 48
50Photonics enthusiast
M E D I C A L T E C H N O L O G YCounting blood cells 26Endoscopy 27
Seeing clearly again 29Seeing near and far 28
B A S I C S
D A T A T R A N S F E R
I M A G E C A P T U R E & D I S P L A Y
P R O D U C T I O N T E C H N O L O G Y
What is photonics? 01Smallest points 02Highest velocity 03Shortest times 04Highest power 05
Light spectrum 07Hidden realm of photonics 08Shorter wavelengths 09Window glass vs optical fiber 10Mirrors vs laser mirrors 11
Laser vs the Sun 13
Image of smallest structures 14Precise laser drilling 15Laser cutting 16Smartphones thanks to the laser 173D printing 18
Laser communication in space 20Optical fiber networks 19
QR-codes 21
Camera lenses 22Gesture control 23Flat screens 24LCD vs OLED 25
Undisturbed superposition 06
Laser types 12
B A S I C S
WHAT IS PHOTONICS?Photonics is the generation, transmission,
and utilization of light and other electromagnetic radiation. Photonics oers solutions to
the global challenges of our time.
utilization
transmission
generation
B A S I C S
0 1
outer sheath: 100 µm
core: 10 µm
pin human hair
optical fiber core
diameter1,000 µm = 1 mm
paper clip wire1,000 µm 500 µm
focus in laser cutting
100 µm 50 µm 10 µm
B A S I C S
0 2
SMALLEST POINTSLight can be focused on extremely small diameters.
B A S I C S
0 3
Earth
Moon
5 times around the Earth in an optical fiber cable
How far does a message travel in one second?courier by foot
1.5 m
carrier pigeon20 m
aircraft250 m
Apollo moon rocket10 km
optical fiber cable200,000 km
light in space300,000 km
distance Earth – Moon384,400 km
HIGHEST VELOCITYNothing is faster than light.
The speed of light is 299,792,458 m/s.
B A S I C S
0 4
SHORTEST TIMESLight makes even the fastest events measurable.
1s
1µs
1ns
1ps
1fs
1as
1ms
second1 s
millisecond= 0.001 s
microsecond= 0.000,001 s
nanosecond= 0.000,000,001 s
picosecond= 0.000,000,000,001 s
femtosecond= 0.000,000,000,000,001 s
attosecond= 0.000,000,000,000,000,001 s
electric impulses in a computer
blink
athlete in action
chemical processes such as the splitting of DNA
processes inside an atom
only measurable with light
high-speed camera
B A S I C S
0 5
HIGHEST POWER
With the pulsed operation of lasers, a power orders of magnitude greater than anything we have known so far can be achieved.
This is made possible through the concentration of laser power to very short femtosecond pulses.
Generated power of the Berkeley Lab Laser Accelerator
1 petawatt= 1,000,000 gigawatts
C O M P A R I S O NO F P O W E R
Worldwide power generated by electric power plants
2.6 terawatts = 2,600 gigawatts
Peak powers are reached periodically for very short time intervals.
laser pulse width:40 femtoseconds
1 second
around 400 times
1 petawatt
PO
WE
R
T I M E
B A S I C S
0 6
UNDISTURBED SUPER-
POSITIONDozens of data signals can be coupled into one single optical fiber
and be separated again at the receiver’s end. The signals can be very finely distinguished based on their wavelength (spectral color),
polarization, and phase.
Over 40 channels with data signals
can be superposed in one fiber.
sender receiver
transmission rate:100 gigabitsper second
B A S I C S
0 7
LIGHT SPECTRUMLight is the very small part of the electromagnetic spectrum
visible to the human eye in the wavelength range of 380 to 780 nanometers.
400 500 600 700 800
UV IR
WAVELENGTH IN NANOMETERS (NM)
WAVELENGTH IN NANOMETERS (NM)
SPEC
TRAL
SEN
SITI
VITY
SP
ECTR
AL IN
TEN
SITY
range visible to humans: 380 to 780 nm
S P E C T R A L D I S T R I B U T I O N O F S U N L I G H T O N E A R T H
400 500 600 700 800
S P E C T R A L S E N S I T I V I T Y O F T H E E Y E A T D AY T I M E
B A S I C S
0 8
HIDDEN REALM OF PHOTONICS
Photonic applications use a broad portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that
is predominantly not visible to humans.
1 terahertz 1 gigahertz1 zettahertz 1 exahertz 1 petahertz
1 picometer 1 nanometer1 femtometer 1 micrometer
GAMMA RADIATION
COSMIC RADIATION X-RAY ULTRA-
VIOLETINFRA-
REDTERA-HERTZ MICROWAVES RADIO WAVES ALTERNATING
CURRENTS
P H O T O N I C S E L E C T R O N I C S
1 meter 1 megameter1 millimeter 1 kilometer
1 megahertz 1 kilohertz
broadcastingradar
frequencieshigh frequency low frequency
wavelengthsshort wave long wave
N U C L E A R T E C H N O L O G Y
cell phone network
wireless LAN
identification system RFID
television
power line
heat lamp
ultraviolet lamp
material testing
radiocarbon dating
visible light
X-ray machines full-body scanner
B A S I C S
0 8
HIDDEN REALM OF PHOTONICS
Photonic applications use a broad portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that
is predominantly not visible to humans.
1 terahertz 1 gigahertz1 zettahertz 1 exahertz 1 petahertz
1 picometer 1 nanometer1 femtometer 1 micrometer
GAMMA RADIATION
COSMIC RADIATION X-RAY ULTRA-
VIOLETINFRA-
REDTERA-HERTZ MICROWAVES RADIO WAVES ALTERNATING
CURRENTS
P H O T O N I C S E L E C T R O N I C S
1 meter 1 megameter1 millimeter 1 kilometer
1 megahertz 1 kilohertz
broadcastingradar
frequencieshigh frequency low frequency
wavelengthsshort wave long wave
N U C L E A R T E C H N O L O G Y
cell phone network
wireless LAN
identification system RFID
television
power line
heat lamp
ultraviolet lamp
material testing
radiocarbon dating
visible light
X-ray machines full-body scanner
B A S I C S
0 9
SHORTER WAVELENGTHS
Wavelength has a great influenceon the performance of optical systems.
Shorter wavelengths can produce smaller focusdiameters making greater recording
densities possible on optical storage media.
WAVELENGTHS USEDTO READ OPTICAL DICS
780 nm 650 nm 405 nminfrared red violet
CD DVD Blu-Ray Disc
wavelength
increasing recording density
B A S I C S
1 0
WINDOW GL ASS
LIGHT TRANSMISSION OF GL ASS
OPTICAL GL ASS
OPTICAL FIBER
29 m
100 km
glass thickness
1 %of light
How thick can di�erent glass types be so that 1 % of the emitted light is still transmitted?
(only valid for infrared light)
80 cm
(example: camera lens)
WINDOW GLASS vs OPTICAL FIBER
Glass is the most important component of optical systems. However, common window glass and glass used in photonics
applications are worlds apart.
B A S I C S
1 1
MIRRORS vsLASER MIRRORS
Many optical components can be found in their basic forms in the home.
The components used in photonics, however, are characterized by the
highest accuracy and technical finesse.
HOUSEHOLD MIRRORCONSTRUCTION
L ASER MIRRORCONSTRUCTION
glass plate
back silver coating
protective layer
1
3
2
glass substrate
99.9%reflectance
Usually, at least 20 to 50 layers of 100 to 200 nanometers thickness are
applied on the front of a substrate.The result is an extremely high reflectance.
layers of varying materials
laser mirror in kinematic mount
1
32
reflectance86 %
B A S I C S
1 1
MIRRORS vsLASER MIRRORS
Many optical components can be found in their basic forms in the home.
The components used in photonics, however, are characterized by the
highest accuracy and technical finesse.
HOUSEHOLD MIRRORCONSTRUCTION
L ASER MIRRORCONSTRUCTION
glass plate
back silver coating
protective layer
1
3
2
glass substrate
99.9%reflectance
Usually, at least 20 to 50 layers of 100 to 200 nanometers thickness are
applied on the front of a substrate.The result is an extremely high reflectance.
layers of varying materials
laser mirror in kinematic mount
1
32
reflectance86 %
basic elements
D I O D E L A S E R F I B E R L A S E R
D I S K L A S E R G A S L A S E R
active medium = excited atoms or molecules
laser beam
resonator (end mirror or output coupler)
energy supply = pump optical electrical
B A S I C S
1 2
LASER TYPESLasers are the central component of many photonics applications.
The numerous laser types always consist of the same basic elements although their shape strongly varies.
⁄ 1.5 mmbutton hole
PERFORMANCEBEHIND BUTTON HOLE
in milliwatts
ABSOLUTE PERFOR-MANCE
1.5 mmbeam diameter
174petawatts
P E R F O R M A N C E C O M P A R I S O N
l a s e r p o i n t e r
S u n
solar radiation intensity on the Earth(central European summer)
700 watts per m2
5 milliwatts(max.)
Earth
1
5
LASERS vs THE SUNWhile conventional light sources
emit their energy in all directions,lasers bundle the emitted light verye�ciently into almost parallel light
beams of small diameters.
B A S I C S
1 3
P R O D U C T I O N T E C H N O L O G Y
P R O D U C T I O N T E C H N O L O G Y
1 4
IMAGE OF SMALLEST STRUCTURES
Modern technology requires e�cient electronics in the smallest spaces. Thanks to optical technologies it is possible to organize in-creasingly smaller electronic components on semiconductor chips.
waferEUV beam source
photomask
DEVELOPMENT OF SEMICONDUCTOR PRODUCTION PROCESSES
OPTICAL BEAM PATH
The image of increasingly smaller structures requires light sources with very short wavelengths.
Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light, which is already in use and
which has a wavelength of only 13.5 nanometers, requires the application
of purely reflective optics with extremely accurate geometry.
2020200019901980 20101970
5 nm
7 nm10 n
m
14 n
m
22 n
m
32 n
m
45 n
m
65 n
m
90 n
m
180
nm
250
nm
350
nm60
0 nm80
0 nm
1.5
µm
1 µm
6 µm
3 µm
10 µ
m
130
nm
P R O D U C T I O N T E C H N O L O G Y
1 5
PRECISELASER DRILLING
Ultrashort pulse lasers drill di�erently sized, accurately shapedinjection nozzles that distribute the fuel in the best way possible.
Thanks to laser precision machining, up to 30% of fuel can be saved.
L ASER
SPARK PLUG
di�erently sizedINJECTION NOZZLES
up to800,000 pulses
per second
CYLINDER
The lens focuses pulsed laser beams on a
10-micrometer diameter.
PISTON
FUEL
The heating of adjoining material is avoidedby laser pulses shorter than
10 picoseconds.
optimum distribution of fuel
EFFICIENCY AND PERFORMANCE COMPARISONOF CONVENTIONAL MILLING AND L ASER CUT TING
C O N V E N T I O N A L M I L L I N G L A S E R
cutting a 5-millimeter-thick steel plate for one meter
C U T T I N G W I D T H(millimeters)
T O O L P E R F O R M A N C E(kilowatts)
D U R A T I O NP E R M E T E R
E N E R G Y C O N S U M P T I O N(kilowatt hours)
W A S T E(grams)
T O T A L E N E R G Y C O N S U M P T I O Ntaking into account material savings
(kilowatt hours)0.4
10
0.4
20
390
14 Minutes
0.10
15
0.14
12 Seconds
0.07
2.05
LASER CUTTINGLaser cutting enables very quick processing of materials
with a low loss of material, which makes this method extremelyenergy-e�cient.
P R O D U C T I O N T E C H N O L O G Y
1 6
EFFICIENCY AND PERFORMANCE COMPARISONOF CONVENTIONAL MILLING AND L ASER CUT TING
C O N V E N T I O N A L M I L L I N G L A S E R
cutting a 5-millimeter-thick steel plate for one meter
C U T T I N G W I D T H(millimeters)
T O O L P E R F O R M A N C E(kilowatts)
D U R A T I O NP E R M E T E R
E N E R G Y C O N S U M P T I O N(kilowatt hours)
W A S T E(grams)
T O T A L E N E R G Y C O N S U M P T I O Ntaking into account material savings
(kilowatt hours)0.4
10
0.4
20
390
14 Minutes
0.10
15
0.14
12 Seconds
0.07
2.05
LASER CUTTINGLaser cutting enables very quick processing of materials
with a low loss of material, which makes this method extremelyenergy-e�cient.
P R O D U C T I O N T E C H N O L O G Y
1 6
HERSTELLER564701235445468
L A S E R T Y P E S
fiber laser
UV solid-state laser
solid-state laser
M A C H I N E P R O C E S S
edge
pattern
areaultrashort pulse laser
UV excimer laser
IR diode laser
Housing
Circuit board
Battery
Screen
Touchscreen
marking logo, data-matrix-code, and serial number
cutting of touchscreen foilstructuring ofconducting layers
cutting of extremelythin, hard cover glass
generation of polycrystalline layers
encapsulation of laminated glasses
holes
CO2 laser
welding of battery case
structuring of conductor tracks
cutting of foil circuit boards
drilling of contact holes
cutting of housing
marking logo and serial number
SMARTPHONESTHANKS TO THE LASER
Hundreds of thousands of smartphones are manufactured daily. Quality and e�ciency of production are of crucial importance
to the manufacturers in this competitive market.Lasers are the key to success here.
P R O D U C T I O N T E C H N O L O G Y
1 7
P R O D U C T I O N T E C H N O L O G Y
1 8
3D PRINTINGBased on a computer drawing, complex structures can be produced from
plastics, ceramics, and metals with the help of selective laser melting.Dentures and implants are among the rapidly growing number of applications.
GENERAL OPERATING PRINCIPLEThe digital model of an object is transformedinto a model made of a series of thin layers.
A layer of powderis applied.
The powder melts in the component'scross section according to the
specifications of the layer model.
The build platformis lowered with
every layer.
The application, melting,and lowering repeats itselfuntil the object is finished.
At the end, the material thathas not melted will be removed.
The actual object is all that is left.
D A T A T R A N S F E R
in Mbit/stransfer speed
in km, without repeaterrange
copper cable cladding
cross section in original size
claddingoptical fiber cable
Optical fibers o�er substantially higher transmission rates, while simultaneously providing large ranges. Other advantages are lighter cables, lower space requirements, and fewer repeaters. The operation and maintenance costs are also significantly reduced.
Data cable in city area
0.6 mm10 µm (0.01 mm)
6.9 mm1.1 mm
1000 100
50 2
100 m cable in kgweight
0.6
5.8
in watts per userenergy consumption
2
10
in yearsshelf life
50
5
D A T A T R A N S F E R
1 9
OPTICAL FIBER NETWORKSIn 1988, the first transatlantic optical fiber cable, the TAT-8, went into
operation. Optical fiber quickly replaced copper cables to meet the fast-growing need for greater capacity. Today, submarine cables with capacities of up to
several terabytes per second connect the whole Earth.
in Mbit/stransfer speed
in km, without repeaterrange
copper cable cladding
cross section in original size
claddingoptical fiber cable
Optical fibers o�er substantially higher transmission rates, while simultaneously providing large ranges. Other advantages are lighter cables, lower space requirements, and fewer repeaters. The operation and maintenance costs are also significantly reduced.
Data cable in city area
0.6 mm10 µm (0.01 mm)
6.9 mm1.1 mm
1000 100
50 2
100 m cable in kgweight
0.6
5.8
in watts per userenergy consumption
2
10
in yearsshelf life
50
5
D A T A T R A N S F E R
1 9
OPTICAL FIBER NETWORKSIn 1988, the first transatlantic optical fiber cable, the TAT-8, went into
operation. Optical fiber quickly replaced copper cables to meet the fast-growing need for greater capacity. Today, submarine cables with capacities of up to
several terabytes per second connect the whole Earth.
ADVANTAGES OF THE LASER
EARTH
NOLIMIT
due to frequencyallocations
L ARGE DATAVOLUMES
1 .8gigabytes per second
corresponds to around 500 songs
per second
LESSMASS
saves costs
LOWER ENERGY
CONSUMPTIONexpandsshelf life
SMALLESTTOLERANCEfor generating
a bundled laser beam
across largestdistances
stabledespite great
TEMPERATUREDIFFERENCES
survivestrong
VIBRATIONSand
ACCELERATIONSduring rocket launches
over 15 yearsMAINTENANCE-
FREE
RESISTANTagainst UV and gamma radiation
in space
height:700 km
N E A R - E A R T H S A T E L L I T E
scans parts of the Earth’s surface
SATE
LLI T
E-L A
SER
LIN
K
height:36,000 km
GEOSTATIONARYSATELLITE
R E C E I V I N G S T A T I O Non Earth
THE L ASER AND OPTICS MEET THE HIGHEST REQUIREMENTS
D A T A T R A N S F E R
2 0
LASER COMMUNICATION IN SPACE
Free space optical communication between near-Earth and geostationary satellites enables the fast transfer of data to a ground station.
Vital data during natural catastrophes or in emergencies at sea canbe received almost in real time in this way.
ADVANTAGES OF THE LASER
EARTH
NOLIMIT
due to frequencyallocations
L ARGE DATAVOLUMES
1 .8gigabytes per second
corresponds to around 500 songs
per second
LESSMASS
saves costs
LOWER ENERGY
CONSUMPTIONexpandsshelf life
SMALLESTTOLERANCEfor generating
a bundled laser beam
across largestdistances
stabledespite great
TEMPERATUREDIFFERENCES
survivestrong
VIBRATIONSand
ACCELERATIONSduring rocket launches
over 15 yearsMAINTENANCE-
FREE
RESISTANTagainst UV and gamma radiation
in space
height:700 km
N E A R - E A R T H S A T E L L I T E
scans parts of the Earth’s surface
SATE
LLI T
E-L A
SER
LIN
K
height:36,000 km
GEOSTATIONARYSATELLITE
R E C E I V I N G S T A T I O Non Earth
THE L ASER AND OPTICS MEET THE HIGHEST REQUIREMENTS
D A T A T R A N S F E R
2 0
LASER COMMUNICATION IN SPACE
Free space optical communication between near-Earth and geostationary satellites enables the fast transfer of data to a ground station.
Vital data during natural catastrophes or in emergencies at sea canbe received almost in real time in this way.
D A T A T R A N S F E R
2 1
QR CODESCameras and optical sensors often work together
with intelligent image or data processing.The QR code (Quick Response) shows this impressively.
Apart from the content, QR codes contain additional elementsso that the software can recognize the data correctly.
This includes:
In comparison to the classic barcode, QR codes can store more informationon a smaller area and make fewer requirements of reading devices.
They also function even if they are partly damaged or corrupted:
timingformat informationpositioning version information alignment
Up to 4,000 alphanumerical charactersfit on a QR code.
QR-CODE STRUCTURE
ADVANTAGES OF QR CODES
USE OF QR CODESQR codes are two-dimensional bar codes. A camera phone with the appropriate
code reader software recognizes this information and decodes it.
scanning with aQR-code reader
decoding
access to website
graphic/text in code distorted blurred twisted
QR code
D A T A T R A N S F E R
2 1
QR CODESCameras and optical sensors often work together
with intelligent image or data processing.The QR code (Quick Response) shows this impressively.
Apart from the content, QR codes contain additional elementsso that the software can recognize the data correctly.
This includes:
In comparison to the classic barcode, QR codes can store more informationon a smaller area and make fewer requirements of reading devices.
They also function even if they are partly damaged or corrupted:
timingformat informationpositioning version information alignment
Up to 4,000 alphanumerical charactersfit on a QR code.
QR-CODE STRUCTURE
ADVANTAGES OF QR CODES
USE OF QR CODESQR codes are two-dimensional bar codes. A camera phone with the appropriate
code reader software recognizes this information and decodes it.
scanning with aQR-code reader
decoding
access to website
graphic/text in code distorted blurred twisted
QR code
I M A G E C A P T U R E& D I S P L A Y
I M A G E C A P T U R E & D I S P L A Y
2 2
CAMERA LENSESToday, brilliant images are possible with
the smallest smartphone lenses. Why then is it still necessary to have
large lenses in photography?
S I Z E C O M PA R I S O N
Despite their small size, smartphone lenses havesophisticated optics with complex lens arrangements.
L E N S A R R A N G E M E N T
The most important consequence of the sizedi�erence is the di�erent depths of field.
D E P T H O F F I E L D
S M A R T P H O N E L E N S S L R L E N S
(original sizes)
S M A R T P H O N EL E N S
S L RL E N S
Smartphones display all objects fromnear to far with the same sharpness.
The depth of field can be set selectivelywith large SLR lenses.
I M A G E C A P T U R E & D I S P L A Y
2 2
CAMERA LENSESToday, brilliant images are possible with
the smallest smartphone lenses. Why then is it still necessary to have
large lenses in photography?
S I Z E C O M PA R I S O N
Despite their small size, smartphone lenses havesophisticated optics with complex lens arrangements.
L E N S A R R A N G E M E N T
The most important consequence of the sizedi�erence is the di�erent depths of field.
D E P T H O F F I E L D
S M A R T P H O N E L E N S S L R L E N S
(original sizes)
S M A R T P H O N EL E N S
S L RL E N S
Smartphones display all objects fromnear to far with the same sharpness.
The depth of field can be set selectivelywith large SLR lenses.
I M A G E C A P T U R E & D I S P L A Y
2 3
GESTURE CONTROLOptical systems can capture and interpret hand movements contactlessly – this
is ideal in sterile workplaces such as hospital operating rooms.
line laser marksinteractive area
system capturesfinger positions
3D camera measures the distance
Two infrared (IR) cameras capture the scene liketwo human eyes from slightly shifted perspectives.
A 3D camera, which is based on the propagation timeof light, verifies the distance.
S U R G I C A L H A N D - T R A C K I N G S Y S T E Mdetailed view from below
IR lighting
IR camera
line laser
light source 3D camera
I M A G E C A P T U R E & D I S P L A Y
2 4
FLAT SCREENSIn contrast to early cathode ray tubes, flat screens save a great deal
of energy per unit area. Impressive global production capacities meetthe high demand for these displays.
total area of produced flat screens (TVs, tablets, smartphones, and others)
ELECTRICIT Y CONSUMPTION AT SAME DISPL AY SIZE
PRODUCTION OF FL ATSCREENS WITHIN ONE HOUR
100 % 25 %
cathode ray tube LCD
1 hour
200,000smartphone displays
2football fields
I M A G E C A P T U R E & D I S P L A Y
2 5
LCD vs OLEDToday, LCD displays dominate the flatscreen market,
but in smartphones, organic LEDs (OLEDs)are conquering an increasingly larger market share.OLED displays are thinner, more energy-e�cient,
and higher in contrast but more expensive to produce.
standard resolution720 x 480
full HD1920 x 1080
4K Ultra HD3840 x 2160
LCD DISPL AY STRUCTURE
Today’s most common type of display creates imagesby blocking o� or letting through white light that LEDs
create across the back of the display.
OLED DISPL AY STRUCTURE
Organically luminous materials in OLED displaysdo not require a separate light source, which makes
their construction depth much thinner.
display resolutionsin pixels
8K Ultra HD7680 × 4320
organic layersLIGHT DIRECTIONLIGHT DIRECTION
background lighting(light conductor)
Molecules are electricallyexcited to make them glow.
These layers together are around 200 times thinner than a human hair.
cover glass
color filter
glass filter withpolarizing film
LED strips
liquid crystal TFT = thin-film transistors anodecathode TFT = thin-film transistorscover glass
carrier material(glass or plastic)
OLED – Organic Light Emitting Diode LCD – Liquid Crystal Display
I M A G E C A P T U R E & D I S P L A Y
2 5
LCD vs OLEDToday, LCD displays dominate the flatscreen market,
but in smartphones, organic LEDs (OLEDs)are conquering an increasingly larger market share.OLED displays are thinner, more energy-e�cient,
and higher in contrast but more expensive to produce.
standard resolution720 x 480
full HD1920 x 1080
4K Ultra HD3840 x 2160
LCD DISPL AY STRUCTURE
Today’s most common type of display creates imagesby blocking o� or letting through white light that LEDs
create across the back of the display.
OLED DISPL AY STRUCTURE
Organically luminous materials in OLED displaysdo not require a separate light source, which makes
their construction depth much thinner.
display resolutionsin pixels
8K Ultra HD7680 × 4320
organic layersLIGHT DIRECTIONLIGHT DIRECTION
background lighting(light conductor)
Molecules are electricallyexcited to make them glow.
These layers together are around 200 times thinner than a human hair.
cover glass
color filter
glass filter withpolarizing film
LED strips
liquid crystal TFT = thin-film transistors anodecathode TFT = thin-film transistorscover glass
carrier material(glass or plastic)
OLED – Organic Light Emitting Diode LCD – Liquid Crystal Display
M E D I C A L T E C H N O L O G Y
M E D I C A L T E C H N O L O G Y
2 6
COUNTINGBLOOD CELLS
Thousands of cells per second are counted and characterized inmedical and biotechnical analytics with laser-based flow cytometry.
This enables the fast and secure detection of blood anomalies.
cell flow
forward scatter: measurement ofthe cell’s volume
Cells are being excitedto make them glow.
color filter
detector
side scatter:measurement of the cell’s granularity
fluorescent light:The color-separated light
provides information about avariety of cell characteristics.
laser
nozzle
blood sample
M E D I C A L T E C H N O L O G Y
2 7
ENDOSCOPYEndoscopes enable doctors to examine body cavities and hollow organs, detect
illnesses, and treat them with minimal invasion at the same time, if required.The tubes, which are only a few millimeters thick, transfer illumination in one
direction and high-resolution images in real time in the other direction.
endoscope
access forinstruments
real-time imagetransmission
camera
light source
forceps
polyp
M E D I C A L T E C H N O L O G Y
2 8
SEEING NEAR AND FARIndividually adjusted varifocals help older people have
good vision for all distances. A variety of criteria is includedin the calculation for personalized and individual lens design.
CNC machines are used to translate the calculateddesign into individual lenses with micrometer precision.
wearer’s characteristics
intended use(sports, o�ce, daily life)
eye and headmovement
face formangle
cornealvertex
distance
prismatic: associatedheterophoria
axial: directionof lens fitting
spherical: myopiaor hyperopia
I N D I V I D U A L C R I T E R I A
shape of spectacle frame
spectacle adjustment
eye correction
cylindrical: degreeof astigmatism
pupillary distance
fittingheight
pantoscopic tiltM O D E L O F VA R I F O C A L S
distance vision> 2 m
near vision< 0.5 m
medium vision0.5 –2 m
The di�erent colors indicate the varying refractive powerof the lens: from red (strong) to blue (weak).
C O M P U T E R- C A L C U L AT E DL E N S D E S I G N
M E D I C A L T E C H N O L O G Y
2 8
SEEING NEAR AND FARIndividually adjusted varifocals help older people have
good vision for all distances. A variety of criteria is includedin the calculation for personalized and individual lens design.
CNC machines are used to translate the calculateddesign into individual lenses with micrometer precision.
wearer’s characteristics
intended use(sports, o�ce, daily life)
eye and headmovement
face formangle
cornealvertex
distance
prismatic: associatedheterophoria
axial: directionof lens fitting
spherical: myopiaor hyperopia
I N D I V I D U A L C R I T E R I A
shape of spectacle frame
spectacle adjustment
eye correction
cylindrical: degreeof astigmatism
pupillary distance
fittingheight
pantoscopic tiltM O D E L O F VA R I F O C A L S
distance vision> 2 m
near vision< 0.5 m
medium vision0.5 –2 m
The di�erent colors indicate the varying refractive powerof the lens: from red (strong) to blue (weak).
C O M P U T E R- C A L C U L AT E DL E N S D E S I G N
M E D I C A L T E C H N O L O G Y
2 9
SEEING CLEARLY AGAINFrom the age of 60 onwards, most people get a slight cataract – known
as the grey star. Treating cataracts is the most common operationaround the world. The WHO estimates that by 2020, 32 million cataract
operations will be performed. The use of the femtosecond laserwith ultra-short pulses allows a precise and careful operation.
lens
irispupil
vitreous cavity
opening the lens
segmenting the lens opening the cornea
inserting and centering the artificial lenssuctioning the lens
1.
2. 3.
5.4.
SEQUENCE OF A L ASER OPERATION
ANATOMY OFTHE HUMAN EYE
cornea
retina
sclera
fovea centralis
optic disc(blind spot)
opticnerve
choroid
M E D I C A L T E C H N O L O G Y
2 9
SEEING CLEARLY AGAINFrom the age of 60 onwards, most people get a slight cataract – known
as the grey star. Treating cataracts is the most common operationaround the world. The WHO estimates that by 2020, 32 million cataract
operations will be performed. The use of the femtosecond laserwith ultra-short pulses allows a precise and careful operation.
lens
irispupil
vitreous cavity
opening the lens
segmenting the lens opening the cornea
inserting and centering the artificial lenssuctioning the lens
1.
2. 3.
5.4.
SEQUENCE OF A L ASER OPERATION
ANATOMY OFTHE HUMAN EYE
cornea
retina
sclera
fovea centralis
optic disc(blind spot)
opticnerve
choroid
L I G H T I N G
400 500 600 700 800
SPECTRUM OF A WHITE LED LAMP
White light is a mix of red, blue and green.
LED chip
Blue light is being emitted.
Yellow phosphor layerconverts incoming light.
Red, blue, and greenlight is created.
Red, blue, and greentogether make white light.
The suppression of the blue peakresults in a warmer light.
Creation of white LED lightthrough luminescence conversion:
LED chip
yellowphosphor layer
lens
housing includesheat dissipation
WAV E L E N G T H I N N A N O M E T E R S
SPE
CTR
AL
INTE
NSI
TY
L I G H T I N G
3 0
WHITE LED LIGHTLED chips make colorful light.
White light is created by luminescence conversion.
L I G H T I N G
3 1
BRIGHTER WITH LEDsSince the light bulb, the light output of di�erent types
of lamps has been significantly increased. Today, white LEDs are the most e�cient ones.
2020
2010
2000
1990
1980
1970
1960
1950
1940
1930
18791904
1938
1959
1961
1965
1981
1996
LED(cold white)
halogenlamp
light bulb
high-pressuresodium
vapor lamp
fluorescentlamp
halogenmetal
halide lamp
compactfluorescent
lamp
high-pressuremercury
vapor lamp
50
100
150
200
250 lumen/watts
E F F I C I E N C Y I N C R E A S EO F L U M I N A I R E S
Photometrische Größen Lux, Lumen auf ProduktenL I G H T I N G
3 2
LAMP SPECIFICATIONSJust a few years ago, you could find out almost everything you needed to
know about the light of a domestic lamp just by looking at the number of watts. Nowadays, nearly a dozen criteria have to be considered.
W
lm
T
36˚
h
10w
60w
Ra
Hg
power (watts)electrical connected load
brightness (lumens)how bright the lamp’s light is
color temperature (Kelvin)the higher the color temperature,the colder (more blue) the light
warm-up timethe time it takes for the lampto fully light up
dimmabilitylamp dimmable or not
shelf lifeusage in hours
color rendering indexaccuracy of color rendering
energy savingsin comparison to the conventionallight bulb
mercury contentenvironmentally friendlywithout mercury
illumination anglethe scope and range of e�ective light
M U S E U M S
T R A D E F A I R S T A N D SA I R C R A F T C A B I N S
B U S E S
L I G H T I N G
3 3
INTELLIGENTLUMINAIRES
LED lights can be switched on and o so quickly that it is imperceptibleto the human eye. In this way, hundreds of megabytes per second can be
transmitted to a mobile optical receiver as an additional function apart from the lighting – completely without electrosmog or additional cables.
AUDIENCE
LASER PROJECTORTwo extremely fast-moving
computer-controlled mirrors draw the laser image.
BRIGHT & HIGH CONTRASTIn comparison to a video, a laser
image is focused at any distance.
WATER CANVASLaser projections can be made onvery large areas in any shape or form.
ARTIFICIAL FOGFog makes the laser
beam visible.
BRILLIANT COLORS Only lasers can make colors
that are completely saturated.
GREEN ENTERTAINMENTTECHNOLOGY
The relatively low energy consumptionensures environmentally-friendlyentertainment for large crowds.
SINGLE BEAMS IN THE SKYThis is only possible with explicit authorization
from the aviation safety authorities.
LASER SHOWSLaser shows are an impressive way of demonstrating
how fascinating photonics can be.
L I G H T I N G
3 4
AUDIENCE
LASER PROJECTORTwo extremely fast-moving
computer-controlled mirrors draw the laser image.
BRIGHT & HIGH CONTRASTIn comparison to a video, a laser
image is focused at any distance.
WATER CANVASLaser projections can be made onvery large areas in any shape or form.
ARTIFICIAL FOGFog makes the laser
beam visible.
BRILLIANT COLORS Only lasers can make colors
that are completely saturated.
GREEN ENTERTAINMENTTECHNOLOGY
The relatively low energy consumptionensures environmentally-friendlyentertainment for large crowds.
SINGLE BEAMS IN THE SKYThis is only possible with explicit authorization
from the aviation safety authorities.
LASER SHOWSLaser shows are an impressive way of demonstrating
how fascinating photonics can be.
L I G H T I N G
3 4
T R A F F I C
T R A F F I C
3 5
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENTMeasuring systems based on the roundtrip time of emitted and reflected
infrared laser beams can calculate the speed of vehicles precisely. Cameras take pictures of the vehicle and driver if they have committed a tra�c o�ence.
Light impulses emitted from the speedcamera column are reflected by the passing car and received again by the device.
measuring area of laser area camera 1 area camera 2
camera unit
SPEED CAMERA COLUMN UNIT
SPEED CAMERA COLUMN
simultaneousmeasuring of carsin several lanes
maximum measuring distance: 75 m
infrared laser light:over 100 laser beams
100 times per second
laser measuring unit
T R A F F I C
3 5
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENTMeasuring systems based on the roundtrip time of emitted and reflected
infrared laser beams can calculate the speed of vehicles precisely. Cameras take pictures of the vehicle and driver if they have committed a tra�c o�ence.
Light impulses emitted from the speedcamera column are reflected by the passing car and received again by the device.
measuring area of laser area camera 1 area camera 2
camera unit
SPEED CAMERA COLUMN UNIT
SPEED CAMERA COLUMN
simultaneousmeasuring of carsin several lanes
maximum measuring distance: 75 m
infrared laser light:over 100 laser beams
100 times per second
laser measuring unit
T R A F F I C
3 6
LIGHT ON AND INTHE CAR
Intelligent LED lights, camera-based assistancesystems, and information displays ensure a greater
security in all driving situations.
R E A R V I E W F R O N T V I E W
EXTERIORINTERIOR EXTERIOR INTERIOR
camera for tra�csign recognition
rear-viewmirror camera
LED interior lighting(color temperature and brightness can be chosen)
rear-view camera
LED reading lights
interior light sensor
LED rear lightsdynamic LEDindicator
rain sensorexterior lightsensorLED indicator
head-up displaythermal imaging camera
adaptive LEDheadlights
dynamicLED indicator
front camera
driver informationdisplay
infotainmentdisplay
T R A F F I C
3 6
LIGHT ON AND INTHE CAR
Intelligent LED lights, camera-based assistancesystems, and information displays ensure a greater
security in all driving situations.
R E A R V I E W F R O N T V I E W
EXTERIORINTERIOR EXTERIOR INTERIOR
camera for tra�csign recognition
rear-viewmirror camera
LED interior lighting(color temperature and brightness can be chosen)
rear-view camera
LED reading lights
interior light sensor
LED rear lightsdynamic LEDindicator
rain sensorexterior lightsensorLED indicator
head-up displaythermal imaging camera
adaptive LEDheadlights
dynamicLED indicator
front camera
driver informationdisplay
infotainmentdisplay
T R A F F I C
3 7
CAR HEADLIGHTSSeeing further ahead: the combination of LED and
laser light sources enables an optimum forroadway illumination in every tra�c situation.
intelligent illumination toprevent glaring
for oncoming tra�c
LED headlightslarge-scale illuminationof the tra�c situation
LED high beamswide illumination
for an optimal vision
laser high beams
LIGHT CONE OF HEADLIGHTS
L ASER HIGH BEAMS
3 blue laser diodes
beam combinerdeflection mirror
color converter
parabolic mirror
runway threshold lights
touch-down zone lights
taxiway edge lights
runway end lights
taxiway centerline lights
touch-downzone lightsaround 900 m
stop bar lights
runway guard lights
approachlights around900 m
side row lightsaround 300 m
runwayat least1.8 km
300 m
600 m
LED vs Halogenhours shelf life 60,000 2,500typical connected loadper lamp (W)
18 65
PAPI(Precision Approach Path Indicator)
The PAPI display signalsthe correct approach angle.
too high (more than 3.5°)slightly too high (from 3.2°)correct approach angle (3°)slightly too low (from 2.8°)too low (more than 2.5°)
T R A F F I C
3 8
AIRPORT LIGHTINGMillions of new LED lamps lower the operation
and maintenance costs of airports around the globe.
P H O T O V O L T A I C S
P H O T O V O L T A I C S
3 9
SOLAR CELLSSolar cells can transform sunlight directly into electricity.An eciency of around 45 % has already been achieved
under laboratory conditions. In commercial use,eciency has to be weighed against acquisition costs.
Monocrystalline silicon cellsare cut out from a round silicon crystal.The missing corners of the squares arecharacteristic. This form is created becausethe round cross section of the raw materialis exploited in the best possible way.
Polycrystalline silicon cellsfeature a characteristic texturethat comes from crystal bordersthat are very close together.
Thin-film cellsconsist of amorphous siliconeor other material compounds.They can be vapor depositedonto carrier materials, evenonto flexible material.
GLOBAL MARKET SHARE
36%
54%
10%
monocrystallines
thin layer
eciency
acquisition costs
polycrystalline
amorphoussilicon
copper indiumdiselenide
20 %
13 %8 %
16 %
CHARACTERISTICSB A S I C C O M M E R C I A LT Y P E S
P H O T O V O L T A I C S
3 9
SOLAR CELLSSolar cells can transform sunlight directly into electricity.An eciency of around 45 % has already been achieved
under laboratory conditions. In commercial use,eciency has to be weighed against acquisition costs.
Monocrystalline silicon cellsare cut out from a round silicon crystal.The missing corners of the squares arecharacteristic. This form is created becausethe round cross section of the raw materialis exploited in the best possible way.
Polycrystalline silicon cellsfeature a characteristic texturethat comes from crystal bordersthat are very close together.
Thin-film cellsconsist of amorphous siliconeor other material compounds.They can be vapor depositedonto carrier materials, evenonto flexible material.
GLOBAL MARKET SHARE
36%
54%
10%
monocrystallines
thin layer
eciency
acquisition costs
polycrystalline
amorphoussilicon
copper indiumdiselenide
20 %
13 %8 %
16 %
CHARACTERISTICSB A S I C C O M M E R C I A LT Y P E S
P H O T O V O L T A I C S
4 0
SOLAR ENERGYSolar energy has the potential to satisfy the world’s raisingappetite for electricity without polluting the environment.
What total size of solar power plants would be needed to runthe United States on solar electricity?
PRODUCTION COMPARISON 2014
World photovoltaic energy per year180 Terawatt hours
= 180,000,000,000 kilowatt hours
TOP PRODUCERSinstalled power 2014 per capita in watts
US electricity consumption per year: 4093 TWh (2014)
Area of solar cells needed to supply this energy:
12,800 km²Nuclear energy
The photovoltaic energy produced corresponds to the electricity volume of20 nuclear power stations.
With regard to petroleum, the equivalent is 42 million tons. This amount corresponds to140 oil tankers with a capacity of 300,000 GRT* each.
Crude oil
* gross register tons
Connecticut12,548 km²
This roughly equals the land area of the US state of Connecticut.
475
Germany
275
BelgiumItaly
303
P H O T O V O L T A I C S
4 0
SOLAR ENERGYSolar energy has the potential to satisfy the world’s raisingappetite for electricity without polluting the environment.
What total size of solar power plants would be needed to runthe United States on solar electricity?
PRODUCTION COMPARISON 2014
World photovoltaic energy per year180 Terawatt hours
= 180,000,000,000 kilowatt hours
TOP PRODUCERSinstalled power 2014 per capita in watts
US electricity consumption per year: 4093 TWh (2014)
Area of solar cells needed to supply this energy:
12,800 km²Nuclear energy
The photovoltaic energy produced corresponds to the electricity volume of20 nuclear power stations.
With regard to petroleum, the equivalent is 42 million tons. This amount corresponds to140 oil tankers with a capacity of 300,000 GRT* each.
Crude oil
* gross register tons
Connecticut12,548 km²
This roughly equals the land area of the US state of Connecticut.
475
Germany
275
BelgiumItaly
303
E N V I R O N M E N T
E N V I R O N M E N T
4 1
CENTRAL DATA EVALUATIONevaluation concerning the amount, particle size, and composition
FINE DUSTPARTICLES
very lowvery strongPOLLUTION
example: the Netherlands
MEASUREMENTDATA PLUS GPSLOCATION DATA
CAPTURING SEVERALMEASURED VALUESenables the calculation offine dust particle values
SMARTPHONE WITHMINI-SPECTROMETER
FINE DUST PARTICLESget into the air from di�erent sources
MAPPED DATA THATIS ACCURATE IN TIMEAND LOCATION
AMOUNT
SIZE
STRUCTURE
POLARIZATION
ANGLE
SPECTRUM
OPTICAL MEASUREMENTSIN CITIZEN PROJECTS
Smartphones with attachable mini-spectrometers makeit possible to map current environmental data
of entire countries with the help of thousands of citizens.
E N V I R O N M E N T
4 1
CENTRAL DATA EVALUATIONevaluation concerning the amount, particle size, and composition
FINE DUSTPARTICLES
very lowvery strongPOLLUTION
example: the Netherlands
MEASUREMENTDATA PLUS GPSLOCATION DATA
CAPTURING SEVERALMEASURED VALUESenables the calculation offine dust particle values
SMARTPHONE WITHMINI-SPECTROMETER
FINE DUST PARTICLESget into the air from di�erent sources
MAPPED DATA THATIS ACCURATE IN TIMEAND LOCATION
AMOUNT
SIZE
STRUCTURE
POLARIZATION
ANGLE
SPECTRUM
OPTICAL MEASUREMENTSIN CITIZEN PROJECTS
Smartphones with attachable mini-spectrometers makeit possible to map current environmental data
of entire countries with the help of thousands of citizens.
E N V I R O N M E N T
4 2
FOREST FIRESURVEILLANCE
Automated optical sensor systems monitorlarge forest areas day and night for fires.
E X A M P L Esurveillance of the Teltow-Flämingcounty, near Berlin, Germany
receives data and imagesif a fire is detected
F O R E S T F I R EA L A R M C O N T R O LC E N T E R
The optical sensor system registers smoke development automatically in the visibleand infrared spectral range. The camera turnsitself in stages on its own axis over 6 minutes.
A R E A B E I N GM O N I T O R E D
O P T I C A LS E N S O RS Y S T E M
C A M E R A A N G L E O FV I S I O N60° per minute
Coverage of an area
with
310,000 ha 10 SYSTEMS
on fire watchtowers
of
optics for night-time operation
optics for day-time operation
15 km
92 km
55 km
E N V I R O N M E N T
4 2
FOREST FIRESURVEILLANCE
Automated optical sensor systems monitorlarge forest areas day and night for fires.
E X A M P L Esurveillance of the Teltow-Flämingcounty, near Berlin, Germany
receives data and imagesif a fire is detected
F O R E S T F I R EA L A R M C O N T R O LC E N T E R
The optical sensor system registers smoke development automatically in the visibleand infrared spectral range. The camera turnsitself in stages on its own axis over 6 minutes.
A R E A B E I N GM O N I T O R E D
O P T I C A LS E N S O RS Y S T E M
C A M E R A A N G L E O FV I S I O N60° per minute
Coverage of an area
with
310,000 ha 10 SYSTEMS
on fire watchtowers
of
optics for night-time operation
optics for day-time operation
15 km
92 km
55 km
PEpolyethylene
PETpolyethylene terephthalate
PPpolypropylene
PSpolystyrene
PVCpolyvinyl chloride
PET PE PP PET +PVC PET +PP PET +PS
PAPER & CARDBOARD IMPURITIESPLASTIC CONTAINERS
multispectral camera
IDENTIFICATION OF MATERIALS
SORTING POSSIBLE ACCORDING TO OBJECT RECOGNITION AND VISUALIZATION OF BOTTLES
MATERIAL SHAPE COLOR
line lighting
conveyor belt speed: 3 meters per second
conveyor belt width:2 meters
SCHEMATIC REPRESENTATIONOF A WASTE-SORTING FACILIT Y
OPTICALSORTING
E�cient sorting facilities are used to recover manymaterials in their raw form from heaps of domestic waste.
Together with fast image processing software,multispectral cameras capture within a split second
what should be placed in which raw material container.
E N V I R O N M E N T
4 3
PEpolyethylene
PETpolyethylene terephthalate
PPpolypropylene
PSpolystyrene
PVCpolyvinyl chloride
PET PE PP PET +PVC PET +PP PET +PS
PAPER & CARDBOARD IMPURITIESPLASTIC CONTAINERS
multispectral camera
IDENTIFICATION OF MATERIALS
SORTING POSSIBLE ACCORDING TO OBJECT RECOGNITION AND VISUALIZATION OF BOTTLES
MATERIAL SHAPE COLOR
line lighting
conveyor belt speed: 3 meters per second
conveyor belt width:2 meters
SCHEMATIC REPRESENTATIONOF A WASTE-SORTING FACILIT Y
OPTICALSORTING
E�cient sorting facilities are used to recover manymaterials in their raw form from heaps of domestic waste.
Together with fast image processing software,multispectral cameras capture within a split second
what should be placed in which raw material container.
E N V I R O N M E N T
4 3
R E S E A R C H & E C O N O M Y
R E S E A R C H & E C O N O M Y
4 4
PHOTONICS ASAN INDUSTRY SECTOR
Within a few decades, the term photonics has developedfrom a technical term, used in research, to an industry term
that encompasses all technical applications of light.
200
5
2010
2015
2020
200
0
1995
Leading US industry magazinechanges its name from OpticalSpectra to Photonics SpectraInvention of the laser
Leading German industry magazine changesits name from LaserOpto to Photonik
Foundation of the Europeanphotonics community
Photonics21
European Commissiondefines photonics as
key technology
from the 1960sPhotons are researched as an alternativeto electrons for circuitry tasks. The term Photonics is coined in connection with this.
In the context of the high-tech strategy forGermany, photonics replaces the term of
“optical technologies” which had been used so far
Foundation of the AmericanNational Photonics Initiative topromote photonics in the US
Public Private Partnershipbetween European Commission and
European photonics industry
Photonics21 Roadmapas strategy for European
photonics in the years 2014-202019
75
1980
1985
1990
1970
1960
1965
PhotoniqueF R E N C H
Fotónica S P A N I S H
C H I N E S E
P O R T U G U E S E
光子学
Fotônica
ФотоникаR U S S I A N
J A P A N E S E
FotonicaI T A L I A N
K O R E A N
PhotonikG E R M A N
Photonics E N G L I S H
R E S E A R C H & E C O N O M Y
4 4
PHOTONICS ASAN INDUSTRY SECTOR
Within a few decades, the term photonics has developedfrom a technical term, used in research, to an industry term
that encompasses all technical applications of light.
200
5
2010
2015
2020
200
0
1995
Leading US industry magazinechanges its name from OpticalSpectra to Photonics SpectraInvention of the laser
Leading German industry magazine changesits name from LaserOpto to Photonik
Foundation of the Europeanphotonics community
Photonics21
European Commissiondefines photonics as
key technology
from the 1960sPhotons are researched as an alternativeto electrons for circuitry tasks. The term Photonics is coined in connection with this.
In the context of the high-tech strategy forGermany, photonics replaces the term of
“optical technologies” which had been used so far
Foundation of the AmericanNational Photonics Initiative topromote photonics in the US
Public Private Partnershipbetween European Commission and
European photonics industry
Photonics21 Roadmapas strategy for European
photonics in the years 2014-2020
1975
1980
1985
1990
1970
1960
1965
PhotoniqueF R E N C H
Fotónica S P A N I S H
C H I N E S E
P O R T U G U E S E
光子学
Fotônica
ФотоникаR U S S I A N
J A P A N E S E
FotonicaI T A L I A N
K O R E A N
PhotonikG E R M A N
Photonics E N G L I S H
US & CANADA
EUROPE
CHINA
TAIWAN
SOUTHKOREA
JAPAN
Global market share in the market segment(information in %)
production technology
Market segments
image processing & metrology
security & defense technology
medical technology & life science
communication technology
information technology
displays
light sources
photovoltaics
To emphasize regional strengths, onlymarket shares of more than 10% are shown.
0
20
40
60
80
100
PHOTONICSAROUND THE GLOBE
Photonics is a global industry today. This graphic showsthe strongest market segments in each region.
R E S E A R C H & E C O N O M Y
4 5
US & CANADA
EUROPE
CHINA
TAIWAN
SOUTHKOREA
JAPAN
Global market share in the market segment(information in %)
production technology
Market segments
image processing & metrology
security & defense technology
medical technology & life science
communication technology
information technology
displays
light sources
photovoltaics
To emphasize regional strengths, onlymarket shares of more than 10% are shown.
0
20
40
60
80
100
PHOTONICSAROUND THE GLOBE
Photonics is a global industry today. This graphic showsthe strongest market segments in each region.
R E S E A R C H & E C O N O M Y
4 5
1975
1980
1985
1970
1965
2000
2005
2010
2015
1995
1990
Charles H. Townes (US)Nicolay G. Basov (SU)
Aleksandr M. Prokhorov (SU)quantum electronics for the
construction of the maser and laser
Alfred Kastler (FR)optical pumping
Dennis Gabor (GB)holography
Nicolaas Bloembergen (US)Arthur L. Schawlow (US)
laser spectroscopy
Ernst Ruska (DE)electron microscope
Steven Chu (US)Claude Cohen-Tannoudji (FR)
William D. Phillips (US)cooling and capturing of atoms
with laser beams
Roy Jay Glauber (US)quantum optics
Charles Kuen Kao(GB)
communication viaglass fibers
Zhores I. Alferov (RU)Herbert Kroemer (US)
fundamental developmentsin laser diodes
Wolfgang Ketterle (US)Carl E. Wieman (US)Eric A. Cornell (US)
creation of a Bose-Einsteincondensate with laser cooling
John Lewis Hall (US)Theodor Hänsch (DE)
high-precision laser spectroscopy
Willard Boyle (US)George Elwood Smith (US)
CCD Sensors
Serge Haroche (FR)David J. Wineland (US)
quantum optics, laser coolingand frequency standards
Isamu Akasaki (JP)Hiroshi Amano (JP)
Shuji Nakamura (US)blue LEDs
Eric Betzig (US)William E. Moerner (US)
Stefan W. Hell (DE)super-resolved
fluorescence microscopy
21 22 3 3 17
Gre
at B
ritain
(GB)
Russ
ia (R
U)
Japa
n (J
P)
Sovie
t Uni
on (S
U)
Fran
ce (F
R)
Ger
man
y (D
E)
US
N U M B E R O F L A U R E A T E Sby country at the time of the award ceremony
N O B E L L A U R E A T E Swith award-winning research projects
NOBEL LAUREATESNobel laureates with a connection to photonics
since the invention of the laser in 1960
R E S E A R C H & E C O N O M Y
4 6
1975
1980
1985
1970
1965
2000
2005
2010
2015
1995
1990
Charles H. Townes (US)Nicolay G. Basov (SU)
Aleksandr M. Prokhorov (SU)quantum electronics for the
construction of the maser and laser
Alfred Kastler (FR)optical pumping
Dennis Gabor (GB)holography
Nicolaas Bloembergen (US)Arthur L. Schawlow (US)
laser spectroscopy
Ernst Ruska (DE)electron microscope
Steven Chu (US)Claude Cohen-Tannoudji (FR)
William D. Phillips (US)cooling and capturing of atoms
with laser beams
Roy Jay Glauber (US)quantum optics
Charles Kuen Kao(GB)
communication viaglass fibers
Zhores I. Alferov (RU)Herbert Kroemer (US)
fundamental developmentsin laser diodes
Wolfgang Ketterle (US)Carl E. Wieman (US)Eric A. Cornell (US)
creation of a Bose-Einsteincondensate with laser cooling
John Lewis Hall (US)Theodor Hänsch (DE)
high-precision laser spectroscopy
Willard Boyle (US)George Elwood Smith (US)
CCD Sensors
Serge Haroche (FR)David J. Wineland (US)
quantum optics, laser coolingand frequency standards
Isamu Akasaki (JP)Hiroshi Amano (JP)
Shuji Nakamura (US)blue LEDs
Eric Betzig (US)William E. Moerner (US)
Stefan W. Hell (DE)super-resolved
fluorescence microscopy
21 22 3 3 17
Gre
at B
ritain
(GB)
Russ
ia (R
U)
Japa
n (J
P)
Sovie
t Uni
on (S
U)
Fran
ce (F
R)
Ger
man
y (D
E)
US
N U M B E R O F L A U R E A T E Sby country at the time of the award ceremony
N O B E L L A U R E A T E Swith award-winning research projects
NOBEL LAUREATESNobel laureates with a connection to photonics
since the invention of the laser in 1960
R E S E A R C H & E C O N O M Y
4 6
Number of photonics professionals in relation to the total workforce of the country (a.u. USA=100)
Paris
Ghent
LausanneMilan
Barcelona
Karlsruhe
Jena
Copenhagen
Seoul
Taipei City
Campinas Pretoria
Tehran
Kochi
Jerusalem
Wrocław MoscowSt. Petersburg
San Francisco Bay AreaLos Angeles
Tucson
TokyoOsaka
Greater Boston Area
Orlando
Rochester
TorontoQuébec
Cambridge
Southhampton
Wuhan
Beijing
Shanghai
Sydney
> 500
401–500
301–400
201–300
101–200
10–50
< 10 or unsu�cient data
51–100
A selection ofgreat places to
study photonicsUniversity town
PHOTONICSCOUNTRIES
The highest density of photonics professionalsare found in Europe and East Asia.
PHOTONICSSCHOOLS
Business-oriented social media reveal where photonics-savvyprofessionals got their education.
R E S E A R C H & E C O N O M Y
4 7
R E S E A R C H & E C O N O M Y
4 8
Number of photonics professionals in relation to the total workforce of the country (a.u. USA=100)
Paris
Ghent
LausanneMilan
Barcelona
Karlsruhe
Jena
Copenhagen
Seoul
Taipei City
Campinas Pretoria
Tehran
Kochi
Jerusalem
Wrocław MoscowSt. Petersburg
San Francisco Bay AreaLos Angeles
Tucson
TokyoOsaka
Greater Boston Area
Orlando
Rochester
TorontoQuébec
Cambridge
Southhampton
Wuhan
Beijing
Shanghai
Sydney
> 500
401–500
301–400
201–300
101–200
10–50
< 10 or unsu�cient data
51–100
A selection ofgreat places to
study photonicsUniversity town
PHOTONICSCOUNTRIES
The highest density of photonics professionalsare found in Europe and East Asia.
PHOTONICSSCHOOLS
Business-oriented social media reveal where photonics-savvyprofessionals got their education.
R E S E A R C H & E C O N O M Y
4 7
R E S E A R C H & E C O N O M Y
4 8
Worldwide photonics products marketin US-$ bn.
2000
600
400
200
02005 2010 2015 2020
Photonics marketplacefrom components to enabled services
core componentsand materials
photonicproducts
photonic-enabledproducts
photonic-enabledservices
Market by countryshare of market in %
18 Japanincreasing value
other4 China
15 Europe
17 USA
16 Taiwan
18 Korea
12
ECONOMIC IMPACTOF PHOTONICSData suggests that there were approximately
2.32 million jobs in photonics in 2015.
R E S E A R C H & E C O N O M Y
4 9
+ 1
ACTIVITY TRACKERwith optical sensor
WHEEL SPOKE LIGHTINGwhich displays images that appearto stand still
GRIDPROJECTIONto detect potholes
and obstaclesHIGH-VISIBILIT Y JACKET
with LED direction indicators
REAR LIGHTPROJECTION
with distance safety alert
HELMET CAMERAsports spectacles with correcting
CURVED GLASS
rucksack withSOLAR PANEL
DAY
NIGHT
+ 1
5 0
PHOTONICS ENTHUSIASTAn enthusiasm for photonics can alsobe implemented in the leisure sector.
S O U R C E S
spectaris.deWikipediaWikipediaWikipedialbl.gov • bp.com/statisticalreview (2014)WikipediaWikipediaphotonics.com • spectaris.deblu-raydisc.comschott.comedmundoptics.comtrumpf-laser.comspectaris.dezeiss.debosch.detrumpf-laser.comtrumpf.de • rofin.de • coherent.comilt.fraunhofer.deglasfaser.net • itwissen.info • telos.comesa.euexplainthatstu .comzeiss.dehhi.fraunhofer.destatista.com • Wikipediahowstu works.com
01020304050607080910111213141516171819
202122232425
flowcytometry.med.ualberta.ca/karlstorz.comspectaris.de • zeiss.de • optikum.atnorthtorontoeyecare.com • techfak.uni-bielefeld.deosram.comosram.comosram.comhhi.fraunhofer.delobo.devitronic.comaudi.comaudi.com • bmw.comfrankfurt-airport.de • caeoxfordinteractive.comsolarbuzz.comeia.gov • bp.com • spectaris.deispex.nlfire-watch.della.dephotonics21.org • spectaris.deSpectaris, VDMA, ZVEI, BMBF: Photonics Industry Report 2013 • iea-pvps.orgnobelprize.orglinkedin.com • spectaris.delinkedin.com • spectaris.despie.orgamazon.com • ebay.com
26272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950
S O U R C E S
spectaris.deWikipediaWikipediaWikipedialbl.gov • bp.com/statisticalreview (2014)WikipediaWikipediaphotonics.com • spectaris.deblu-raydisc.comschott.comedmundoptics.comtrumpf-laser.comspectaris.dezeiss.debosch.detrumpf-laser.comtrumpf.de • rofin.de • coherent.comilt.fraunhofer.deglasfaser.net • itwissen.info • telos.comesa.euexplainthatstu .comzeiss.dehhi.fraunhofer.destatista.com • Wikipediahowstu works.com
01020304050607080910111213141516171819
202122232425
flowcytometry.med.ualberta.ca/karlstorz.comspectaris.de • zeiss.de • optikum.atnorthtorontoeyecare.com • techfak.uni-bielefeld.deosram.comosram.comosram.comhhi.fraunhofer.delobo.devitronic.comaudi.comaudi.com • bmw.comfrankfurt-airport.de • caeoxfordinteractive.comsolarbuzz.comeia.gov • bp.com • spectaris.deispex.nlfire-watch.della.dephotonics21.org • spectaris.deSpectaris, VDMA, ZVEI, BMBF: Photonics Industry Report 2013 • iea-pvps.orgnobelprize.orglinkedin.com • spectaris.delinkedin.com • spectaris.despie.orgamazon.com • ebay.com
26272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950
I M P R I N T
S P E C T A R I S e. V.German Hightech Industry Association
&S P I E
International Society of Optics and Photonics
Editorial team:Wenko Süptitz & Sophie Heimes,
S P E C T A R I S e. V.
Design:Golden Section Graphics GmbH
Translation:Claudia Eberlein
Editing:Timothy Lamkins, SPIE
1st Edition 2016Printed in U.S.A.
© 2016 SPECTARIS GmbHAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-3-9817205-1-8
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