On October 21st, we celebrate the International Day of Photonics, a global event dedicated to raising awareness about photonics, the science and technology of light. This day commemorates photonics’ pivotal role in shaping our world, driving innovation, and advancing industries as diverse as communications, healthcare, and energy.
The word photonics derives from the term photon, which refers to the fundamental particle of light. A photon is the smallest unit or quantum of electromagnetic energy, encompassing visible light, ultraviolet, infrared, and other forms of radiation. The suffix -ics is commonly used in scientific fields (like electronics or mechanics), so photonics means “the study or science of photons.” The word photon itself originates from the Greek word phōs (φῶς), meaning “light.”
But why October 21st? This date coincides with the speed of light, approximately 3 x 10⁸ meters per second, connecting the celebration to the very essence of photonics.
The meaning of photonics
Photonics, rooted in the study of light and its interaction with matter, has far-reaching implications. From enabling high-speed internet through optical fibers to powering lasers used in medical surgeries, photonics is integral to modern life.
Ever wondered how rainbows form? It’s photonics in action! Sunlight refracts, disperses, and reflects through water droplets in the air, splitting the light into its component colors. This phenomenon is a great example of how light interacts with matter to produce stunning natural displays.
The International Day of Photonics was created to celebrate these contributions, educate the public, and inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
We are committed to raising awareness
We, at VLC Photonics, are organizing activities to disseminate knowledge about photonics and its impact:
- • Internal talk by Íñigo Artundo: To mark the Day of Photonics, we are hosting a special internal event featuring a talk by our CEO, Íñigo Artundo, who will explore the challenges of Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) testing. This session is designed for VLC Photonics’ employees, encouraging open, interactive discussions about the future of photonics and the crucial role of testing in driving innovation.
- • Classroom awareness: To engage young talents in the field of photonics. Our members have been invited to present at high-level formative schools, speaking to students of electronics and informatics about the exciting opportunities in photonics. For instance, on May 14th, our colleagues José Serrano and Sandra Buenache visited IES Juan Comenius to give an inspiring talk to 4th-year ESO students about the potential of photonics in shaping future technologies. You can follow future events of our outreach efforts on our social media platforms here.
2024: A year of milestones in Photonics
In 2024, photonics continued to make significant strides across a wide range of applications, showcasing its importance in multiple sectors:
- • Advancements in Photonic Integration: Major breakthroughs in integrated photonics were recognized globally, including a Nobel Prize for innovations in photonic chip technology that are advancing telecommunications and quantum computing. New platforms such as Lithium Niobate on Insulator (LNOI) have enhanced efficiency for telecom and next-gen computing, while design automation tools are speeding up the development of photonic circuits for AI and communication technologies.
- • Sustainability and green photonics: Valencia, as the European Green Capital, has been a leader in sustainable photonics, reducing energy consumption in communication and sensing systems. Government-backed initiatives are driving the adoption of low-power photonic technologies aimed at reducing the energy footprint of global networks.
- • Photonic manufacturing and Testing expansion: The year saw significant investment in photonic manufacturing, with semiconductor foundries expanding services to mass-produce photonic chips, essential for scaling data centers and automotive applications. New automation solutions for Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) assembly and testing have also boosted production efficiency.
- • Research and talent development: Spain’s photonic sector received a boost with the launch of the Cátedra PIC-UPV, fostering talent and research in photonic integration. International collaborations, such as the new Imec Photonic and Electronic Center in Malaga, continue to drive research and development in hybrid photonic-electronic circuits for AI and quantum technologies.
- • Quantum and secure communication technologies: Photonic innovations in quantum computing and secure communications are advancing rapidly, with companies pushing the boundaries of quantum photonic circuits for enhanced security and performance in sensitive data handling.
- • Global Investments and collaborations: Strategic investments and international collaborations have fueled the growth of photonic technologies in industries such as healthcare, AI, and telecom. Europe, the US, and other global leaders continue to back photonic innovation with funding, supporting advancements in optoelectronic semiconductors, environmental sensing, and light-based computing.
As we celebrate the Day of Photonics in 2024, it’s clear that photonics is driving real progress in technology and sustainability, shaping industries from communications to healthcare and showing that light-based technologies are key to solving today’s global challenges.