Photonic technology is the use of light to transfer information. It is a field of research that uses the properties of light for transmitting information, creating energy, and manipulating matter. 

The field has been around for a long time and was primarily used for military applications. Today, photonic technology is applied almost everywhere! From telecommunications, consumer electronics, and healthcare to entertainment. 

It is addressed as an emerging technology offering the creation, manipulation, and detection of light to be used in a variety of ways, including communication, computing, and medicine. 

Importance of Photonic Technology

Photonic technology is an opportunity for market giants to improve their manufacturing devices, integrated circuits, and systems for high-speed imaging, and data communications. 

Photonic technology promises reduced power consumption while data transfer, communications, and imaging. Hence, it has become a unique technology that can be applied to any kind of situation to send or receive information quickly and securely. 

Unique applications of photonic technology

Photonic technology is known for its fast-paced applications in the 21^st century. It has gained an identity as a unique technology that can be applied to any kind of situation to send or receive information quickly and securely.

Following are some unique and emerging applications of photonic technology.

1.     Augmented reality

Photonic technology has simplified the process of creating photorealistic images with enhanced quality and higher aesthetic appeal. The development of devices with this allows control over polarization and the direction of light from LEDs. In addition, using Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), slimmer and more appealing gadgets can be created boosting new generation innovations in augmented reality and virtual reality worlds. 

2.     Optoacoustics

Optoacoustics also known as photoacoustics involves high penetrating ultrasound and precise spatial arrangement of photons. It combines the field of photonics, optics, and acoustics and has a wide range of applications, especially in the field of medical imaging.

It has been extensively used in neuromodulation. A recent article published in the Neurophotonics mentions that optoacoustic neuromodulation offers a fresh take on translational and in the field of neuroscience.

3.     Photonic Computing

Photonic computing replaces light with electrical signals. Hence, enhanced computing density is achieved in comparison to conventional electronic chips. Photonic computing has a high operational speed and allows the processing of large data in a relatively shorter time.

4.     Space Photonic Technology

Space photonic technology is a booming field that has been instrumental in developing aviation and exploration tools such as astronomical telescopes and observational satellites. Space photonics offers unique properties such as varied beam size, bandwidth, power consumption, and immunity to electromagnetic interference which can be useful in developing navigation satellite systems. 

Innovations in the Field of Photonics

Engineers, scientists, and technicians around the world are performing cutting-edge research for developing powerful and advanced next-generation photonic technologies.

For instance, in September 2022, Rockley Photonics Holdings Limited, offering photonics-based health monitoring and communications solutions, announced the development of the world’s first micro-transfer-printed (mTP) silicon-photonics-based laser. This innovation has increased the laser density of its photonics integrated circuits (PICs) that wide range of applications in biosensing, especially for the development of small wearable devices. 

Conclusion

Photonic technology has opened up a world of innovation and possibilities. With extensive research, the field of photonics can potentially take over various fields of study and have a whole host of applications.