Optics and Photonics: Key Enabling Technologies

• Published in: Proceedings of the IEEE Vol. 100; no. Special Centennial Issue; pp. 1604 - 1643
• Main Authors: Willner, Alan E., Byer, Robert L., Chang-Hasnain, Constance J., Forrest, Stephen R., Kressel, Henry, Kogelnik, Herwig, Tearney, Guillermo J., Townes, Charles H., Zervas, Michalis N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 13.05.2012; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Circuit properties; Communications; Computerized, statistical medical data processing and models in biomedicine; devices; displays; Electric, optical and optoelectronic circuits; Electronics; Exact sciences and technology; imaging; Imaging devices; Integrated optics. Optical fibers and wave guides; lasers; manufacturing; materials; Medical management aid. Diagnosis aid; Medical sciences; Optical and optoelectronic circuits; Optical fiber communication; Optical imaging; Optical telecommunications; Optical transmitters; optics; Photonics; Semiconductor electronics. Microelectronics. Optoelectronics. Solid state devices; Telecommunications; Telecommunications and information theory; Integrated optics; State of the art; Optical telecommunication; devices; Communications; Laser materials; displays; optics; lasers; Laser beam; materials; Imaging; Cement; Medical imagery; Manufacturing; photonics
• ISSN: 0018-9219; 1558-2256
• DOI: 10.1109/JPROC.2012.2190174

The fields of optics and photonics have experienced dramatic technical advances over the past several decades and have cemented themselves as key enabling technologies across many different industries. This paper explores past milestones, present state of the art, and future perspectives of several different topics, including: lasers, materials, devices, communications, bioimaging, displays, manufacturing, and industry evolution.