Photonic Technologies
VISION
Photonic systems represent the foundational technology for digital distribution of data across oceans, cities, and datacenters, and are at the core of the Information Age. In addition to data communications, photonics is increasingly used to generate new data using distributed optical sensors.
HMNTL has had historic strength in photonic materials, processes, and devices. Our affiliated faculty have been honored with awards and recognition by professional societies, such as the National Academy of Engineering, and global science prizes for their contributions to semiconductor photonic device research, including extensive and significant research on semiconductor light emitters and laser diodes. Photonic research with origins at HMNTL has also generated cohorts of PhDs that have profoundly contributed to U.S. and world industry.
Photonic research continues to lie at the forefront of U.S. industry and defense needs, with applications ranging from sensing (e.g. biological and environmental sensing), manufacturing (e.g. high brightness laser diode pumps), to consumer applications (e.g. LEDs, power FETs, VCSEL arrays in smart phones, LIDAR). With growing demand for an educated workforce with advanced degrees in photonics, HMNTL researchers are well poised to continue our leadership position, with the support of appropriate investments in people and infrastructure.