▪ generation, e.g. lasers, bulbs,
▪ manipulation, e.g. lenses, gratings,
▪ transfer, e.g. optical fibre,
▪ conversion, e.g. solar cells, LED,
▪ storage, e.g. CD, DVD, holograms,
▪ visualization, e.g. displays and
▪ exploitation, e.g. water sterilization using UV rays.
As a result of their superior physical properties, optical processes and technologies are increasingly replacing the previously established processes and applications. Examples of this are the use of lasers in material processing, new display technologies and optical storage media. As cross sectional technologies, optical technologies provide a wide range of industries with various applications. This creates a reduced dependency upon the cycles of individual sectors.
1. Memory, 2. Sensors, 3. Displays, 4. Material processing
5. Data transmission
In addition, the potential offered by optical technologies has not yet been exploited to the full by any means: a fast pace of innovation is opening up a further growing number of new applications which would be inconceivable without the use of optical technologies. Like electronics in the last century photonics will be a key industry in the 21st Century. In the German Government’s innovation policy of “a high-tech strategy for Germany” optical technologies are fundamental to the future.