Description
The science and technology of generating, controlling and detecting particles of light. It explores phenomena and applications in which light is used to transfer or process information, or to physically alter materials.
Alternative labels
technology of photonics
field of photonics
physics of photonics
phenomena involving light particles
physics of light particles
science of photonics
study of light particles
Skill type
knowledge
Skill reusability level
cross-sector
Relationships with occupations
Essential knowledge
Photonics is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:
Photonics engineering technician: Photonics engineering technicians collaborate with engineers in the development of photonic systems or components, usually in the form of optical equipment, such as lasers, lenses, and fibre optic equipment. Photonics engineering technicians build, test, install and calibrate optical equipment. They read blueprint and other technical drawings to develop testing and calibrating procedures.
Photonics engineer: Photonics engineers are concerned with the generation, transmission, transformation, and detection of light. They conduct research, design, assemble, test and deploy photonic components or systems in multiple application fields, from optical communications to medical instrumentation, material processing or sensing technology.
Optional knowledge
Photonics is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.
Optoelectronic engineer: Optoelectronic engineers design and develop optoelectronic systems and devices, such as UV sensors, photodiodes, and LEDs. Optoelectronic engineering combines optical engineering with electronic engineering in the design of these systems and devices. They conduct research, perform analysis, test the devices, and supervise the research.
Optical engineer: Optical engineers design and develop different industrial applications with optics. They have knowledge of light, light transmission principles, and optics in order to design engineering specs of equipment such as microscopes, lenses, telescopes, and other optical devices.
Optomechanical engineer: Optomechanical engineers design and develop optomechanical systems, devices, and components, such as optical mirrors and optical mounts. Optomechanical engineering combines optical engineering with mechanical engineering in the design of these systems and devices. They conduct research, perform analysis, test the devices, and supervise the research.
References
- Photonics – ESCO