of Photonics Technologies: the European Perspective The Leverage Effect

The Leverage Effect of Photonics Technologies: the European Perspective
by desk research and individual expert interviews. Based on the drivers,
four scenarios were developed in order to assess future trends and
changing SWOTs. The results of the project were strategically analysed
using a scenario analysis, including a second expert workshop. This provided
a future-oriented SWOT analysis.
The study distinguishes between six photonics technologies,
which are also considered the core of the value chains in Europe:
1. Scanning, sensing and imaging
2. Information, communication and networks
3. Screens and displays
4. Advanced lighting
5. Photonic energy systems
6. Laser systems
To enable a more specific assessment of impact, a distinction is made
within the analysis between six photonic technology clusters, based on
technological and economic linkages:
1. Scanning, sensing and imaging systems
This cluster includes sensory devices for the measurement of physical
properties and conversion to a signal that can be read by observers or
other instruments. It deals with the capturing of 1, 2 and 3 dimensional
images. Examples vary from small sensors for measuring temperature or
distance, to infrared imaging for defence and security to large systems
used for medical scanning and semiconductor production.
2. Information, communication and networks
At the core of this cluster are the many photonics technologies behind
the high speed data transmission of data that form the backbone of
the modern information/knowledge society. The Internet and modern
global telecommunications have been revolutionized by fibre optics
and associated photonics technology. This cluster includes both the fibre
infrastructure, as well as the many photonics devices for routing,
transmitting and receiving data. It also extends to storage devices such
as DVDs and Blu-ray players and may in the future extend to optical
computing.
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