of Photonics Technologies: the European Perspective The Leverage Effect

The Leverage Effect of Photonics Technologies: the European Perspective
basic material inputs for these devices are closely related to those of the
semiconductor industry, although with an emphasis on non-silicon systems
such as Gallium Arsenide. Laser diodes themselves are also often a
key component in more complex laser systems which additionally require
specific crystals and or highly specialist glass materials that are processed
into key laser components. Many lasers also rely on electro-optic devices
where electric fields are applied to optical components requiring specialist
component preparation and associated drive electronics. Indeed
precision electrical sub-systems are a key element of almost all lasers.
Lasers are often used as devices for manufacturing. Examples are the
cutting and welding robots in the automotive industry, but also they
are used in semiconductor trimming, industrial marking, the production
of PV and the textile industry. Although not fully realized by the public,
lasers are often embedded in many final end user markets. Consumers
use lasers in consumer electronics (DVD, Blu-ray, mouse pointers, etc.),
but also they are used in healthcare for both diagnostics and treatment;
laser eye surgery and dental care. They are also used in the defence industry
(weaponry) and transport sector (tracking, automated guidance,
measurement) and construction (laser levels, distance measurement).
Research in lasers (and related areas) is addressed by some 30% of all
research organisations mapped by Photonics21, making this area a relatively
large part of the European photonics research community. Some
other areas are also researched in close proximity to laser research, like
spectroscopy, non-linear optics and research in optical measurement
with many organisations focusing on both. Applications research in materials
processing is also strong as is research on diagnostics and measurement.
Although addressed by almost all 27 EU countries, France,
Germany and UK are strongly represented in this area, even in regard
to their high representation in photonics research in general.
In laser components, a basic distinction can be made between laser diodes
and non-laser diodes, based on the production process as well as
application area. The majority of laser diodes are low cost high volume
products, mainly produced in Asia, although a significant proportion of
higher value laser diodes used mostly in communications and other applications,
such as materials processing are manufactured in Europe and
North America(45% of diode market [Pennwell / Strategies Unlimited
2010]). Europe is a major producer of non-diode lasers (high value, low
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