1. PHOTONICS & ITS EFFECTS IN THE WORLD OF TODAY AS WELL AS THE WORLD OF TOMORROW.
By: Eric J. Willis
MWF 12 P.M.

2. Table of Contents What is Photonics? Page 3 The Breakthrough Page 4
How Photonics Began Page 5
Devlopmental Phases Page 6
Biophotonics Page 7
NASA Page 8
Current Competition Page 9
Creating Clusters Page 10
Future Direction Page 11
Conclusion Page 11
Interview Source Page 12
Bibliography Page 13

3. What is Photonics?
Photonics is the technology of generating and harnessing light and other forms of radiant energy whose quantum unit is the Photon. The range of applications of photonics extends from energy generation to communications and information processing. 1 1.

4. The Breakthrough
The breakthrough into what is today known as photonics came after the Second World War, initially with the invention of the transistor and the development of the semi-conductor industry. 2 2:

5. How Photonics Began
The modern photonics industry began in earnest in 1960.
Began with the invention of the laser.
The late 1970's saw the perfection of optical fibers.
Optical Fibers are used as an effective means of transmitting information using these intense laser beams.

6. Developmental Phases
1960's and 1970's = the research and development phases.
1980’s and 1990’s = diffusion and application phases.

7. Biophotonics International Current Use
Successful in solving clinical and research problems in diverse applications.
Products and techniques include, lasers, spectroscopy, microscopy, imaging and fiber optics. 3 3:

8. Current Activities for NASA
NASA Electronic Parts and packaging (NEPP) Program. is focused on evaluating the reliability and radiation response of advanced and emerging microelectronics and photonics technologies of interest to NASA spacecraft system designers.4
4: (Interview Source)

9. Current Competition
Small photonics firms trying to compete on a global scale have common concerns trying to recruit a highly-skilled labor force, accessing specialized research and development expertise and the latest technologies, building relationships with international suppliers, and obtaining the needed local government support. By combining with other firms in the region, these firms get competitive advantages they would never have alone.

10. Creating Clusters
A cluster can, for example, work with a local university to develop programs for skilled workers; can work with government to build needed infrastructure; can share technological advances through formal and informal networking; and can develop global marketing strategies that benefit member industries and the region. 5 5:

11. Future Direction
The direction of Photonics in the future is limitless. More and more companies will start adapting Photonics and the excellent technology it provides.

12. Editor, NASA Tech Briefs -- Market Focus Editions
Interview Source
Ashli Barbarito
Editor, NASA Tech Briefs -- Market Focus Editions
(212)  

13. Bibliography http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Photonics