Key role for Dutch photonics industry

It was recently announced that the Netherlands will benefit from a substantial investment in the photonics industry by the EU. Out of a total investment of 380 million Euros across the European Union, the Netherlands will receive a share of 133 million Euros for the development of a pilot photonic chip factory. 

This reinforces our country as an important center for the development and manufacturing of photonic chips and photonic chip based applications. This groundbreaking technology, which processes information using light instead of electricity,  offers countless new possibilities and is expected to transform various sectors, from telecommunications to healthcare.

What are photonic chips?

For those unfamiliar with photonics in general: Photonic chips allow a supercomputer (for A.I. or search engines, for example) to perform calculations at  the speed of light while consuming a fraction of the energy of a supercomputer based on conventional, electronic chips.

Thanks to the advantages of photonic chips and the use of light to transfer data, the possible applications are almost endless:

• Faster communication connections: Photonic chips can make sure we have even faster Internet or wireless connections;
• Fast and precise asset monitoring: This is where PhotonFirst excells! With photonic chips and FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensors we can measure various details of assets, such as strain, temperature, torsion, and so on;
• Energy-efficient data centers: Big companies like Google and Facebook use huge amounts of energy for their data centers. Photonic chips can make these data centers much more energy efficient, even cut them in half;
• Medical imaging: In the medical world, photonic chips can be used for better and faster diagnosis;
• Self-driving cars: Photonic chips can make the sensors in self-driving cars much faster and more accurate. Lidar systems, for example, already operate using this technology.

Why is this investment important for the Netherlands?

The Dutch photonic industry, represented by PhotonDelta, already has a strong position in the photonics sector. With the aforementioned investment, our country further strengthens this position. By investing in the development of photonic chips, the Netherlands can accelerate:

• New jobs: The development and production of photonic chips will create new jobs in the high-tech sector. Not only in R&D, but also in industrial manufacturing;
• Economic growth: The export of this technology can give a major boost to strategic independence of the Dutch (and European) economy;
• Innovation: The Netherlands can play a leading role in the development of new applications based on photonic chips.

What does this mean for PhotonFirst?

As a pioneer in photonic sensing, PhotonFirst is at the forefront of developing cutting edge measurement technology using photonic chips. Our expertise and experience in fiber optic sensing technology and PIC-packaging are the foundation in the success of this new industry.

The investment in photonic chips offers us and our country the opportunity to become a global leader in this groundbreaking technology. At PhotonFirst, we are very positive about the future and look forward to the many opportunities and partnerships that photonics offers us.

The future of photonics

The market for photonic chips is still small, compared to the mega factories in Asia that make conventional memory chips or processors for e.g. phones or computers. With the arrival of the new pilot plants in the Netherlands, an important step is being taken toward the large-scale production of photonic chips.

The Netherlands not only plays a crucial role in this. Investing in research and development, and collaborating with companies and knowledge institutions, will ensure that this technology develops rapidly and that we can reap the benefits of this innovation.

Are you interested in learning more about PhotonFirst's FBG sensor technology and its potential applications?