The photonics industry
As the driving force behind numerous technological advances, the science of light is advancing and pooling its resources to evolve from a niche deep-tech field into a fully-fledged industry.
A science that builds on optics
As discoveries have progressed, the science of light has expanded beyond the field of optics and broadened its scope to now include lasers, optical fibres, image and light sensors, augmented reality, virtual reality, LEDs, and X-rays and UV light.
Photonics encompasses all industrial applications related to light, whether visible or invisible, from the infrared spectrum to X-rays. It works with photons (particles of light), in the same way that electronics works with electrons.
Photonics in figures
A deep tech solution that is essential for our industry
Photonics is a key component of our industry. It is a deep-tech sector that supports other application markets and technologies.
Nanostructures, the processors of tomorrow, ultra-high-speed communications and many other technologies require expertise in photonics.
The photonics sector, united under Photonics France, is developing a coordinated national strategy to safeguard France’s industrial sovereignty.
Combining cutting-edge research with practical applications
The reason photonics lies at the heart of so many applications is down to the fundamental research that has enabled technological developments and applications which showcase the potential of the French photonics industry.
These projects are carried out in research laboratories and implemented in partnership with industry. There is a fine line between the development of a technological innovation and its industrial application.
Photonics is both a fascinating field of research and a powerful tool for numerous practical applications. French research makes a significant contribution to this field at both national and international levels.
A growing market that creates jobs
Photonics is a rapidly expanding technological sector experiencing strong growth.
The sector, now fully established, is recruiting on a massive scale: from operators to engineers, there is a considerable demand for staff in this booming industry.
Photonics companies operate across the entire value chain, creating products that are designed, manufactured and developed in France.
