The major difference between the two is that a photonic integrated circuit provides functions for information signals imposed on optical wavelengths typically in the visible spectrum or near-infrared (850–1650 nm).
He is credited with inventing the Arrayed Waveguide Grating (AWG), a core component of modern digital connections for the Internet and phones.
[3] In October 2022, during an experiment held at the Technical University of Denmark in Copenhagen, a photonic chip transmitted 1.84 petabits per second of data over a fibre-optic cable more than 7.9 kilometres long.
[5] The fabrication techniques are similar to those used in electronic integrated circuits in which photolithography is used to pattern wafers for etching and material deposition.
[citation needed] Newer techniques using resonant photonic interferometry is making way for UV LEDs to be used for optical computing requirements with much cheaper costs leading the way to petahertz consumer electronics.
As global data consumption rises and demand for faster networks continues to grow, the world needs to find more sustainable solutions to the energy crisis and climate change.
[11] Using advanced biosensors and creating more affordable diagnostic biomedical instruments, integrated photonics opens the door to lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technology, cutting waiting times, and taking diagnosis out of laboratories and into the hands of doctors and patients.
Another example of optical sensor technology is EFI's "OptiGrip" device, which offers greater control over tissue feeling for minimal invasive surgery.
In terms of engineering, fibre optic sensors can be used to detect different quantities, such as pressure, temperature, vibrations, accelerations, and mechanical strain.
[15] Sensing technology from PhotonFirst uses integrated photonics to measure things like shape changes in aeroplanes, electric vehicle battery temperature, and infrastructure strain.
[16] Light sensing technology powered by PICs can measure variables beyond the range of the human eye, allowing the food supply chain to detect disease, ripeness and nutrients in fruit and plants.
A new, miniaturised, near-infrared sensor, developed by MantiSpectra, is small enough to fit into a smartphone, and can be used to analyse chemical compounds of products like milk and plastics.
It combines high density photonic integrated circuits (PICs) with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) electronics fabrication.
[20] A recent study presents a novel two-dimensional photonic crystal design for electro-reflective modulators, offering reduced size and enhanced efficiency compared to traditional bulky structures.
This design achieves high optical transmission ratios with precise angle control, addressing critical challenges in miniaturizing optoelectronic devices for improved performance in PICs.