The scientific advisory board and board of Photonics Finland, in collaboration with actors from the semiconductor and quantum industries, have examined the relationship between photonics, semiconductors, and quantum technology, as well as the possibility of describing these high-tech fields with a single common term. As a result of the review, an important and clarifying solution has been reached: although the technologies are interconnected in many ways, there is no single comprehensive common denominator for them without important details and interfaces being overshadowed.
Recommendation: use the technologies’ own names
Photonics Finland recommends that photonics, semiconductors, and quantum technology be addressed and named with their own terms. This better supports the accuracy and quality of research, development, and application.
Cooperation without borders
Although the technologies remain separate by name, they do not operate in a vacuum – on the contrary, they support and complement each other:
- Quantum technology needs photonics, for example, in quantum communication and quantum photonics.
- Microelectronics and photonics combine in optoelectronics
- Quantum computers utilize both semiconductor and photonic components.
Own strengths – own applications
Each technology has its own independent development areas and applications:
- Photonics: Lidar systems, fiber optic communication, medical imaging devices
- Quantum technology: Quantum computing, quantum communication
- Microelectronics: Processors, memory chips, smart sensors
Summary
Although photonics, semiconductors, and quantum technology have numerous intersections, each field is unique and deserves its own terminology and development path. Together, they build the technological foundation of the future – complementing each other, but clearly distinguishing themselves.
More information
Juha Purmonen
Executive Director, Photonics Finland
Email: juha.purmonen@photonics.fi
Tel. +358 50 354 3832