Description:

 

In the first dozen years of the 21st century, the Digital Age, you can send and receive email from around the world in the span of a few minutes. Surgeons routinely perform laser surgery that results in less bleeding and faster healing time. Our Air Force defends our skies using electronics-based aircraft that can almost fly itself! What is one of the connections among these advances? Photonics technology! Photonics is the science of using light and electronic devices to create tools that improve our lives. Isn't it amazing that light can solve so many different kinds of problems?

 

 

Career Paths:

 

Photonics...

• ...engineers are concerned with devising and improving sources of light and the optical fibers that the light travels through

• ...teaches you a knowledge in physics, engineering and optics.

• ...allows you to investigate a variety of areas.

• ....engineers can:

  • Design and modify laser equipment and components for manufacturing, defense, telecommunications, and medicine. Lasers can be made from semiconductors or from gas.

  • Improve the quality and design of fiber optics technology.

  • Devise methods for reducing the cost of manufacturing lasers, optical fibers, and fiber optics.

• ...will lead to a career at the forefront of cutting-edge technology.​

 

 

Education:

 

Mathematics and physics are required to study this and chemistry or further maths is often chosen as the third A-level. Photonics is usually offered as a master’s degree after an undergraduate degree in a related physics degree with at least an upper second class (2:1). There are many scholarships available for the study of photonics.

 

 

Average salary:

 

People who work in the area of photonics earn around £50,000.