Photonics is the science and technology of light. It involves the generation, manipulation, and detection of photons. This field is crucial in many modern technologies. If you look around, you will see photonics impacting most parts of your everyday life – traffic lights, smartphones, instruments at the dentist and at hospitals, the internet, laser pointers, .. the list goes on.
It is a multidisciplinary field, intersecting with physics, engineering, and materials science. The field is continuously evolving, with fundamental science and innovations driving progress towards new and better use of photons. The list of Nobel prizes awarded to researchers in the field is one testament to the progress in photonics.
Photonics an exciting area of study and work, offering opportunities for professionals, students, and enthusiasts alike to contribute to cutting-edge advancements.
Photonics in Sweden
Photonics is a vibrant and growing field in Sweden, home to over 200 photonics companies in a wide range of application areas, from advanced manufacturing and medical technology to environmental monitoring and telecommunications.
Swedish photonics companies are leaders in automotive safety, such as adaptive headlights and LIDAR systems, precision manufacturing, eye-tracking technology, advanced imaging systems, and much more.
Sweden’s photonics industry is supported by a strong network of academic institutions and research centers. These institutions ensure a steady flow of new talent and innovative ideas into the industry.
Curious to learn more, and to join the photonics community in Sweden? Become a member of PhotonicSweden!
Photonics makes a difference
Application areas where photonics makes a difference include:
Digital infrastructure underpins our connected world. Photonics drives its evolution—enabling faster, more secure, and energy-efficient communication across networks and devices.
Photonics is key to Europe’s future-proof, digital and sustainable industry—enabling smart manufacturing, green production, and global competitiveness through innovation.
With Europe’s ageing population and rising healthcare demands, photonics offers vital solutions for early diagnosis, personalised medicine, and accessible, real-time care.
Photonics supports Europe’s decarbonisation goals by enabling clean mobility, smart energy, battery monitoring, and sustainable solutions for a zero-emission future.
Photonics empowers secure, autonomous systems for defence, safety, and IoT—enabling smarter sensing, faster data handling, and resilient dual-use technologies.
Photonics is revolutionising food and agriculture, enabling precision farming, safe processing, and full traceability—from soil to shelf—while reducing waste, environmental impact, and food-borne risks.
