Sweden ZOOM optics, high-power lasers, nanophotonics, optical design, and medical optics. The university also hosts NanoLund, a major interdisciplinary research environment dedicated to nanoscience and nanotechnology, where photonics is a key area.
Professor Anne L’ Huillier of Lund University was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, together with Pierre Agostini and Ferenc Krausz. The prize was awarded“ for experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics in matter.” This groundbreaking work in ultrafast optics has not only advanced fundamental science but also reinforced Sweden’ s position at the forefront of global photonics research.
( Read more in the press release from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences: https:// www. nobelprize. org / prizes / physics / 2023 / press-release /).
• Chalmers University of Technology( Gothenburg) Chalmers is internationally known for research in quantum photonics, optoelectronics, nanofabrication, and advanced optical communications. The university is home to the FORCE Center( Fiber Optic Research Center) and is active in bio-nanophotonics and semiconductor photonics. Around 50 researchers are engaged in photonics-related projects, contributing to both fundamental science and industry-oriented solutions. Chalmers has also fostered spin-off companies such as EXFO Sweden AB, exemplifying successful technology transfer from research to market.
• Luleå University of Technology( LTU) LTU specializes in industrial applications of photonics, particularly in Sweden’ s mining, forestry, and bioenergy sectors. Research areas include laser manufacturing processes, optical sensing for harsh environments, and environmental diagnostics. LTU collaborates extensively with local industries to implement photonics-based solutions that increase sustainability and efficiency in resource-heavy sectors.
• Umeå University Umeå conducts research in organic electronics, photonics materials, and optical physics, bridging the gap between fundamental material science and photonics applications. Its interdisciplinary approach links photonics with energy storage, biomedical applications, and sustainable electronics.
• Mid Sweden University Mid Sweden University is recognized for research in advanced materials for photonics, detector technologies, and optical sensors. Their work often focuses on applied photonics, with strong industry connections in areas such as digital imaging, environmental monitoring, and security systems.
• Uppsala University At Uppsala, photonics research is integrated across disciplines, particularly in biomedicine, electronics, renewable energy, and nanotechnology. The university is active in microscopy, optical materials, and light-based energy harvesting technologies, contributing to sustainable and medical applications of photonics.
• Stockholm University The Quantum Photonics Group at Stockholm University is engaged in quantum light generation, entangled photon sources, and quantum dot technologies for applications in quantum communication and quantum sensing. This research supports Sweden’ s contributions to the emerging quantum technology ecosystem in Europe.
• RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB As Sweden’ s largest independent research institute, RISE bridges academia and industry. It offers applied research capabilities in fiber optics, organic electronics, optical metrology, and semiconductor photonics. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories, clean rooms, and pilot production facilities, RISE plays a key role in scaling up laboratory research into industrial innovation.
• SWERIM AB SWERIM applies photonics in laser processing, optical measurements, and materials characterization, with a strong focus on industrial manufacturing and materials innovation. Its collaborations with Swedish and European industries enable photonics to be embedded in next-generation production technologies.
Thematic Clusters in Swedish Photonics
Quantum Photonics & Fundamental Light Science Sweden has strong representation in quantum photonics, ultrafast optics, and light – matter interaction, contributing to Europe’ s quantum technology initiatives.
• KTH Royal Institute of Technology – quantum photonics, nanophotonics, photonic chips.
• Lund University – ultrafast optics, attosecond science( home of Nobel laureate Anne L’ Huillier).
• Stockholm University – quantum photonics group: entangled photons, quantum dots, quantum light sources.
• Chalmers University of Technology – quantum photonics, semiconductor nanostructures, optoelectronics.
Biophotonics, Health & Life Sciences Applications Photonics is widely used in Swedish biomedical and life sciences research, especially for imaging, sensing, and diagnostics.
• KTH – biophotonics, biomedical optics.
• Lund University – medical optics, ultrafast lasers for bio-imaging.
• Uppsala University – optical microscopy, biomedical photonics.
• Chalmers University of Technology – bio-nanophotonics.
• Industrial & Applied Photonics
• Photonics is directly applied to Swedish key industries, including manufacturing, forestry, mining, and energy.
• Luleå University of Technology( LTU) – laser-based manufacturing, harsh-environment sensing, mining applications.
• SWERIM AB – laser processing, optical metrology, materials analysis.
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