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Sweden
• Mid Sweden University – photonics for imaging, detector technologies, environmental monitoring.
• RISE – applied photonics for industry: fiber optics, semiconductors, metrology.
Materials, Nanophotonics & Energy Applications Materials research underpins Sweden’ s photonics innovation, with a focus on nanostructures, organic electronics, and sustainable energy.
• Lund University / NanoLund – nanophotonics, semiconductor nanostructures.
• Umeå University – organic electronics and photonics, optical physics.
• Uppsala University – photonics in renewable energy and nanomaterials.
• Chalmers University of Technology – wide-bandgap optoelectronics, semiconductor photonics.
• RISE – organic electronics, advanced materials.
Communication, Connectivity & Fiber Optics
• Photonics plays a central role in advancing communication systems, fiber optics, and future internet technologies.
• Chalmers University of Technology – FORCE center: fiber optics, optical communications.
• KTH – photonic integrated circuits for communications.
• RISE – fiber optic technologies and testing facilities.
Summary Insight:
Sweden’ s photonics ecosystem can be seen as four interconnected pillars: 1. Quantum & Fundamental Science
( KTH, Lund, Stockholm, Chalmers) 2. Biomedical & Biophotonics
( KTH, Lund, Uppsala, Chalmers) 3. Industrial & Applied Photonics
( LTU, SWERIM, Mid Sweden, RISE)
4. Materials, Energy & Communication( Lund, Umeå, Uppsala, Chalmers, RISE)
This balance between fundamental breakthroughs( like attosecond science) and real-world industrial impact( laser processing, fiber optics, sensing) makes Sweden highly competitive in the global photonics landscape.
The Swedish Photonics Industry
Photonics, the science and technology of generating, controlling, and detecting photons, underpins many advanced systems in modern society. It is widely regarded as a key enabling technology( KET) because of its cross-cutting impact across multiple sectors, including telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, defence, transportation, and environmental monitoring. Despite its critical role, photonics often remains embedded and“ hidden” within end-user products, making its presence less visible to the general public while being indispensable for technological progress.
Sweden stands out as a significant hub for photonics innovation in Europe, hosting a dynamic ecosystem of companies that develop and commercialize cutting-edge photonic components, systems, and integrated solutions. These companies range from specialized SMEs to globally recognized industrial leaders, addressing applications from biophotonics and quantum technologies to LiDAR and precision manufacturing. The sector’ s strength lies in its high-value engineering expertise, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and strong integration with global supply chains.
Key Swedish Photonics Companies and Their Core Contributions
Sweden’ s photonics industry is highly diversified, with companies spanning defence, healthcare, telecom, industrial automation, and consumer electronics. These firms bridge cutting-edge research with commercial solutions, strengthening Sweden’ s position as a global hub for photonics innovation.
Defence, Security & Imaging
• Aimpoint AB – Global pioneer in red dot reflex sights, widely used by hunters, law enforcement, and armed forces worldwide. Known for robust, energy-efficient, and high-precision optical systems, Aimpoint’ s technology has become a standard in modern targeting solutions.
• FLIR Systems AB( Teledyne FLIR) – Leader in infrared( IR) imaging and thermal sensing for defense, industrial inspection, and predictive maintenance. Swedish R & D has contributed to miniaturized IR cameras and drone-mounted sensors, critical for both civilian and military use.
• SAAB AB – Integrates advanced optoelectronics and photonics in defense systems, including surveillance radars, optical targeting systems, and communication technologies. Photonics enables SAAB’ s leadership in next-generation situational awareness and electronic warfare.
• Ir-Nova AB – Specializes in infrared detector modules used in demanding environments, supporting FLIR, SAAB, and international defense applications.
• Spectrogon AB – Produces optical filters, holographic gratings, and thin-film coatings essential for spectroscopy, laser systems, and IR imaging. Its high-precision filters are deployed in military, aerospace, and industrial monitoring systems.
Lasers, Optics & Industrial Photonics
• Cobolt AB( HÜBNER Photonics) – Internationally recognized for single-frequency, ultra-stable CW to fs lasers with superior beam quality. Applications span life sciences, quantum optics, materials processing, and terahertz research.
• Excillum AB – Developer of the brightest X-ray sources in the world, using proprietary metal-jet anode technology. These sources enable breakthroughs in semiconductor metrology, non-destructive testing, and biomedical imaging.
• Optoskand AB( Coherent) – Provides fiber-optic beam delivery systems for industrial lasers used in cutting, welding, and additive manufacturing. Its technology enables precision and reliability in heavy-duty laser machining.
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