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institute is involved in green photonics, developing smart, energy-efficient lighting and sensor solutions. Their research includes advanced optical systems and functionalized surfaces, contributing to industrial innovations.
Figure 1. © JOANNEUM RESEARCH / Bergmann
or Trumpf and specialists like Montfort Lasers, nlight Plasmo, upnano or weldmetrix. The Photonics integrated circuit segment is the third pillar of the Photonics industry in Austria with companies like ams-OSRAM and Infineon Technologies at the forefront. System integrators like WILD, Swarovski Optics, In-Vision or the start-up Cerabyte play a leading role in providing optical precision products. And finally, promising start-ups in the Quantum Photonics sector, like qtlabs or Quantum Industries, are developing rapidly in the wake of established stakeholders like Infineon or Astro Systeme Austria in the race for the commercialisation of the technology.
Photonics in Austria’ s main Universities
Photonics is embedded in Austria’ s academic curricula and is a key subject in undergraduate and graduate programs in physics and electrical engineering at Austrian universities. Several universities and technical institutions offer specialized programs with a focus on photonics, including: TU Wien( integrated optics, laser physics, and quantum photonics) and TU Graz( optical communication, metrology, and silicon photonics), University of Vienna( Photonic materials science, spectroscopy, and optoelectronic applications), University of Graz, University of Linz, University of Innsbruck( quantum physics, biomedical optics), and University of Salzburg( teacher training programs), as well as Universities of Applied Sciences: FH Vorarlberg, FH Technikum Wien, and FH Burgenland.
Photonics is also integrated as a subject in many other technical degree programs across Austria.
Leading Research and Technology Organizations( RTOs)
Austria is home to several prominent non-university research institutions making significant strides in Photonics. Key players are: the Austrian Institute of Technology( AIT), JOANNEUM RESEARCH, RECENDT, Silicon Austria Labs( SAL), and V-Research.
Austrian Institute of Technology( AIT)
AIT is Austria ' s largest non-university research institute, known for its cutting-edge research in Photonics. AIT focuses on photonic sensing, data processing, and optical communications. Notable projects include LIDAR technology and neuromorphic hardware architectures for efficient computing and AI applications. AIT ' s work is crucial for advancing telecommunications, quantum optics, and sensor technology.
JOANNEUM RESEARCH
JOANNEUM RESEARCH emphasizes applied research, with its MATERIALS Institute specializing in sensors, photonics, and production technologies. The
RECENDT
RECENDT is the Research Center for Non-Destructive Testing, based in Linz. The internationally renowned research company develops solutions for industrial sensing and quality inspection, based on cutting edge photonic technologies. Technologies like Laser-Ultrasonics, Optical Coherence Tomography, Terahertz-sensing or various solutions in Infrared- & Raman Spectroscopy serve to solve challenging measurement and NDT-tasks in all industrial branches. The latest field of research is quantum sensing, to be made available for industry soon.
Silicon Austria Labs( SAL)
SAL develops integrated photonic systems and technologies, covering the optical spectrum from UV to mid-IR. Their applications include optical sensors, high-performance laser systems, and intelligent spectroscopic systems. SAL ' s interdisciplinary work combines optics, physics, and engineering to create solutions for industries like automotive, consumer electronics, and telecommunications.
V-Research
V-Research focuses on energy-efficient lighting, developing next-generation LED systems that save energy and improve functionality through Human Centric Lighting. They collaborate with European lighting manufacturers to create advanced LED drivers and systems that support health, productivity, and sustainability.
Austria ' s non-university research institutions are making remarkable contributions to Photonics. Through their innovative efforts, AIT, JOANNEUM RESEARCH, SAL, RECENDT and V-Research are driving advancements that have far-reaching implications for various industries, enhancing our
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