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AUSTRIA
understanding of photonics and paving the way for a sustainable future.
Main Programs and Funding in Austria
The Austrian government has recognized the huge potential of the Photonics sector and supports its development through a dedicated funding program within the " Key technologies in the production-related environment ". The program is endowed with a yearly budget of around 7-10 Mio. €. This dedicated budget is complemented by open programs managed by the FFG( Austrian Research Promotion Agency). In total the FFG handled a funding budget of 1,8 Bn. € in 2023, a major boost for research, with its main target being applied research including projects in Photonics and Quantum technologies. Furthermore, companies in Austria can benefit from funding by the aws the Austria Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft, that focuses on supporting investments that create jobs in Austria, including foreign companies. Austrian stakeholders complement the national funding by being very active and successful in European programs, especially with the focus on Photonics. In the framework program H2020 Austria managed to place fourth in the category funding per capita of photonics21 funded programs. In that respect Photonics Austria supports the European Photonics R & D as an interface between the European stakeholders and potential Austrian partners.
Photonics Research in Austria
Austria’ s fundamental research is supported by the FWF, the Austrian Science Fund. In Photonics the community covers a wide range of cutting-edge topics, including:
Ultrashort pulse laser, Quantum optics and quantum communication, Optoelectronics, Micro- and nano-photonics, Spectroscopic methods, Photonic measurement concepts, Detectors and sensors, Integrated optics and silicon photonics, Photonic crystals, Laser-based material processing, Optical communication technologies, Lighting and illumination technologies. Research in these areas is conducted
Figure 2. © RECENDT GmbH.
at an internationally competitive level. However, nearly all fields face the challenge of rising costs for experimental and technical infrastructures, which remains a significant concern for Austrian photonics research.
Photonic Austria Roadmap
The Photonics Austria Roadmap 2021- 27, available on the Photonics Austria homepage, provides a comprehensive overview of Austria’ s research areas in Photonics and their future prospects. Austrian Photonics has particularly strong potential and expertise in seven core fields:
Lighting
Intelligent, environmentally friendly lighting " Made in Austria " is used worldwide, whether with a focus on Human-Centric Lighting or horticulture applications. Research into intelligent systems and efficient optical solutions has been a priority for Austrian companies and research institutes for years.
Mobility and Security
Developments in mobility and security include matrix and laser headlights, cutting-edge 3D camera technologies for autonomous driving and unmanned aerial vehicles( drones), as well as fiber-optic sensors for real-time monitoring and tracking of trains and traffic infrastructure surveillance.
Life Sciences, Health, and Environment
In life sciences, health, and environmental applications, Austria has made significant contributions to optical imaging technologies, such as optical coherence tomography( OCT), which enables non-invasive, high-resolution visualization of tissues. Equally important are advancements in sensors and environmental monitoring methods, including air and water purification and agricultural production technologies.
Sensor, Production, and Quality Assurance Technology
Austrian expertise is also prominent in sensor, production, and quality assurance technology. Photonic methods for non-destructive quality control are highly sought after by industries, and Austrian companies and research institutes are at the forefront of these developments. Lasers are not only essential for high-precision welding but are also the preferred energy source for 3D printing and additive manufacturing.
Information and Communication technologies
Energy efficiency, free-space communication and photonics integrated circuits are the main topics of interest for Austria’ s ICT research. Compared to electrons, photons in fibre optic cables travel long distances with up to 20 times less signal loss. Photonic technologies are also invaluable for data storage and future computing architectures.
Optical Quantum Technology
Austria is a global leader in optical quantum technology, particularly in the development of optical quantum computers and quantum communication. This leadership is largely due to Austria’ s high level of education and excellence in fundamental photonics research, which is recognized internationally.
Austria’ s photonics industry and research institutions continue to drive innovation in these key areas, ensuring the country remains at the forefront of global photonic advancements.
Photonics Austria association
While starting off small in 2013, with less than 20 founding members, today the platform harbours over 60 organisations from industry, research and education.
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