photonics

American  

[foh-ton-iks] / foʊˈtɒn ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the study and technology of the use of light for the transmission of information.

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photonics British  

/ fəʊˈtɒnɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the study and design of devices and systems, such as optical fibres, that depend on the transmission, modulation, or amplification of streams of photons

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photonics Scientific  

/ fō-tŏn′ĭks /

1. The scientific study or application of electromagnetic energy whose basic unit is the photon, incorporating optics, laser technology, electrical engineering, materials science, and information storage and processing.

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Etymology

Origin of photonics

1950–55; see photonic, -ics; perhaps on the model of electronics

Example Sentences

But he knows that as long as they need Corning’s optical fiber and silicon photonics, he shouldn’t be the one betting the family farm on their ambitions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

There are four primary methodologies used in quantum computing: superconducting, neutral atoms, trapped ions, and photonics.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

Numerous companies focus on optical communications within data centers, as well as technologies such as photonics and photolithography that use light to transfer circuit patterns to chips.

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

"The inspiration came from systems known from atomic physics, where electrons can occupy different energy states. In photonics, a similar role is played by optical traps, which confine light instead of electrons."

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2026

The photonics company’s stock has run up more than 70% this week on speculation of a major hyperscaler partner, even as short sellers warn of a “tax nightmare.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026