photonics

[foh-ton-iks]

noun

(used with a singular verb)

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

photonics

/ 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

photonics

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of photonics¹

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