The National Science Foundation is funding a new alliance to advance photonics research such as lasers and fiber optics

Recently, a regional alliance funded by the US National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the formation of a new cooperative alliance with more than 20 well-known photoelectric enterprises and institutions, including Hamamatsu Photonics, Thorlabs, OFC, to advance photonics research and human resources development.

The new collaboration, led by Princeton University in the United States, aims to drive economic and technological advances in photonics, the branch of science that includes lasers, fiber optics and cutting-edge light-based innovations, and has been awarded a development grant from the National Science Foundation's Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program.

The grant will lay the groundwork for a multi-state collaboration called Advancing Photonics Technologies. The partnership aims to advance research, translate research findings into commercially viable results, and build up the region's skilled labor pool.

The partnership involves universities and community colleges, leading photonics companies, statewide economic and workforce development initiatives, and technology accelerators and incubators that help turn research into startups.

Photonics involves the control of light and has applications in healthcare, clean energy, computing, telecommunications, advanced manufacturing and more. It has the potential to improve applications for cancer detection, food safety, smartphones, computers and self-driving cars.

Officials will select one of more than 40 teams to be awarded the first NSF Engines Development Award, which provides up to two years of funding for multi-state initiatives to create economic, social and technological opportunities in their regions. The award enables teams to provide strong proposals for future Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines), and each team will have the opportunity to receive up to $160 million in funding to implement their plans.

Princeton University will lead the development phase with co-lead Rowan University, both based in New Jersey, with partners across the neighbouring states of Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York.

The initiative will focus on increasing opportunities for growth and participation in the photonic economy in a way that ensures diversity and equity, while providing an inclusive and seamless environment for integration. Funding and autonomy will facilitate planning in the following areas:

- A diverse and inclusive research and innovation ecosystem around photonics;

- To provide a wide range of opportunities for technological and scientific breakthroughs, from research laboratories to industry;

- Strong channels for job creation and workforce development.

Source: OFweek