NSF Funds Formation Of New Consortium To Advance Photonics Research in Lasers, Fiber Optics, And More

A regional consortium funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) recently announced the formation of a new collaborative alliance with more than 20 leading optoelectronic companies and institutions, including Hamamatsu Photonics, Thorlabs and OFC, to advance photonics research and human resource development.
The new collaboration, led by Princeton University, aims to drive economic and technological advances in photonics, a 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 collaboration aims to advance research, translate research discoveries into commercially available results, and build up the region's skilled workforce.
Participants in the partnership include universities and community colleges, leading photonics companies, statewide economic and workforce development programs, and technology gas pedals and incubators that help translate research findings into startups.
Photonics involves the technology of controlling light and has applications in healthcare, clean energy, computing, telecommunications, advanced manufacturing and other fields. It has the potential to improve applications in cancer detection, food safety, smartphones, computers and self-driving cars.
Officials will select one of more than 40 teams to receive the first Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) Development Award, which provides up to two years of funding for multi-state programs in the U.S. to create economic, social and technological opportunities in their regions. The award enables teams to make strong recommendations for future NSF Engines, and each team will have access to up to $160 million in funding to implement their plans.
Princeton University will lead the development phase of the collaboration with co-lead Rowan University, both in New Jersey, with partners in neighboring 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 unhindered intersectional environment. The associated grants and autonomy will drive planning for
- A diverse and inclusive research and innovation ecosystem around photonics;
- A broad range of opportunities for technological and scientific breakthroughs from research labs to industry;
- Providing a strong pipeline for job creation and workforce development.