Florida Photonics Cluster (FPC)

Our next general membership event is set and it will be a joint event with the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida (MACF) at the new home for Critical Frequency Design in Melbourne, Florida. Please save the date to join us on Friday, 8 November. Founded in 2019 by Rebecca Warren and Johnathen Warren, CFD has emerged as a trailblazer in photonics technology, rapidly developing mission-critical solutions to support warfighters operating in contested environments. They were most recently a tenant at Groundswell Startups and their substantial growth in recent years led them to the 20,000 sq ft facility that they moved into earlier this year. The new facility underscores CFD’s commitment to advancing the frontiers of photonics and electronics innovation and delivering superior capabilities in a short timeframe. Along with learning more about CFD's mission and capabilities, attendees will receive a facility tour, hear presentations with regards to the state of photonics and manufacturing in Florida, and of course be able to network with industry and community representatives. Time and additional details about the event will be shared once finalized. It will be posted on LinkedIn, the FPC website, and the MACF website. We'll see you there! #florida #optics #photonics #lasers #communications #defense #manufacturing #science #technology

We love seeing that Teresa will be on the panel! That means there’s an opportunity for optics and photonics to enter the conversation. And if you don’t know #optics and #photonics, then you don’t know #tech

It's Photonics Phriday! Let's look at how #optics and #photonics are enabling space operations from low orbit to deep space: 1. Advanced Optical Satellites: High-resolution optical imaging satellites will provide unparalleled Earth observation capabilities, crucial for environmental monitoring, disaster response, and national security. Enhanced photonic #sensors will capture detailed images in various spectra, improving analysis and decision-making. 2. Deep Space Optical Communication: Laser-based communication will replace traditional radio frequencies, enabling high-speed, high-bandwidth data transmission across vast distances. This will allow real-time communication with spacecraft in deep space - Mars and beyond. 3. Space-Based Solar Power: Photonics enables the collection of #solarenergy in space and its wireless transmission to Earth using laser or microwave beams. This technology has the potential to provide continuous, clean energy. 4. Precision Navigation and Timing: Photonic technologies like optical atomic clocks and LIDAR provide precise navigation and timing solutions. These systems are critical for autonomous spacecraft navigation, docking, and landing with high accuracy. 5. Planetary Exploration and Resource Utilization: Photonic #spectroscopic techniques are used in planetary rovers and landers to analyze soil and rock compositions. This is crucial for identifying resources such as water ice and minerals, essential for in-situ resource utilization. 6. Space Debris Detection and Mitigation: #Space debris poses a significant risk to satellites and crewed missions. Photonic sensors, including telescopes and lasers, enhance debris tracking, allowing for collision avoidance and even active debris removal using laser ablation. 7. Laser-Driven Propulsion: Photonics is driving the development of advanced propulsion systems, such as laser sails, which use concentrated light to propel spacecraft at high speeds. This technology could drastically reduce travel time to distant destinations. 8. Space Manufacturing and Construction: #Lasers enable additive manufacturing techniques in space, allowing for the on-site production of tools, parts, and even habitats. This reduces the need to launch heavy payloads from Earth, lowering costs and increasing mission flexibility. 9. Space-Based Telescopes and Observatories: Next-generation space telescopes utilizing optical interferometry will achieve unprecedented resolution, allowing us to observe distant exoplanets and celestial phenomena in greater detail. These will drive new discoveries in astrophysics and cosmology. 10. Life Support and Health Monitoring: Photonic sensors monitor life support systems, such as air quality and water purity, ensuring astronaut safety in space habitats. Additionally, wearable photonic devices can provide real-time data for medical care during long-duration missions. Image credit: https://lnkd.in/eVZ6zTU7

The August 2024 edition of Photonics Spectra includes an article that highlights the new 15-week technician program hosted by Valencia College Accelerated Skills Training (AST). The program, officially titled "Precision Optics, Photonics and Fiber Optics Technician", was made possible by financial support from AmeriCOM and funding/time from a number of optics and photonics companies in Central Florida. The article includes data comparisons of the current training and education options in New York and Florida. Kudos to the author on pointing out both the Tampa and Orlando areas for having significant industry footprints. It also does a nice job of highlighting that workforces are affected by multiple economic factors - meaning that job openings and a corresponding training program aren't enough by themselves. The article was developed with significant input from FPC and its members: -Our Executive Director Barron Mills -Dean David Hagan from CREOL, The College of Optics & Photonics -Carolyn McMorran, D. M. from Valencia College -Mark Palvino from LightPath Technologies -Charles Middleton, PhD from Critical Frequency Design -Josanne DeNatale from AmeriCOM We extend our appreciation for a thorough article that incorporated multiple perspectives. What's our takeaway? It takes a collective and collaborative effort from across government, higher education, industry, and nonprofits to ensure the right conditions are in place to sustain and grow the optics and photonics industry. Please click below and read the article for yourself. #florida #optics #photonics #training #education #workforcedevelopment SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics Optica Orange County Government Seminole County Government FloridaCommerce Orlando Economic Partnership Pinellas County Economic Development FloridaMakes Manufacturers Association of Central Florida (MACF)

It's Photonics Phriday! Let's look at how #optics and #photonics is enabling new and improved #energy options: 1. Enhanced Solar Power Efficiency: Photonic advances in solar cell design, such as bifacial and tandem cells, improve light #absorption and #efficiency. Techniques like anti-reflective coatings and light-trapping structures maximize energy capture, making #solarpower more cost-effective and scalable. 2. Enhanced Fossil Fuel Extraction: Lasers can be used for precision drilling in fossil fuel exploration, reducing costs and environmental impact. #Laser drilling enables access to hard-to-reach reserves and significantly improves the efficiency of extraction processes. 3. Improved Energy Storage and Batteries: Photonics-based sensors monitor battery performance and health in real-time, optimizing charging cycles and extending battery life. This is crucial for #renewable energy storage solutions and electric vehicle (#EV) battery management. 4. Smart Grids and Energy Distribution: Photonic #sensors play a critical role in #smartgrids by monitoring power flow, detecting faults, and optimizing energy distribution. This leads to more resilient and efficient energy networks, reducing downtime and losses. 5. Wind Turbine Optimization: #LIDAR technology, a form of optical sensing, is used to measure wind speeds and directions at various heights, optimizing wind turbine placement and operation. This leads to increased efficiency and energy output from wind farms. 6. Enhanced Oil and Gas Refinement: Laser-based #spectroscopy allows for real-time monitoring of emissions and pollutants during fossil fuel refinement. This helps in reducing environmental impact and ensuring compliance with regulations. 7. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): Photonics enables CSP systems that use #mirrors and #lenses to focus sunlight onto a small area, generating high temperatures to produce steam for electricity. Improved optical designs boost efficiency, making CSP a more viable alternative to traditional power plants. 8. Hydrogen Production and Storage: Photonics plays a role in hydrogen production through water splitting, using #light to drive chemical reactions. Advances in photonic catalysts can make hydrogen a more efficient and scalable energy carrier, supporting the transition to a hydrogen-based economy. 9. Optical Coatings for Energy Efficiency: Photonic #coatings on windows, such as low-emissivity (low-E) glass, improve energy efficiency in buildings by reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. These technologies reduce the overall energy demand of heating and cooling systems. 10. Waste Heat Recovery: Thermophotovoltaic devices convert waste heat into #electricity using photonic materials. These systems can be integrated into industrial processes and power plants, improving overall energy efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. Image credit: messing around with ChatGPT

Its's Photonics Phriday! Let's look at 10 ways that #optics and #photonics are changing and enabling medical healthcare (i.e. #biomedical and #biophotonics): 1. Early and Accurate Diagnostics: Photonics-based #imaging technologies like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Photoacoustic Imaging offer non-invasive, high-resolution images of tissues at the cellular level. These methods enable #earlydetection of diseases. 2. Minimally Invasive Surgery: #Lasers provide precision cutting and coagulation, enabling minimally invasive surgeries with reduced recovery times, less pain, and fewer complications. Current examples area LASIK for vision correction and laser ablation for tumor removal. 3. Real-Time Monitoring and Imaging: Advances in wearable photonic #sensors will allow for continuous monitoring of vital signs, glucose levels, and other biomarkers. These devices will allow for real-time data, facilitating personalized and proactive healthcare management. 4. Enhanced Cancer Treatment: Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) uses light-sensitive drugs activated by specific wavelengths of light to target and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. This treatment offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional chemotherapy and radiation. 5. Precision Medicine: Spectroscopic techniques, such as Raman and fluorescence #spectroscopy, enable precise molecular analysis of biological samples. This allows for the identification of disease biomarkers at an early stage, paving the way for personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patients. 6. Advanced Endoscopy: #Fiberoptic technology enhances endoscopic procedures, providing high-resolution images and allowing for real-time tissue analysis during minimally invasive surgeries. This advancement improves the accuracy of biopsies and reduces the need for more invasive procedures. 7. Regenerative Medicine: Optogenetics, which uses light to control cells within living tissue, has immense potential in regenerative medicine and #neuroscience. This technology could lead to breakthroughs in treating neurological disorders and spinal cord injuries by enabling precise control of cell behavior. 8. Non-Invasive Blood Analysis: Optical biosensors are being developed to measure blood glucose, cholesterol, and other critical biomarkers non-invasively. These devices will eliminate the need for blood draws. 9. Enhanced Drug Delivery Systems: Photonics enables precise drug delivery to specific tissues or cells, reducing systemic side effects and improving the efficacy of treatments. Light-activated drug delivery systems are being explored for treating conditions like cancer and localized infections. 10. Telemedicine and Remote Diagnostics: High-speed optical communication networks will enhance telemedicine by enabling real-time, high-resolution transmission of medical images and data. This will expand access to healthcare to more remote and underserved areas. Photo credit: JENOPTIK Optical Systems

There are a number of optics and photonics companies that could benefit from this opportunity. Please share if you know a startup that is ready to level up 📈 #florida #optics #photonics #startup #innovation #technology

Its's Photonics Phriday! Let's look at 10 ways that #optics and #photonics are enabling the #semiconductor industry: 1. Advanced Lithography Techniques: Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) #lithography enables the creation of smaller and more powerful semiconductor components. This technique uses light with very short wavelengths to achieve higher resolution patterns on silicon wafers, pushing the boundaries of Moore's Law. 2. High Speed Data Transfer: Optical Interconnects: replace traditional electrical connections, offering faster #datatransfer rates and lower power consumption. This is crucial for high-performance computing and data centers, where bandwidth demands are skyrocketing. 3. Integration and Miniaturization: Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) integrate multiple photonic functions on a single chip, enhancing performance while reducing size and power consumption. These circuits are essential for telecommunications, data centers, and emerging quantum computing technologies. 4. Precise Measurements: Photonic technologies provide highly precise #metrology and inspection solutions. Advanced optical tools enable real-time, non-destructive testing of semiconductor wafers, ensuring higher yields and better quality control. 5. Photonics-Based Qubits: Photonics is a key enabler for #quantum computing. Photonic qubits, which use light particles, promise higher coherence times and better scalability than traditional qubits, bringing us closer to practical quantum computers. 6. On-Chip Photonics: #Silicon photonics integrates optical components with traditional silicon-based electronics. This synergy enhances data processing speeds and energy efficiency, critical for next-generation processors and communication systems. 7. Fiber Optics and Beyond: Optical communication systems, utilizing #fiberoptics, are vital for connecting semiconductor devices across vast distances. Innovations in photonic communication will support the exponential growth of data traffic in our digital age. 8. Precision Fabrication: Laser-based manufacturing techniques, such as laser ablation and lithography, allow for precision #fabrication of semiconductor devices. These methods enhance the accuracy and efficiency of production processes. 9. Enhanced Sensing Capabilities: Optical #sensors embedded in semiconductor devices enable advanced functionalities like gesture recognition, environmental monitoring, and biometric authentication, driving innovation in consumer electronics and #IoT. 10. Lower Power Consumption: Photonics can significantly reduce the power consumption of semiconductor devices. By leveraging optical methods for data transmission and processing, we can create more energy-efficient electronics, critical for sustainable development. FPC members are working on solutions for these capabilities every day. If you want to be involved in the future of technology, then you need to be involved with optics and photonics. Image credit: playing around on ChatGPT

Yesterday was Congressman Bill Posey’s annual Federal Contracting Conference for businesses and organizations along the Space Coast. FPC exhibited alongside the government agencies and other ecosystem nonprofits that were on hand. Thank you to David Jackson for incorporating FPC with a table. The event is a great opportunity for small businesses to learn more about the resources and support available for succeeding in Federal contracting. The event also provided the opportunity for FPC’s Executive Director to introduce more of the community to optics and photonics and continue building relationships with partners like FloridaMakes, the National Center For Simulation (NCS), and the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce. Johnathen Warren from FPC member Critical Frequency Design was also on hand. Optics and photonics are part of our everyday lives and will enable many emerging technologies. It’s essential to continue creating awareness about this important sector at community events like this. #optics #photonics #florida #spacecoast #technology #contracting #opportunities

If you have not made your travel plans yet, this is your friendly reminder about the 3rd annual Photonics Industry Summit that is just six weeks away. Hosted by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, the summit provides the opportunity for industry leaders, clusters, legislators, and government leaders to collide and discuss policy, issues, and opportunities. This year there will be a full-day program on 25 September and it will be preceded by a Congressional Reception on the late afternoon of 24 September. You can see the program and register at this link https://lnkd.in/er3pHQrB If you have any questions, please reach out to Jennifer (Douris) O'Bryan and Matthew Jepsen. Below is the FPC group picture from 2022 (we didn't get a photo in 2023). We should have a picture this year with twice as many members on hand. Get involved. Be at the summit! #optics #photonics #industry #summit #business #government #leadership #advocacy #tech #technology #supplychain #manufacturing #defense #healthcare #transportation #energy #chips #florida