photonics
noun
pho·ton·ics
fō-ˈtä-niks 
plural in form but singular in construction
: a branch of physics that deals with the properties and applications of photons especially as a medium for transmitting information
Examples of photonics in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Sattari was a key member of the EPFL photonics team that developed the silicon photonic phase shifter.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 16 Jan. 2023
Named ‘Nano-photonics Color Routing,’ the new tech has enabled the company to create a new range of high-performance smartphone camera sensors designed to boost the quality of video recording while reducing power and processing requirements.
—Paul Monckton, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2022
Meanwhile, Corning blew billions of dollars on overpriced acquisitions of photonics companies, supplying electronic components to guide light signals through optical fibers.
—James R. Hagerty, WSJ, 28 Dec. 2022
The cuts would have a severe impact on cutting-edge research in areas such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, high-speed computing, advanced materials and photonics, as well as high energy physics, nuclear physics and fusion energy sciences.
—John Conway, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2011
The alliance will be spearheaded by Harvard’s Office of Technology Development, while AWS will provide support for faculty-led and designed research projects in the areas of quantum memory, integrated photonics, and quantum materials.
—Collin Robisheaux, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Sep. 2022
Aehr Test Systems has developed a unique technology that provides tangible benefits for testing emerging semiconductor components, such as silicon carbide and silicon photonics.
—Beth Kindig, Forbes, 12 Aug. 2022
This is where Lithuania’s laser industry comes in: laser plays a crucial role as the light source in silicon photonics.
—Mary Hui, Quartz, 26 Jan. 2022
These Xbox controllers may even be used to aim and fire the high-energy laser weapons which the Navy is now integrating into the Virginia-class photonics masts.
—David Hambling, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2021
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IEEE Spectrum, 16 Jan. 2023
Named ‘Nano-photonics Color Routing,’ the new tech has enabled the company to create a new range of high-performance smartphone camera sensors designed to boost the quality of video recording while reducing power and processing requirements.
—Paul Monckton, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2022
Meanwhile, Corning blew billions of dollars on overpriced acquisitions of photonics companies, supplying electronic components to guide light signals through optical fibers.
—James R. Hagerty, WSJ, 28 Dec. 2022
The cuts would have a severe impact on cutting-edge research in areas such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, high-speed computing, advanced materials and photonics, as well as high energy physics, nuclear physics and fusion energy sciences.
—John Conway, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2011
The alliance will be spearheaded by Harvard’s Office of Technology Development, while AWS will provide support for faculty-led and designed research projects in the areas of quantum memory, integrated photonics, and quantum materials.
—Collin Robisheaux, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Sep. 2022
Aehr Test Systems has developed a unique technology that provides tangible benefits for testing emerging semiconductor components, such as silicon carbide and silicon photonics.
—Beth Kindig, Forbes, 12 Aug. 2022
This is where Lithuania’s laser industry comes in: laser plays a crucial role as the light source in silicon photonics.
—Mary Hui, Quartz, 26 Jan. 2022
These Xbox controllers may even be used to aim and fire the high-energy laser weapons which the Navy is now integrating into the Virginia-class photonics masts.
—David Hambling, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2021
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'photonics.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1952, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near photonics
Cite this Entry
“Photonics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photonics. Accessed 23 Sep. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on photonics
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about photonics
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