Photonics in Australia

Australia has well-developed resources in the photonics industry, including skills in technology research that are internationally recognised, and a number of component and system developers.

Given the infrastructure support currently provided by government, leading edge customers, venture capital initiatives and the demonstration of successful start-up companies, the Australian photonics industry has sound foundations. Teamed with strong linkages with multinational organisations, this provides access to overseas markets and new research and development centres.

Australia has built a solid intellectual property base through its 25-year investment in the research and development of photonics-based technologies. The next generation of photonics technologies being developed in Australia and overseas presents a range of new product and systems opportunities for Australian industry.

Australia is recognised as a provider of specialised photonics technologies and components, and as a supplier of advanced value-added photonics products and systems for the mainstream ICT market. Internationally, the Australian photonics industry accounts for around 1.7 per cent of world trade. This compares to Australia's per capita weighting of 1.2 per cent.

The Bandwidth Foundry provides a foundry and manufacturing R&D facility for cutting edge Photonic Integrated Circuit development, including photonic bandgap technology.