Photonic Integrated Circuits: Industry Roadmap, Applications, and Use cases for spectroscopy

The field of photonics has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, revolutionizing various industries and enabling cutting-edge technologies. Among the most transformative developments are Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), which have emerged as the cornerstone of optical communication, sensing, and spectroscopy applications. This talk will provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, future prospects, and the pivotal role that PICs play in advancing spectroscopy. PICs, often likened to electronic integrated circuits but designed to manipulate and control light, have become integral to photonics. This presentation will delve into the industry roadmap of PICs, exploring their evolution from inception to the current state, with an emphasis on key technological breakthroughs and their implications. Importantly, PICs have opened new frontiers in spectroscopy, offering miniaturization, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced performance. We will discuss how PICs are enabling breakthroughs in spectroscopic techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and absorption spectroscopy. Several compelling use cases will be highlighted, showcasing the transformative impact of PICs in real-world applications. These include the detection and quantification of trace elements in pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring for pollutants, and non-invasive medical diagnostics. We will also explore their role in advancing telecommunications and data center technology, as PICs enable ultra-high-speed optical communication. Moreover, this talk will address the challenges and emerging trends in PIC technology, such as the integration of active and passive components, materials innovation, and the integration of PICs with other emerging technologies like quantum photonics.