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iniewski
I am not sure what is so special about manufacturing of optical devices...why ...
george.leopold
We checked, and the report contains no references to Infinera. However, this ...
Report urges U.S. effort to recapture optics lead
Brian Fuller
8/13/2012 3:00 PM EDT
WASHINGTON -- Calling optics and photonics technologies critical to the future of the nation, the National Research Council Monday (Aug. 13) recommended a series of aggressive, coordinated initiatives to improve manufacturing, invention, materials development and applications to maintain global leadership in the area.
The report--"Optics and Photonics: Essential Technologies for Our Nation"--was issued by the National Research Council 15 years after its seminal optics report: "Harnessing Light: Optical Science and Engineering for the 21st Century."
The report and its recommendations come amid growing concern that the U.S. has fallen behind in photonics and optics technology development in the past decade.
"...It is critical that the United States take advantage of these emerging optical technologies for creating new industries and generating job growth," the report's authors wrote.
The report can be downloaded here.
Among the report's recommendations, based on five grand questions with which committee members wrestled:
- Advanced Manufacturing: The report acknowledges the importance of photonics and optics manufacturing capabilities: "While there are issues concerning the ability of the United States to compete successfully in high-volume, low-cost manufacturing, it is likely that the United States can continue to be a strong competitor in lower-volume, high-end manufacturing." The report recommends the development of new manufacturing technology and implementation, such as soft x-rays for lithography and other optically-based manufacturing.
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george.leopold
8/13/2012 3:26 PM EDT
As we have reported, optics and photonics are key areas where the U.S. should be focusing on reviving its manufacturing base. Several efforts are already underway to created "trusted" facilities for advanced optics manufacturing for sensitive applications. The National Academies' report will hopefully serve to bring more focus to these efforts while highlighting the necessity of returning at least some optics manufacturing to the U.S.
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RGRU
8/13/2012 9:24 PM EDT
Have the authors of this report never heard of Infinera and PICs? They should google these terms.
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george.leopold
8/14/2012 10:16 AM EDT
We checked, and the report contains no references to Infinera. However, this doesn't invalidate the report's conclusion that we need to revive optoelectronics manufacturing and make greater use of optoelectronics in areas like additive manufacturing.
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iniewski
8/14/2012 7:11 PM EDT
I am not sure what is so special about manufacturing of optical devices...why not robots or supercomputers? or biotechnology? if anything optical devices require precise alignment, not suitable for high cost labour force in USA...Kris
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