Just as applications of electronics
have expanded dramatically since the first
transistor was invented in 1948, the unique
applications of photonics continue to emerge. Those
which are established as economically important
applications for semiconductor photonic devices
include optical data recording, fiber optic
telecommunications, laser printing (based on
xerography), displays, and optical pumping of
high-power lasers. The potential applications of
photonics are virtually unlimited and include
chemical synthesis, medical diagnostics, on-chip
data communication, laser defense, and fusion energy
to name several interesting additional examples.