The Dutch hightech industry is a leader in optomechatronics, an essential technology for applications such as optical telecommunications, semiconductor manufacturing, and astronomical equipment. By further developing this technology, we can make significant advancements in our digital infrastructure: improving connectivity and data security while reducing costs through the intelligent use of optical data transmission.
The challenge
Within the laser satcom domain, we are addressing several core factors: transmission capacity, security, data link reliability, availability, and minimal signal delay. These factors bring specific challenges to optomechatronics, such as precise beam alignment, managing atmospheric disturbances, minimizing optical link losses and noise, and handling dynamic network traffic. Additionally, there is a need to achieve low costs, weight, volume, and energy consumption while ensuring compatibility under extreme conditions. These requirements form the foundation for developing robust and efficient optomechatronic solutions across various application areas.
The approach
Advancing new optomechatronic systems requires a focus on functional integration, applying emerging key technologies, and developing advanced optical techniques. A critical aspect is fostering collaboration among researchers to integrate technologies at the system level and share knowledge widely, including facilitating education and sharing hardware facilities. This approach drives innovation within the technology, aiming for significant improvements in performance, efficiency, and reductions in volume and energy consumption across diverse applications.
The impact
Optomechatronics plays a crucial role in making production machines, scientific instruments, medical equipment, and consumer products more compact and efficient. It enables higher precision without the need for larger, more complex systems that consume more materials and energy. This technology thus contributes to the development of hightech systems, such as advanced communication systems and ultra-fast chips.