Photonics centre to put institute at cutting edge of fibre optic research

ONE of Europe’s most advanced light and fibre optics technology research centres was officially opened in Cork yesterday.

The €9 million Photonics centre at the Tyndall National Institute will allow Irish scientists to undertake major research projects and collaborate with some of the world's leading Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) companies.

Photonics is the control, manipulation, transfer and storage of information using photons the basic particles of light through tiny strands of glass or plastic. It is a key technology for worldwide telecommunications and is being used increasingly in computing and security.

Research at the new centre will, among other things, help increase broadband capacity for both business and home users in the future.

The global photonics market is estimated to be worth €150 billion and is projected to grow to €500 billion by 2013.

Professor David Cotter, head of the Tyndell's Photonics Systems Group (PSG), said the lab's facilities are unique in Ireland.

"When completed they will be amongst the best in Europe," he said. "This investment will allow these test-beds to be developed and manned, enabling a world-leading programme of research."

The PSG has already established several R&D links with leading Irish-based communications hardware companies such as Ericsson, Siemens, Alcatel, BT, France Telecom, Lucent, Intel, Xilinx, Corning, and Sumitomo. It also works with significant photonics firms including Firecomms, Intune Technologies, Eblana Photonics, and SensL.

Tyndall National Institute is Ireland's largest and most significant research centre in ICT hardware.

Over 300 research scientists, engineers and students are based at the Lee Maltings complex.

Tyndall chief executive officer Prof Roger Whatmore said the new Photonics lab would play a key role in positioning Ireland at the forefront of emerging technologies in the ICT sector. "Our intention is to build upon Tyndall's internationally-recognised excellence in research and bring this research to the market place to encourage the development of high technology industries within Ireland."

Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin, who performed yesterday's official opening, said his department's Office of Science and Technology (OST) has provided €21m in funding (€16m in infrastructural and access funding and €5m for advanced equipment) over the past two years. "These investments form part of a long-term commitment to develop Tyndall as a world class institute."

The labs were completed by Tyndall and UCC with support from Science Foundation Ireland (SFI).