2015, The International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies

Photonics and its applications

What is the International Year of Light?
The International Year of Light and Light-Based Technologies (IYL 2015) is a global initiative adopted by the United Nations to raise
awareness of how optical technologies promote sustainable development and provide solutions to worldwide challenges in areas such as
energy, education, communications, health, and sustainability.

Who is running the International Year of Light?

The UN resolution A/RES/68/221 designates UNESCO as the lead agency in cooperation with a consortium of hundreds of worldwide
partners and the UNESCO International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP).

How will it achieve its goals?

IYL 2015 programs will promote improved public and political understanding of the central role of light in the modern world while also
celebrating noteworthy anniversaries in 2015 - from the first studies of optics 1000 years ago to discoveries in optical communications that
power the Internet today.

When will events begin?

The first official event is the Opening Ceremony over 19-20 January 2015 at UNESCO HQ in Paris. Other events will take place all year,
starting on New Years eve 2014!

Where can I find information?

Please browse www.light2015.org for information on national contacts, events, resources, videos and more!

Photonics is the science of light. It is the technology of generating, controlling, and detecting light waves
and photons, which are particles of light. The characteristics of the waves and photons can be used to
explore the universe, cure diseases, and even to solve crimes. Scientists have been studying light for
hundreds of years. The colors of the rainbow are only a small part of the entire light wave range, called
the electromagnetic spectrum. Photonics explores a wider variety of wavelengths, from gamma rays to
radio, including X-rays, UV and infrared light.
Even if we cannot see the entire electromagnetic spectrum, visible and invisible light waves are a part of
our everyday life. Photonics is everywhere; in consumer electronics (barcode scanners, DVD players,
remote TV control), telecommunications (internet), health (eye surgery, medical instruments),
manufacturing industry (laser cutting and machining), defense and security (infrared camera, remote
sensing), entertainment (holography, laser shows), etc.
All around the world, scientists, engineers and technicians perform cutting edge research surrounding the
field of Photonics. The science of light is also actively taught in classrooms and museums where teachers
and educators share their passion for this field to young people and the general public. Photonics opens a
world of unknown and far-reaching possibilities limited only by lack of imagination.