Page 12 - Photonics Essentials an introduction with experiments

Introduction

6 Introductory Concepts

changed dramatically, as can be seen in Fig. 1.1. This is the definition
of a disruptive technology.
An important side effect of this growth is that the composition of
the telecommunications industry is changing rapidly. Old-line compa-
nies, like Alcatel, Lucent, and Philips, that were masters at handling
slow growth and predictable schedules for deployment of new technol-
ogy are being pushed to the sidelines. For example, Alcatel has re-
cently announced that it intends to own no factories by 2010. These
are being replaced in the photonic devices industry sector by a very
large number of smaller companies, many of which have been in busi-
ness for only a few years. Not all of these companies will succeed.
Making a career in the photonics industry is both exciting and punc-
tuated occasionally by moments of instability provoked by the reorga-
nization of this industry resulting from the implementation of new
technologies, take-overs, and creation of new start-up companies. For-
tunately, there is a strong and steady growth rate, much greater than
5%, that is underlying this effervescence. To succeed, you need to
keep a close watch on both the technology and the opportunities.

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