EPIC Technology Report on Photonics in Defense by Hans Dieter Tholl

This presentation analyzes the integration of photonic technologies into European defense R&D and procurement strategies, highlighting their deployment across military platforms. Applications such as advanced imaging sensors, laser-based effectors and countermeasures, LiDAR, and RF photonics will be explored. Key techniques and devices — including free-space optical communication, optical gyroscopes, and short-wave infrared (SWIR) imaging — will be detailed to illustrate their contribution to operational effectiveness, resilience, and technological superiority.

This Technology Report is dedicated to EPIC members only.