The field of photonics is influencing lighting at the component level through Photonics-Integrated Circuits (PICs). Similar to electronic integrated circuits, PICs miniaturize optical functions onto a tiny chip. In lighting, this technology could enable ultra-compact, highly sophisticated sensor modules that combine ambient light sensing, spectral analysis, and distance measurement within a single package. PICs could also be used to create novel, chip-scale light sources with integrated control. This miniaturization paves the way for even more discreet and intelligent luminaires, allowing for more sensors and smarter control logic to be embedded directly into light fixtures without increasing their size or cost, driving the next wave of IoT-ready lighting hardware.
