The 17th iteration of the International Exhibition for Laser, Optical, and Optoelectronic Technologies took place from March 28 to 31, 2023, at the EXPOCENTRE Fairgrounds in Moscow, Russia. Photonics 2023 has once again established itself as the premier platform in Russia and Eastern Europe for presenting the latest advancements in the laser and optical technology market.

Ivan Kovsh, the President of the Laser Association, emphasized the importance of the event and its comprehensive conference programme as the primary forum for the domestic laser and optical industry. He highlighted the crucial role of laser, optical, and optoelectronic technologies in modernizing society’s technical infrastructure, ensuring national security, and fostering the innovative development of various sectors, including industry, agriculture, medicine, and communication systems.

The official opening ceremony underscored the significance of laser-optical technology development for numerous industries. Sergey Selivanov, the First Deputy Director General at EXPOCENTRE AO, noted that the event serves as a meeting point for science and business, where innovative ideas are discussed, and solutions for complex technological problems are found. Photonics attracts representatives from various industries, including medicine, pharmaceuticals, agribusiness, IT and telecommunications, metrology and instrumentation, security, and data protection.

During the opening ceremony, Ivan Kovsh pointed out the rapid development of the photonics industry, with over 60,000 individuals involved. In Russia, more than 800 companies and organizations operate in this field, with approximately 200 of them being manufacturers.

The event was held under the auspices of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and organized by EXPOCENTRE AO and the Laser Association. The exhibition occupied a floor space of over 3,089 square meters, a 20% increase compared to the previous year. It attracted 8,150 professional visitors, a 37% increase from the previous year, from 27 countries and 71 regions of Russia.

The exhibition featured 164 companies, including over 20 newcomers, and a conference programme consisting of 31 events with 218 reports and presentations. Exhibitors hailed from Armenia, Belarus, China, and Russia. The event showcased a wide range of products, including laser sources and components, laser emitters, fiber optic equipment, laser equipment, test equipment, optoelectronics, nanophotonics, laser medicine, and laser equipment for plant growing and environmental management.

The event was a showcase for leading manufacturers of laser and optical products, major company dealers, research institutes, and top educational institutions in Russia. Notably, the number of exhibitors from China surpassed the pre-pandemic level, with 25 companies showcasing their products this year.

The Zelenograd Development Corporation, the Skolkovo Foundation, and the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences presented their group stands. Bauman Moscow State Technical University, St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University, St. Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation, and St. Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI” presented state-of-the-art developments in laser and optical technology.

The conference programme, a vital part of Photonics, was prepared and held jointly by the Laser Association and EXPOCENTRE AO with the Photonics Technology Platform. The key event was the 11th Congress of the Photonics Technology Platform, which hosted 17 conferences on photonics-related topics.

The event concluded on a high note, with attendees praising the increasing interest and the growing number of equipment and components displayed each year. Photonics not only offers a visual presentation of developments and successes but also contributes significantly to the further development of business, science, and practice, the creation of new technological solutions, and the implementation of the most innovative ideas.

The 18th edition of the Photonics. World of Lasers and Optics International Exhibition for Laser, Optical, and Optoelectronic Technologies is eagerly awaited and will take place at the EXPOCENTRE Fairgrounds from March 26 through March 29, 2024.