The Technology Scotland team, through the Photonics Scotland network, are pleased to be hosting a shared stand for the first time at The European Conference on Optical Communications (ECOC) exhibition, taking place at the SEC Glasgow from 2nd – 4th October 2023.
Ahead of this exciting event we’re talking to our partners involved to find out some more about them, what they’ll be exhibiting and what they’re looking forward to at ECOC, and lots more.
This week, we’re talking with our member and partner, Helia Photonics.
Tell us a bit about your organisation and what you do
Helia Photonics Ltd formed in 2002 with an aim to meet a global need for specialised facet coating of diode lasers. Initially focussing on ultralow anti-reflection (AR) coatings for external cavity lasers, Helia quickly expanded its range, adding laser lifetime-enhancing protective facet coatings and optical coatings for fibre-ends, free-space optics and PIC’s. We work with a very wide range of materials, utilising a variety of technologies for InP, GaAS, GaN and optical materials from the UV to the far IR.
We offer a range of photonics-related services including polishing, sawing, optical, tribological and environmental testing, chipping, electro-optic laser bar testing. Latest additions include robotic handling and inspection for very small components and devices.
The combined technical know-how and equipment capabilities are brought together in a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility in Livingston, Scotland – conveniently located between Glasgow and Edinburgh. We have a great deal of experience working with academic, R&D and high-volume commercial production projects.
What attracted you to getting involved in the Technology Scotland stand at ECOC?
The potential to discover and interact with companies, organisations and individuals who may not know our company or the services we provide, especially as we have not exhibited at ECOC in previous years. That ECOC is taking place on our doorstep is a factor too!
Why does representation of the Scottish cluster matter at international events like ECOC?
Scotland has a great deal of cutting-edge technology to offer and opportunities to communicate this to the wider industry has got to be a good thing. Scotland’s range of services offers a very useful ‘virtual supply chain’ for photonic and optical innovations, as well as a very solid, innovative academic base, making it an attractive place to do business.
What are you most looking forward to about ECOC?
Looking forward to hearing about new developments in communications and other technologies and discussing ways in which our range of services can deliver solutions into these markets.
What will you be exhibiting at the TS stand/when can we find you there?
We will be showcasing our range of photonics services and technologies. You can find us on the shared stand on Monday afternoon (2nd October) and Tuesday morning (3rd October).