Optoelectronics

Scotland has been at the forefront of developments in optoelectronics since the late 19th century. The Scottish tradition of optoelectronic excellence is carried on today by the 90 companies employing 4200 people. Employers in Scotland include:

  • Cascade Technologies
  • CSTG
  • Institute of Photonics
  • Optocap

Providing jobs for skilled people of all nationalities, these companies are amongst those at the forefront of Scotland's electronic technologies industry.

View more employers in Scotland’s electronic technologies industry

Scotland's strengths in the optoelectronics industry

Scotland's strengths in the optoelectronics industry include:

  • Biophotonics
  • Lasers
  • Compound semiconductors
  • Imaging, sensing and displays

Working in Optoelectronics in Scotland

More than 450 world-class researchers work in Scotland, and the country produces 50 per cent of all optoelectronics graduates. In Optoelectronics, Scottish researchers are 7th most quoted in the world.

View jobs in electronic technologies in Scotland

Education and research in optoelectronics

Scotland's universities are at the forefront of photonics, with research carried out in displays, optical communications, sensing, imaging and lasers. Specific academic expertise includes:

  • Institute of Photonics – a partnership between the University of Strathclyde, industry and Government, aiming to bridge the gap between academia and industry in photonics research and development.
  • Thin Film Centre - a centre of excellence for the development of thin film innovation and technology. Work carried out relates to deposition processes, the design, fabrication and characterisation of products, and the dissemination of information about thin film applications.
  • EPI Centre – based at the University of Abertay, this institute promotes interdisciplinary research, training and services in human-technology interaction for displays and communication.
  • SUPA – Scottish Universities Physics Alliance

View more academic and research institutes in Scotland

Success Stories

Read interviews with people who've moved to Scotland to live and work

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