Although Electronics and Photonics are segments of Physics, they are entirely different fields of study. Electronics is a subdivision of science and technology that is concerned with the discharge and special effects of electrons that are the main components of electronic appliances. However, Photonics deals with the study of production, liberation, diffusion, modulation; signal processing, exchange, magnification, detection and sensing of photons, which are the particles of light.

Electronics courses and career opportunities

Electronics is a vast field of study, which has so many subdivisions. Analogue electronics, Optoelectronics, Digital electronics and Microelectronics are some of the branches of electronics. There are so many courses in Electronics that an aspirant can pursue. In addition to the Bachelors’ and Masters’ courses in Electronics, aspirants can study the PhD courses in the related fields. Aspirants can also pursue engineering courses in Electronics. After completing the different courses in the respective fields, they can search out for career in manufacturing companies, electronics industry, health care, computer industry, electronic data processing systems companies for communication and in also defense. As each and every electronic appliances work with the principles of Electronics, such is the scope of these professionals.

Photonics courses and career opportunities

Various Universities and institutes all through the world offer a wide range of courses in Photonics. Aspirants can study the graduate or postgraduate courses in Photonics. Those who are interested in research and development have to complete the PhD programs in the concerned areas. A graduation in Photonics is a pre-requisite for entry-level jobs in the respective fields. On completion of the various programs in Photonics, aspirants can seek out for employments in public or private sector. Most of the Photonics specialists work as technicians or Engineers in industries, laboratories, Photonics companies, Telecommunications, Optical companies and so on. Some of them work as lecturers in Universities or colleges.

Key differentiators between Electronics and Photonics

• Electronics is mainly concerned with the stuffy of electrons that spin, whereas Photonics is all about Photons that do not spin.
• Electronics is a pure subject whereas Photonics is the integration of Electronics and Optical Technology.

With the advancement in Photonics and Electronics, Science and Technology has also developed into such an extent that it is capable of helping humanity to achieve things that were not possible earlier. Therefore, both Photonics and Electronics are indispensable factors for the development of the society as a whole.