Introduction to the BRICS Photonics Working Group and Its Scientific Initiatives

The Photonics Working Group has held meetings four times so far in Russia (2018 and 2020), China (2021), and Brazil (2022). India and Russia act as coordinating countries within this working group.

Subgroups of the Photonics Working Group

1. Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC)

This subgroup covers optical communications, optical sensing systems, microwave photonics, high-speed data transmission, neuromorphic computers, and PIC-based neural networks.

2. Photonics-Based Sensor Networks

This group focuses on the development of advanced photonics-based sensor networks.

3. Quantum Photonics Technologies

This area includes photonic circuits for quantum key distribution, quantum computing, and secure distribution systems.

4. Photonics Applications in Biomedicine and Agriculture

Covers diagnostics and therapy, biophotonic cell technologies, and innovative applications in agriculture and food industries such as reducing food waste.

5. Nanophotonics and Metamaterials

This subgroup focuses on the development of advanced materials and nanophotonic structures.

Key Initiatives and Achievements

One of the main achievements is the establishment of the BRICS Virtual Photonics Institute, providing a platform for scientific collaboration and the development of the photonics ecosystem. Additionally, the joint photonics program for agriculture, focusing on spectroscopy, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence, is another valuable initiative of this working group. Coordinating institutions of member countries vary depending on annual priorities; for example, Skoltech University in Russia was the coordinator in 2024.