The light that surrounds us

Abstract

On 20 December 2013, the United Nations General Assembly 68th Session proclaimed 2015 as the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL 2015) to highlight the fundamental role of light and its technologies in all human activities. Light is at the origin of life, it has inspired beauty, painters, poets, architects, ... and it is essential in photography, cinema, theatre or television, because there is no doubt that light affects the emotional response from the audience. Just look around us to verify that the numerous applications of light have revolutionized society through science, engineering, architecture, medicine, communications, culture, art and leisure. The industries that are related to light are real economic engines and Optics and Photonics are increasingly meeting the needs of humanity in multiple aspects. They give access to information, facilitate our communications, help to preserve cultural heritage, promote sustainable development and increase the health and social welfare. Light-based technologies are also providing new solutions to various global issues in areas such as such as energy, education, agriculture, environment and health.