Optoelectronics

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˌɑptoʊ.ɪlɛkˈtɹɑnɪks/

Definitions

1. A domain of science that merges the principles of light manipulation and electronic systems together
2. A specialized area involving the integration of optical devices with electronic components for functional innovations
3. The study and application of devices that interact with both light and electrical signals to perform various functions

Etymology: Optoelectronics is a modern compound, and its two halves come from very different ancient sources. "Electronics" descends from the Greek "ḗlektron," meaning amber, which was prized for the static charge it held when rubbed. Scientists later borrowed that ancient word for the electrical properties they were studying, and "electron" and "electric" followed from it, with "-ics" marking a field of study. The first half, "opto-," comes from the Greek "optós," meaning seen or visible, from the same root as "ópōpă," the perfect form of a verb for seeing. Put together, the word simply joins optics, the study of light, with electronics, the study of electrical devices. It names a field that deliberately combines the two, so that light and electricity work in one device, such as a fibre-optic link or a light-emitting diode.