Photonic Engineering for the Real World
CI Photonics is the photonics engineering division of the Colombian Imaging Technologies Group, dedicated to the development of advanced diffractive optical technologies and holographic microfabrication systems.
Building on a research program in holographic optics initiated in 1998, the division develops precision lithography platforms, designs custom diffractive optical elements (DOEs), and provides holographic mastering services for manufacturers and technology developers worldwide.
At the center of this work is the lithography platform, a family of precision microlithography systems designed for the fabrication of holographic microstructures and diffractive optical components. These technologies support applications ranging from security holography and optical authentication to advanced photonic devices and high-fidelity visual holography.
CI Photonics integrates expertise in physical optics, precision mechanics, electronics, automation, and software engineering, allowing the division to control the complete development chain, from optical simulation and algorithm design to hardware fabrication, system integration, and industrial mastering.
CI Photonics maintains a close and long-standing relationship with the international holography community. During 2024, representatives of the organization served as members of the Board of Directors of the International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) — now transitioning into the International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) — contributing to international initiatives related to holography and optical security.
CI Photonics also contributes to the open photonics community through the pyOpTools optical simulation project.
Our History
The technological roots of CI Photonics originate in Combustión Ingenieros S.A.S., an engineering company founded in Colombia in 1983. Initially focused on industrial engineering and technological development, the company gradually expanded into optical technologies and holography.
The organization launched a research program dedicated to holographic optics and microstructured optical systems, leading to the development of in-house holographic mastering technologies and specialized lithography platforms.
The first generation of the lithography system was commissioned for internal holographic mastering operations.
The mastering platform was opened to external customers, enabling the company to provide holographic origination services to industrial partners.
The Colombian Imaging Technologies Group established operations in Bogotá's Free Trade Zone to expand the international reach of its optical technologies. CI Photonics was formalized as the division responsible for photonics technology development.
To support global commercialization, CI Photonics established a partnership with Shenzhen MARS Tech Co., Ltd., based in Shenzhen, China, which acts as strategic commercialization partner in China and Asia for lithography systems.
The platform includes several advanced lithography systems such as Cheetah and Dragonfly.
Award-Winning Holography
The technologies developed within CI Photonics form the foundation of the holographic origination capabilities used by the Colombian Imaging Technologies Group.
Holograms produced using these technologies have received international recognition in the Excellence in Holography Awards organized by the International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA).
Recognitions include:
- Best Origination and Best of the Year Award — Colombian Ethnic Children holographic series
- Honorable Mention — IHMA Excellence in Holography Awards (2016) — Deep South American Lament
- Additional recognitions for innovations in holographic origination and security hologram design
These awards demonstrate the precision and creative capabilities enabled by the lithography platform.
Global Collaboration
CI Photonics collaborates with research institutions, industrial partners, and technology companies worldwide in the fields of photonics, holography, and advanced optical manufacturing.
The organization has a long-standing relationship with the international holography industry through the IHMA / IOTA.
To support the international commercialization of its technology, CI Photonics works with Shenzhen MARS Tech Co., Ltd., which acts as strategic commercialization partner in China and Asia for lithography systems.
Through these collaborations, CI Photonics contributes to the advancement of diffractive optics, holographic mastering technologies, and photonics innovation.
Facilities
CI Photonics operates laboratory and production facilities in Bogotá, Colombia supporting optical system development, holographic mastering, and lithography platform engineering.
Our integrated complex spans more than 700 m², bringing together manufacturing, research, and engineering activities in a single location.
The facility is strategically located in Bogotá's Free Trade Zone, enabling efficient international logistics, streamlined export operations, and competitive advantages for global technology collaboration.
Advanced Manufacturing Areas
- Security label and holographic products production — 90 m²
- Precision origination machinery assembly — 36 m²
- High-technology replication and coating laboratory — 21 m²
Technical Development Centers
- Industrial CNC mechanical workshop — 180 m²
- Electronic design and rapid prototyping laboratory — 36 m²
- Specialized analog holography studio — 12 m²
Professional Workspace
- Engineering and administrative offices — 100 m²
Additional Support Areas
- Storage, quality control, and auxiliary facilities — 225+ m²
These facilities allow CI Photonics to integrate optical design, system engineering, precision manufacturing, and holographic mastering operations within a unified development environment.
Gallery
Photographs of our facilities, equipment, and holographic work.
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