The Central Laser Facility’s Vulcan laser amplifier and mirror bench, R1, at STFC’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, 26 January 2015. Credit: Science and Technology Facilities Council
Katrina Wesencraft outlines engineering and optical challenges involved in shrinking ultrafast lasers, all the way down to tiny devices for sending into space
Metalens imaging simulation in Synopsys BeamProp BPM tool. Credit: Synopsys
Greg Blackman explores the optical design approaches for modelling metasurfaces
PureLiFi has launched a LiFi system for the home. LiFi at Home has a downlighter that fits into standard GU10 lightbulb fittings. Credit: PureLiFi
Laser-based technology and sophisticated modulation schemes could help deliver on future demands for high data volumes, finds Andy Extance
Carlos Lee, EPIC’s director general, talks to Heikki Timonen, director of GEHT International
Europe needs to prioritise photonics to avoid market share losses as seen in the semiconductor industry, states Carlos Lee, EPIC’s director general
Being confident and optimistic about future success may not come naturally to data-driven scientists – but it is key to approaching challenges outside of the lab, writes Dr David Giltner, founder and president of TurningScience
A look at UV sterilisation and how advances in optical filters for illumination have opened up new applications by alleviating safety concerns
Keely Portway investigates how the latest developments in specialised intensifier cameras have allowed opportunities for a number of exciting specialist applications in low-light scenarios
Image intensifiers help to increase the intensity of the available light in a system, which allows better image reproduction in low-light scenarios. This specialist technology is used in a range of applications, including biotechnology, industry, research and astronomy.
The chip shortage is a long term problem for the photonics industry, according to those attending the Electro Optics roundtable on supply chain issues.
The UK Government's focus on quantum technologies has the potential to pull focus from photonics. (Image: Shutterstock/Yurchanka Siarhei)
Matthew Dale learns that focusing too heavily on quantum technologies could create long-term risks for the UK
Building a new semiconductor fab can cost more than €10bn. Credit: Imec
Proposed multi-billion dollar and euro packages look set to increase uptake of leading-edge lithography, including for photonic technologies, finds Andy Extance
Manx Precision Optics’ polishing lap. Credit: Manx Precision Optics
Benjamin Skuse asks why, after 400 years of polishing optics, the process hasn’t been automated
Mathias Bochow, GFZ Helmholtz Centre, Potsdam, is working on the Trace project to track marine plastic. Credit: Frank Schweikert, Aldebaran Marine Research & Broadcast (www.aldebaran.org/en/)
Abigail Williams speaks to scientists tracking marine plastic using satellite spectral imagery
James Webb: A technician inspects the primary mirror of the James Webb Space Telescope. The team’s improvements involving a Shack-Hartmann sensor have opened up applications for eye doctors examining human eyesight (image credit: NASA/Chris Gunn)
How the Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensing technique can be used to simply and quickly assess the quality of optical systems
Image credit: TMLsPhotoG/Shutterstock.com
A look at the market for spectroelectrochemistry and some of the products and solutions available
Image credit: Forance/Shutterstock.com
A look at the current market for Raman spectroscopy and some of the products and solutions available
The panel discussion at Laser Munich, with Leibinger holding the microphone (credit Messe Munchen)
Laser firms could really benefit from quantum computing, which should not just be reserved for the world's big challenges, finds Jessica Rowbury
Credit: Ayar Labs
As Ayar Labs secures investment to develop its silicon photonics technology, Robert Roe speaks to Hugo Saleh about the firm's plans
GasSight is a low-cost imager based on quantum technology that can produce real time video of methane gas. (Credit: QuantIC)
Matthew Dale asks whether quantum technologies are ready to be seen on the global stage at one of the world’s largest photonics exhibitions
