Industry Analysis
Industry Analysis RSS feedTwisted optical fibres: it's time to think chiral
Jul 3, 2009
Taking inspiration from the helical-shaped designs found in nature, Chiral Photonics is adding a new twist to optical technologies. Dan Neugroschl, the company's president, tells Marie Freebody about the unique ways in which light interacts with chiral structures.
A new generation of solid-state lasers
Jun 26, 2009
A radical rethink of solid-state-laser design is opening up growth applications in analytical instrumentation. Nicolas Féat of Oxxius explains how monolithic resonators are enabling a new class of sources with higher powers and improved stability.
Concentrated thinking targets photovoltaics
Jun 12, 2009
GreenVolts of California is building a 2 MW power plant to demonstrate the commercial viability of concentrator photovoltaics technology. Richard Stevenson reports on the optical design and engineering challenges that will need to be addressed along the way.
Grant consultants take the stress out of funding applications
May 29, 2009
Grant funding is instrumental to survival and growth in difficult economic conditions. Caroline Fearns of PNO Group explains why turning to a grant consultancy could save you time and money.
Belgian innovation: think local, act global
May 22, 2009
The photonics sector in Belgium has turned the country's location and a tradition of flexible entrepreneurship to its advantage. Tim Hayes speaks to the leading players.
UK photonics vendors get down to business
May 15, 2009
Diversification into new markets, technology innovation and customer focus are helping UK photonics companies to navigate the financial crisis. Caryl Richards reports.
Industry associations create stability during downturns
May 1, 2009
When it comes to surviving an economic downturn, industry associations offer strength in numbers. Tom Pearsall tells OLE how members of the European Photonics Industry Consortium are bearing up.
Optical interferometry for surface metrology
Apr 24, 2009
Manufacturing a precision surface requires a balance between satisfying the optimum quality requirements at the minimum cost. Steve Martinek summarizes the challenges of increasing the precision levels of optical interferometers for this application.
Light: the medicine of the future has arrived
Apr 9, 2009 1 comment
Light as a therapy can heal injuries and reduce pain in humans and animals. James Carroll of THOR Photomedicine discusses the rapidly growing field of low level laser therapy.
Customer relations essential during economic instability
Apr 3, 2009
During his 27 years in the speciality fibre game, Chris Emslie has learned that consulting with your customer is vital. Jacqueline Hewett asks why this approach has proved to be so successful.