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Astrophotonics: measuring up to the universe

Photonics opens up new era for astronomical instruments.

GE claims data storage breakthrough

Data stored using micro-holograms could allow 100 DVDs to fit on one disc within three years.

LIDAR system achieves pinpoint precision

A laser ranging system targets future formation-flying satellite missions.

QD-LEDs emit over whole visible spectrum

MIT researchers develop unique structure to make RGB-emitting devices.

CrystalClear outcomes on PV efficiency

Pan-European R&D project pushes cost:performance of industrial crystalline-silicon photovoltaic technology.

Get on the bus

Prototype solar power source is put through its paces for possible mass-transit applications.

Lasers make their mark in medicine

Biomedical optics and medical laser applications are among the headline themes at this week's LASER World of Photonics conference.

Sizing up radiotherapy

Real-time mapping of a patient's radiation dose during cancer treatment is a step closer thanks to researchers in the Netherlands.

'Blackening' boosts bulb brightness

Laser-fired filaments yield brighter, more efficient light bulbs.

Metal pumps liquid uphill

Medics could benefit from a laser-treated metal that channels liquid at record speeds.

Latest Research Analysis

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Green lasers gear up for display markets

The advent of cheap and efficient green lasers is eliminating one of the last remaining hurdles to the commercial success of laser displays and laser television. As Breck Hitz explains, laser vendors are rolling out a raft of innovative products to drive market growth.

In the spotlight: OLEDs in a final push to market

OLEDs are making waves in the displays and lighting markets. Stefan Grabowski tells Marie Freebody about the milestones that need to be reached before the technology finds widespread commercialization.

Europe's big lasers: the exawatt roadmap

Researchers and industry will need to work closely together if Europe is to maximize the returns on its investment in a planned new generation of high-power laser facilities being built over the next decade. Caryl Richards reports on the challenges and opportunities of big science.

Polymer micro optics: because size matters

Developments in the manufacture of polymer micro optics are helping optical designers to meet the exacting tolerances that are required for miniaturized optical components and subsystems. Heidi Hall of Jenoptik Polymer Systems takes a closer look.

Hyperspectral imaging: seeing the big picture

Hyperspectral imaging is one of the fastest-growing segments of the analytical instrumentation market. David Bannon, chief executive officer of Headwall Photonics, tells Marie Freebody about the commercial potential of this next-generation technology.

Optical modelling points the way to PDT progress

Off-the-shelf commercial software is helping scientists to enhance the clinical efficacy of photodynamic therapy for targeted tumour destruction. Joe McEntee reports.

Fibre lasers look to large mode areas

New approaches to obtaining diffraction-limited beams from large-mode-area fibres point to unprecedented ruggedness and output powers. Breck Hitz investigates.

Optical syringe aids studies of single cells

The next time you look at a list of microscope accessories, a photoporation module for cellular analysis could well be available. Jacqueline Hewett talks to Kishan Dholakia about the clinical and commercial potential of optical injection by photoporation.

Ultrafast fibre lasers need insight for success

Marie Freebody speaks to Fianium's chief executive officer, Anatoly Grudinin, to find out how misconceptions about ultrafast fibre lasers are threatening their commercial success.

Nanoparticles inspire plasmonic solar cells

Combining the properties of plasmonics with thin-film solar cell technology could disrupt the future of grid electricity. Caryl Richards talks to Kylie Catchpole at the Australian National University to find out more about advancements in plasmonic solar cells.