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Quantum mechanics boosts photosynthesis

Solar energy is converted into chemical energy more efficiently thanks to quantum coherence

Lasers zap fusion doubts at NIF

First results at the National Ignition Facility delight researchers

Ions trapped by optical fields

New laser-trapping technique for charged particles opens door to advanced quantum simulations

High-resolution OCT explores the gut

OCT inside the gastrointestinal tract could one day replace invasive biopsies.

Bright colour-changing skins

Electronic paper technology that can change colour without backlights

The pulse quickens for ultrafast optics

German researchers are making waves in ultrafast physics

Practical 3D holographic screen debuts

For your viewing pleasure, Chinese scientists unveil a glimpse of the future – and it's in 3D

Lidar tracks forest-fire pollution

Optical technology is helping the US Forest Service to gain a better understanding of wildfire behaviour

Tapping into the ocean colour scene

The eyes of the mantis shrimp point the way to better optical-storage devices

Optical inspection goes the distance

Manufacturers could benefit from a non-contact distance sensor that can operate on rough or transparent objects

Latest Research Analysis

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Laser fusion gets HiPERactive

Over the next decade, a new generation of planned "super lasers" will give Europe's scientists access to unprecedented optical powers and intensities. Chief among them is the HiPER project

Optofluidics set to flow smoothly out of the lab

Optofluidics is making big strides in applications ranging from biomedical technology to chemical synthesis, doing things more efficiently and cheaply than conventional techniques, and even promising feats otherwise impossible. Breck Hitz reports.

Photonic-crystal fibres: the route to success

The photonic-crystal fibre enables scientists to think in new ways about guiding light – and to follow that with innovative applications. Marie Freebody goes right back to the source and speaks to the inventor of the multifaceted fibre, Philip Russell.

The heat is on for the world's biggest laser

The National Ignition Facility in the US is pursuing one of the grand challenges of science: controlled thermonuclear fusion in the laboratory. Our American correspondent Breck Hitz talks big science with Edward Moses, the director of NIF's multibillion-dollar research programme.

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.