Latest Research Analysis
Research Analysis RSS feedLaser fusion gets HiPERactive
Jan 4, 2010
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
Dec 3, 2009
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
Nov 19, 2009
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
Aug 14, 2009
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
Jul 3, 2009
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
Jun 26, 2009
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
Jun 19, 2009 1 comment
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
May 29, 2009
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
May 8, 2009
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
May 1, 2009
Off-the-shelf commercial software is helping scientists to enhance the clinical efficacy of photodynamic therapy for targeted tumour destruction. Joe McEntee reports.