Research Analysis
Research Analysis RSS feedFibre lasers look to large mode areas
Apr 24, 2009
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
Apr 17, 2009
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
Apr 9, 2009
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
Mar 27, 2009
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.
Holographic storage verges on success
Mar 13, 2009
Holographic technology is on the brink of revolutionizing optical data storage and distribution. Kevin Curtis of InPhase tells Marie Freebody about the final push to market and why this technology could replace conventional magnetic and optical data storage.
Roadmap endorses extremely large telescope
Feb 27, 2009
The 42 m Extremely Large Telescope is one of the key priorities identified in Europe's newly unveiled 20 year astronomy roadmap. Jacqueline Hewett finds out how this decision was reached and the monumental challenges facing the scientists developing the massive mirror.
Quantum cascade lasers penetrate the market
Feb 13, 2009
Quantum cascade lasers have opened up a whole host of important applications in the mid-infrared. Marie Freebody speaks to Federico Capasso to find out about the latest progress in the laser's development and the factors that are shaping its commercialization.
Vienna encrypts communication network
Jan 30, 2009
A European telecoms network has become the first to use quantum cryptography to securely transmit information. Nadya Anscombe finds out about the enabling technology and the next generation of equipment under development.
Exploring multiphoton microscopy in depth
Jan 16, 2009
Over the last two decades, the use of multiphoton microscopy has spread to all major areas of biological research. Marie Freebody speaks to John Girkin about the remarkable potential of this powerful technique and the innovations that have aided its growth.
Photonics community ponders future under new US president
Jan 9, 2009
As Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America on 20 January, all eyes will turn to the White House to see how the photonics industry and science in general will fare. John Marburger, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, describes the legacy that is being left by the Bush administration and what changes we can expect to see under the new leadership.