September 2005

Including news from Sensors Unlimited, Sherwood Technology, Alight, QPC and more.

US consumers can now tell exactly how fresh the eggs in their refrigerator are thanks to tamper-proof expiry dates.

A laser-based temperature probe that fits into a spark plug could lead to more efficient vehicle engines.

The solar car Nuna 3 wins the 2005 World Solar Challenge in a record-breaking time and average speed.

A solar-powered handbag with an electroluminescent interior makes spotting keys and other elusive items easy.

Dynamic interferometry allows precise optical measurements to be made on the factory floor. Steve Martinek explains the principle and technology behind the technique.

Low-cost, polymer-based spectrometer circuits developed in Germany could inspire a whole range of hand-held and miniature products. James Tyrrell finds out more.

Photonics firms are busy preparing for a suite of new environmental regulations drawn up by the European Commission. Oliver Graydon spoke to Kay Stegmann at Thorlabs about the directives and their consequences.

Holoeye Photonics is bringing microdisplay technology out of the consumer market and into scientific applications. Jacqueline Hewett spoke to two of the company's founders.

Defense giant Thales sees its high tech optics business as "non-core" and sells it for EURO 220 million in cash.

Including news from Molecular Imprints, DALSA, CEDIP Infrared Systems, Kopin and more.

A network of futuristic bus stops featuring solar panels and white LEDs is planned for London.

The pick of this week's patent applications including a LIBS system for monitoring exhaust fumes from turbine engines.

A look at some of innovations in optics this month including an efficient input/output coupler for use in silicon photonic circuits.

Shipments of OLED grow 82% with Samsung accounting for 30% of sales.

Fiber laser maker Southampton Photonics announces plans to float on the stock market within the next two months.

Including news from Zygo, LG Philips LCD, IPG Photonics, InPhase Technologies and more.

Rice University researchers find a cheaper way to mass-produce quantum dots.

InGaAs cameras are now being used to find bruising in fruit, sort plastics for recycling, and help the glass-bottle manufacturing industry detect defects. This penetration into new markets is being driven by the availability of cheaper, higher-quality InGaAs material, reports Martin Ettenberg of Sensors Unlimited.

Engineers develop LIDAR apparatus that can profile atmospheric humidity up to 10,000 m above the ground.

CIOE 2005 reaches the size of Photonics West in the US with two large halls packed full of exhibitors.

A tiny prototype projector that uses LEDs as a source of illumination goes on show.

Including news from JDS Uniphase, Cree, Goodrich, Sensors Unlimited and more.

Laser-marked jeans, belts and buttons draw the crowds at CIOE 2005.

UK start-up Iris-3d believes its high resolution 3D display is ideal for visualisation tasks in a range of markets.

LED lighting on show at this week's CIOE in China provides an innovative alternative to halogen light bulbs.

An infrared sensor being developed in Italy is helping researchers monitor coronary heart-bypass operations.

Nominations are being sought for the 2006 Berthold Leibinger Innovation Prize.

Including news from Zygo, JDS Uniphase, Micronic Laser Systems. OmniVision Technologies and more.

A low-cost and portable optical waveguide sensor could help control avian influenza during an outbreak.

Silica nanoparticles could mean an end to the troublesome fog that forms on glass surfaces.