October 2009

Meyya Meyyappan of the NASA Ames Research Center picks out some of his favourite papers from Nanotechnology as the journal celebrates its 20th volume

Result paves the way for measuring torques on molecules with high sensitivity

Although the laser micromaterials processing market has taken a clobbering this year, growth is set to return in the medium term, opening up opportunities for laser vendors who are prepared to invest in R&D and new products. Tom Hausken of Strategies Unlimited predicts far-reaching changes across the laser supply chain.

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.

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.

Stimulated emission microscopy sheds new light on biological samples.

Intel's Photonics Technology Laboratory in California is showing how optics may one day enable computer-chip designers to overcome the fundamental limitations of electronics. Breck Hitz talks to the lab's director, Mario Paniccia.

A round-up of new laser products for applications in materials processing, optical sensing, laser surgery and plenty more besides.

Optometrists could benefit from a liquid-crystal device that corrects vision in both eyes simultaneously.

Acquisition of NanoGaN complements IQE's existing wireless, opto and solar businesses.

Eliminating backscatter could boost optical communications

With the global economy in the dumps, this looks like no time to be starting a new photonics business. But even now, argues David Nugent of Elucidare, determined innovators can still connect with capital.

Trio share SEK10m prize for their work on fibre optics and charge-coupled devices

Embedded optical-engine technology will underpin high-speed interconnect applications.

Optics companies in France and beyond will benefit from the inauguration of PHOTON Recherche Industrie, an industry-led show dedicated solely to photonics.

A telescope that compresses light could speed up optical communication systems.

UK physicist sheds light on Maxwell's 150 year-old design