Contents: May 2006 edition

15 May 2006

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INTERVIEW

Silicon detectors eye-up photomultiplier markets

Photomultiplier tubes are facing stiff competition from silicon-based low-light detectors. Jacqueline Hewett asks SensL's Joseph O'Keeffe why he believes that silicon devices have what it takes.

PULSE SHAPING

Multiphoton approach shapes ultrafast pulses

Coherent explains how a new method of phase and amplitude control delivers near-transform limited pulses.

REMOTE SENSING

Helicopter LIDAR speeds up pipeline inspection

An airborne LIDAR system could help to revolutionize gas pipeline monitoring. James Tyrrell finds out more.

OPTICAL COMMUNICATION

Slowing light in optical fibres sees fast progress

Luc Thévenaz and Miguel Gonzalez-Herraez chart recent progress in slowing down light to produce optical delay lines and describe some of the new challenges facing developers of practical devices.

DEFENCE

Ultrafast pulses fool heat-seeking missiles

A femtosecond laser's ability to generate an intense electric field makes it ideal for disrupting missiles that use infrared guidance systems. Emmanuel Marquis of Thales Laser explains.

PRODUCT GUIDE

Robust mirrors take on demanding applications

Selecting the right mirror for the right job is no trivial task. Michael Case and Mark Dykstra guide OLE readers through the process.