Contents: September 2008 edition

04 Sep 2008

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ASK THE EXPERT

Plasmonics propagates into new optical fields

This month's topic is the promising field of plasmonics. Marie Freebody speaks to Niek van Hulst about the potential wealth of applications that are on the horizon.

MATERIALS PROCESSING

MOPA-based fibre lasers offer processing options

As the march of the fibre laser continues unabated, Bill O'Neill looks at a new generation of MOPA-based sources that are set to challenge DPSS Q-switched technologies.

METROLOGY

Menlo takes frequency combs to the masses

How do you convert Nobel Prize winning research into a robust product suitable for everyday use in a range of applications? Nadya Anscombe asks the optical frequency comb experts at Menlo Systems in Germany to share the secrets of their success.

EUROPEAN PLATFORM

Photonics21 unites the future of European photonics

Photonics21 is a voluntary association of photonics professionals that has grown rapidly from a handful of participants to over 1000 members. Marie Freebody finds out more from the president of Photonics21 and CEO of OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, Martin Goetzeler.

FIBRE OPTIC SENSORS

Wider markets beckon for fibre-optic sensors

A new design of external cavity laser allows sensors to penetrate applications where reliability and lower cost are essential. Tim Hayes speaks to Radu Barsan to learn more.

TECHNOLOGY TUTORIAL

Miniaturization pushes spectrometers forward

Spectrometer technology has advanced rapidly in the last 20 years. Jorge Macho of Ocean Optics tracks the developments and describes the massive impact that the latest generation of wireless spectrometers could have on an ever-growing list of applications.

BACK CHAT

Enhancing your booth can help you to stand out from the crowd

Designing a booth that hits the mark at a trade show can be the difference between making the right impression and getting lost in the crowd. OLE speaks to Steve Lindsey of Prime Events Solutions to bring you advice on how to make the most of your booth and help you to stand out from the rest of the exhibitors.