European Southern Observatory (ESO) director general Tim de Zeeuw looks back on a half-century of intercontinental astronomical collaboration.

Report recommends a coordinated national photonics initiative and demands better economic data to support the case for funding it.

High-power bursts of light from femtosecond system are being honed for new compact particle accelerators.

New strategic plan and recommendations from 18-strong steering committee will represent “sound investment” for photonics R&D.

192-laser shot at National Ignition Facility hits 2 mm target with 1.8 MJ, 500 TW – a new high.

The first privately funded deep-space mission will map the inner solar system and track dangerous asteroids.

Public consultation on adoption of solid-state lighting calls for more co-ordination at European level.

LASYS 2012, IFSW Stuttgart and Trumpf suggest that disk lasers are holding their own in laser manufacturing applications.

UK-based Phase Focus lands £3.2M funding from Ombu Group and Fusion IP to speed development of disruptive lens-free microscopy.

Christian Koos’ work focuses on hybrid integration methods to combine silicon waveguides with organic materials.

Optical systems undergo testing with the aim of preventing miscarriages of footballing justice.

Focusing on core business and lean manufacturing has led to a period of stable growth and profitability since 2010.